By now I’ve already cast my vote. And the popular results are in… And the electoral college has cast theirs. And it’s after the inauguration, even the American carnage speech.
As always I think of this blog as notes to the Future. Maybe my niece will read it one day, ha, she’ll probably laugh out loud at a few posts already. One thing I do know is that the world won’t end. Many of the issues that people of one candidate are screaming at other people of another candidate are things that need to be addressed in more civilized forms. Perhaps listening to other side’s to hear what their concerns are. Leadership has to have the grace to listen and guide. The world is watching this election, and many countries are worried about the results. Foreign policy and world leadership is a factor that gets over looked as a new president is elected, but is immediately thrust upon the sworn in president. We’ve been selecting from the least problem person for a long time. The two most popular political parties have been going back and forth on issues for generations, so much so that they are not like their originals. The so called conservative party is way off on the extreme side being more fundamental and legalistic, definitely regressive to a time before Civil Rights and women’s rights. The backlash to Obama can be called black-lash, racists and white-supremacists were so mad at a person of color being elected as president. The so called liberal party is closer to the middle than they let on. Far-right extremist anti-democracy anti-government neo-nazis white-supremacist misogynist hatemonger talking heads have been redefining ‘conservative’ and ‘liberal’ into a false reality to fit their false narratives. A liberal was the vast majority and could be both Republicans and Democrats. They have been calling each names for so long no one remembers what they actually stand for. No one is listening to each other or the citizens, corporations have the money to get things done their way. If only there was a way for citizens to be represented… Today with email and social media it is possible to communicate with elected officials, so there is always hope.
There was a racist white supremacist reaction to Obama being elected, the back-lash can refered to a black-lash. The racism and white supremacy was already there, quiet in the background but anti-democracy anti-government neo-nazis white-supremacist white-nationalist misogynist hatemongers were brought out of hiding to openly support 45 as the MAGA movement. The use of racist nationalist dog whistles became obvious. 45 and the MAGA far-right extremists attacked groups of people that can’t defend themselves. 45 and the MAGA attacked transgender people and immigrants with false narratives. The evangelicals went all in with the MAGA, the MAGA ideologies are in opposition to what Jesus taught, the words of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount are considered ‘woke’ by MAGA followers. Far-right extremist ideologies among the evangelicals has been pushing out people. The far-right extremist ideologies have been forcing people out of the Republicans who don’t bend the knee, the ideologies are not popular, and the Republicans have been relying more and more on gerrymandering and voter suppression to win elections. Republicans expect everyone to accept it when they win but refuse to accept it when a Democrat wins.
Study up on Neoliberalism… Neoliberalism – the ideology at the root of all our problems I have more links later.
Trump’s Business of Corruption
Our President Has Always Degraded Women — And We’ve Always Let Him 45 is the worst example. “Trump was profiled for the August 2000 issue of Maximum Golf magazine, and, according to the author of the piece, when Trump saw a young woman enter his Mar-a-Lago club, he told the writer, “there is nothing in the world like first-rate pussy.”” “There is nothing in the world like a man who doesn’t see women as people, but as walking sex-holes.” “His misogyny was encouraged, enabled and even glorified by his business associates, the entertainment media and the press more generally. All of that helped to set the stage for a crass misogynist to ascend to the highest position in the country. It’s women who have long paid the price for Trump’s bad behavior — and women across the country and around the world who are paying now.” “Trump has long bragged that he likes “beautiful women,” and has married three of them. He has a disturbing habit of sexualizing his own daughter’s appearance and body. His comments aren’t about sexual desire, but a more generalized dehumanization of women. He literally sees us as useful primarily (or entirely) for our sexual appeal; our ability to be “first rate” depends on what’s between our legs, and how readily our physical appearances impress his golf friends. For Mr. Trump, this sexism moves in two directions: Women who are young, slim, white and conventionally attractive are sex objects, while women who don’t fit his narrow ideal of femininity are dismissed as pigs and dogs. Either way, there’s one status no woman seems to achieve: Human being.” This is vial inhuman behavior. “In Trump world, it’s not a man’s job to be physically attractive, in shape, or even neatly dressed. Men do things, and they are valued for their money and achievements. Women gain access to that money and the status it brings by making themselves attractive enough that men with real power and resources will bequeath those women some of them in exchange for sex. If those powerful men get bored, or decide they want a newer model, that’s their prerogative.” “But before Mr. Trump brought misogyny this aggressive and unapologetic to the Oval Office, we normalized it. It wasn’t Mr. Trump who published hyper-sexualized photographs of Melania; it was the magazines presenting her as yet another gold-tinged Trump acquisition, a pretty plaything thing and a status symbol, along with the gaudy golf clubs and the gold toilets. When Mr. Trump talked about her (and Marla Maples before her and Ivana Trump before her) like an object, a whole lot of men nodded, laughed and joined in.” “This is how Mr. Trump sees women: Either as “first-rate pussy” or “fat” and “ugly.” He didn’t invent this dichotomy; he simply expanded and exploited it. It’s not just that Mr. Trump is so gross and sexist he’s unfit to be president (he is). It’s that he’s a kind of hideous funhouse mirror, reflecting back at us an engorged, amplified vision of the misogynist norms we have all enabled and perpetuated. He’s the epitome of a repulsive chauvinist. But we created a world where he could succeed — all the way to the presidency.”
The marginalized, women, the LGBTQIA, African Americans, Muslims, refugees, immigrants, and more are wondering what the outcome will be. What everyone is scared of is that others will revert back to a time of misogyny and racism. We have laws and Supreme Court rulings to ensure equality. What is disturbing is the we have a society that hasn’t embraced equality for everyone. There are still many strides in respect for people as people that need to be made.
There are States trying to ostracize trans people and their bathroom preferences, while no one is offering solutions like having individual bathrooms instead of cheaply built rooms with a flimsy barrier between multiple toilets along a wall. Hey, the Romans built public toilets, you just walked in and sat next to someone at the next available hole. If you could afford it you could tip the attendant who would offer a community sponge to wipe yourself with. Worked for them right, but we’ve learned better ways than even the Romans and the Victorian era bathroom habits. Bullying is what kids in school are afraid of, so who is ever going to teach them to leave others alone in respect when disposing of body waste. Parents are showing their prejudice by being scared their kids are going to be near a trans kid, never mind they are in the same class and lunch lines and sport games and buildings. Just quit being cheap on bathrooms and have some individual stalls with doors that close for privacy. We all want kids to be safe from violence and overcrowded/underfunded schools, that also means being safe from your kids who are doing the bullying. Parents need to teach their own children to have respect and not bully others.
There is no reason the gay marriage ruling should be over turned. This is a good thing as opposed to some who still want to discriminate and try to pass more laws to suppress rights. If a religious group doesn’t want to marry anyone gay, they shouldn’t interfere with it being allowed outside of that group. There are so many different religious groups, remember, this is why the bill of rights included a constitutional amendment so that Congress couldn’t make laws respecting one over another. It keeps one popular group from passing laws ruling over others who don’t want to be part of them. Religions can make their own rules for members, those outside of that are not subject to those rules. Besides, the word homosexual wasn’t introduced to the bible until 1946 as a mistranslation of a Greek word that really meant sex with children especially young boys in the Roman culture and a similar Hebrew word. The translator then improperly used the word homosexual, maybe due to biased bigotry of the day. We all know that what is acceptable to society changes over the years, and it’s a weak argument to say certain immoral things will become normal when people are still fighting against those. The original meaning of the words used in the bible are still immoral and has nothing to do with homosexuality. Utah passed a couple of laws to protect the LGBTQ and the religious by inviting both sides to communicate. Fairness laws will be happening as other states, like California, start exploring their own bills.
The fundamentalist/conservative movement namely within churches has been becoming more and more legalistic, and it’s not attractive to people to be a part of it. The numbers are increasing for people to be accepting of same-sex marriage whether or not the conservatives admit it. By the election results, thats more likely in urban areas. My own church has a sizable LGBTQ group because no one is perfect, and everyone is welcome. And yes there is also bigotry from some. Hopefully the leadership will be open to more roles in the church even if other churches are not so accepting. When you teach that God loves everyone, you expect people to actually love everyone too. The rest of the world is watching…
Let’s hope NATO doesn’t have to stay nervous for long during this period of uncertainty. Maybe we just had to one up the Brexit move the British did. Individual Muslims are wondering what will happen. China has been aggressive in areas, as well as Russia. We need to watch that show of power as planes have been coming close to the Western states and military ships are maneuvering around. The Russians have been building many ice cutting ships, of course global warming has opened up the Artic sea so shipping lanes are open from Europe straight to China. Artic oil fields are easier to access and are being leased out, thus the need for those Russian ice cutters to keep the shipping lanes open.
The Real Origins of the Religious Right Spoiler alert, it’s not abortion it’s segregation…
Plan B or emergency contraception is not an abortifacient, it delays ovulation or pushes it back so an egg isn’t released. It eliminates the possibility for an egg to be released for fertilization. This is the purpose of birth control when taken on a regular basis. There are members of Congress and state legislatures who attempt to argue otherwise.
I know some are hoping that Roe vs Wade will some day be over turned. Even if it were overturned, abortions would not stop, people of means would still find a way to do it and those without means will resort to unsafe practices. Many religious people would be surprised as to how many in their faith had an abortion and will in the future. People of means will use whatever means necessary to keep it quiet and not have a scandal, it didn’t stop for the 100 years it was illegal. Overturning the ruling is very difficult anyway. So, you have a pro-life pro-choice split that has become a political matter rather than a personal liberty on choice. The consensus among early Christian leaders, and many centuries after, has been that an abortion can happen up until the quickening (an actual legal term). Remember, a religious group can make it’s own rules for it’s members. That doesn’t mean applying those rules to others who are not part your group, and yes there lots of people who may never want to belong to your group of believers. Here is the thing, abortion didn’t start with the verdict of Roe vs Wade, even while it was illegal it never actually went away. It’s been going on for thousands of years. Women have been making the decision on what to do when this situation arises, there were plenty of common remedies. If a child survived birth, another option might be just leave it some where to die or dropped off to be taken up by someone else. Keep in mind that US anti-abortion laws were created between 1873 and 1910 making it a felony, before that the earliest laws in the USA were regulations on the concoctions being used or sold to women to keep them from being killed in the process. During the time after the Civil War white supremacists doctors were supporting such laws as a means of countering the spread of news thus freedoms by midwives. Scarlet Letters: Getting the History of Abortion and Contraception Right and The Criminalization of Abortion Began as a Business Tactic Abortions did not end during the 100 years it was illegal, the practice was just driven underground and that often meant it was done in an unsafe way. Women were left to options that could and did kill them, coat hangers, chemicals, etc. Of course with it being legal, regulations and procedures could be done in a safer environment. The morning after pill is the modern version of the many natural remedies that have been used for thousands of years, all it does is prevent pregnancy just like not every fertilized egg results in a pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies means the embryo implanted in the fallopian tube, there’s no way to save that pregnancy, the mother will die and the pregnancy needs to be terminated, unless there are exceptions to save the mother’s life there won’t be a way to save the mother, it won’t be pleasant to watch someone die this way. There are many other scenarios, image the trauma of a rape victim raising the child due to a close relative or abusive person. People on both sides have been fighting over the details about procedures and when during a pregnancy it can happen, most people wouldn’t even imagine having one late in a pregnancy. Abortions happen in all walks of life and religious groups. A woman makes her own decision of what happens to her body, and the ancient Jewish approach in the bible favored the life of the mother over any child. We’re not in China where until just recently there was a very strict limit of only one child you can have, after the limit she no longer has a choice. Keep in mind that those in the USA may think it’s unimaginable that there could be a law that requires an abortion, there are those who can’t imagine being required to carry to term if they didn’t want to. While the USA abortion numbers have been on a decline, there is still much to do for sex education and the social stigmas. Abstinence works for some who make their own decision to do that, meanwhile there are others who will never make that decision. There are so many personal variables for decisions to have an abortion, blanket statements and limiting regulations are not going to help. Few ever address why someone would make the decision to have an abortion, one is that there is a serious lack of support systems and there is a stigma for asking for help. Even if a woman does have an abortion, she doesn’t need to be treated unfairly or less than an equal. Nevermind that when a woman needs help after having a baby that there are more and more stresses to get help. Yes there are those who abuse the help but shouldn’t be used as an excuse to not help people, there are so many more who just need help. Wait, why aren’t there ample funds from those who are anti-abortion to take care of pregnant women and then all those babies? You would think that pro-life would actually mean supporting the mothers, and any other life such as immigrants and refugees. Basically it doesn’t matter which political party you follow, the statistical fact is that abortions decline more under democratic presidents. Keep in mind that in the 80’s the number of abortions was about 1.3 million a year, now it’s about 600000. We can work on creating inclusive comprehensive sex education programs, have condoms available, readily available emergency contraception pills, and more so there are fewer unwanted pregnancies. Let’s make sure we support women in whatever choice they make, no judgements what so ever. U.S. Public Continues to Favor Legal Abortion, Oppose Overturning Roe v. Wade
When Southern Baptists Were Pro-Choice There was a time when even the Southern Baptists thought abortion was a deeply personal decision and the government shouldn’t be involved in that decision. This was before the fundamentalists/evangelicals/conservatives took over, I’m pretty sure the white supremacists/nationalists have been there already.
‘Throughline’ Traces Evangelicals’ History On The Abortion Issue
As for bringing back jobs from those companies that moved them elsewhere, how about we rethink that. It does sound good for a few, but realistically we’ve got a lot of jobs that need a different skill set. Highschool budgets have been cut so much that they don’t always offer classes that teach skills needed for jobs in the community which could start someone on a career or even be used to support going to college. The service industry has replaced many of manufacturing jobs any way. People don’t teach kids to cook unless it’s from a TV or YouTube episode, same goes for repairing or rehabbing a house. Someone actually has to do the work of remodeling or building a house, not just manage said endeavors. The manufacturing jobs that would return would just mean more robotics than people, automation, or something different altogether. For example, a European company that delivers groceries has invested heavily in the robotics and development of new equipment means no people are picking products. Communities need to work together to attract companies and even start companies that fit the needs of it’s area and what the people want. The irony is that parents want a better life for their kids so they don’t have to work the parent’s jobs, but now are at rallies to get those jobs back. Also states and federal could make it easier for another company or local leaders to buy under used or unused facilities so jobs can continue in a new capacity for growth. Local leaders can be instrumental in attracting new businesses to diversify the options and career paths of it’s community. Hopefully everyone learns from past mistakes of depending too much on one industry, we’ve all seen what happened to the car industry towns, NASA towns, or military base towns when it shuts down.
Speaking of NASA, the USA leads the world in space travel development. Competition has lead us to do things better. Remember that money that goes into space development actually goes back into the US economy, with lots of sciencific and technological innovations that have practical everyday use. After World War 2, the government propped up the economy of cities that had depended on the war contracts to grow. Some can and should say those were socialistic ideas used by capitalists that sparked the growth and development that followed afterward.
We all know that coal is bad for the environment. I remember the years of acid rain with damaged trees in areas far from the smoke stacks. The president wants to help return jobs to coal areas while the industrial trend has already moved to natural gas. Yes there will be a need for some coal, but cleaning the smoke waste is expensive while natural gas isn’t leaving acids and toxic chemicals behind. Coal has been used to make coke for higher temps, but the production and use of coke still leaves behind a lot of toxic waste. The president is referring to help save and return 76000 jobs, never mind that one retail company on the verge of bankruptcy has 114000 employees that will be looking for jobs. This just seems about campaign promises that never should have been made. Never mind that coal production has been implementing more robotics and self driving vehicles to reduce man power numbers, robots don’t complain about 24/7 work and don’t get black lungs. Even China is working on reducing coal burning, the people are seeing the damage it’s doing to their health. Reducing the burning of coal has helped the environment and people’s health. There was so much clean open land and air that attracted people to America before the big industry polution and natural resource abuses. We need to keep fighting for a better environment thanks to those who want to destroy it just for a profit. National Geographic Encyclopedia Resource: Coal
How about solar panels on houses to help the grid so less coal or other power sources are needed? Instead of promising jobs that are already being elemenated by the coal mining industry, we can create solutions that help the environment and the people.
Vintage photos taken by the EPA reveal what America looked like before pollution was regulated Have we forgotten acid rain and the numerous other problems that local governments approved and companies didn’t take responsibility for their actions? My own town of Dickson let pollution into the landfill that leaked into the aquifer that supplied the city and wells, that directly caused cancer and birth defects from those with wells.
Kentucky coal report shows no sustained job rebound so far under Trump
TVA agrees to remove 12 million cubic yards of stored ash from Gallatin plant Local electric plants have to deal with the coal ash and the toxic affects it has on the environment and waterways. The tax payers cover many supersites projects already. Someone approved this and many are affected by the toxic results for many years to come just to save money and due to neglect.
Underwater sites in our oceans are already being explored for rare earth metals and minerals that are used in electronics and renewables. Japan, China, and other countries have been mining areas already, and that means tension in some regions over rights. There have been tests to see what problems underwater mining will cause as fine material is disturbed. So, why isn’t the USA leading and collaborating in researching this potential resource? Coal seems like a backwards step when exploiting underwater sites for rare earth metals would mean being able to have the resources for our space programs, renewables, electronics, etc. I know it has the potential to damage the ocean, but eventually it will become economically feasible and it will be exploited whether or not there is concern for the damages. Of course, this will mean lots of supporting jobs to make it happen.
Why Did Greenland’s Vikings Vanish?
We need to stop the example of the North Carolina political power struggle from happening in the Federal government. The NC government is using it’s power and law creation abilities to benefit one political party before another party can take office. Authoritarian dictatorships and totalitarian regimes do the exact same thing, like Fidel passed on power to his brother and countless other countries over the centuries did the same sort of thing. This is the very example of the two party system that George Washington warned us about to avoid. If we work together as a nation we can move forward to form a more perfect union. Divided means there will struggles. Instead of a peaceful transfer of power, it just decays. We’ve already had a civil war which started because for decades the divided parties were trying to out do each other with laws to gain a political edge. After the civil war, civil rights were eroded away by gas lighting the culture.
The true story of how Teen Vogue got mad, got woke, and began terrifying men like Donald Trump
Donald Trump is Gaslighting America
Fairness for All: Evangelicals Explore Truce on LGBT and Religious Rights
Check out what is happening in the Southern Baptist Convention: Marginalizing Russell Moore is grave mistake for Southern Baptists It seems the SBC is arguing amongst themselves because they were stuck voting for Trump and are upset some actually voted for him while not having the power to do anything about any of it. Trump tweeted negatively about Moore back in May sparking backlash among the SBC against Moore for being against Trump and now won’t have access to the President. One party won but no one has any power, and are just now figuring out that the people have the power, sort of. It’s the Franciscan and Jesuit power struggle all over again. See the movie Silence.
Prejudice of Poverty: Why Americans Hate the Poor and Worship the Rich
Ford’s Theatre | Lincoln’s Great Words Challenge: Importance of Oratory and Leadership I’m sure I’m nearly quoting Heather Cox Richardson: Between 1865-1874 the narrative is that poor people especially people of color and later that would include women should not participate in politics because they will vote to redistribute wealth and advance socialism or communism is a false narrative that has influenced our view of politics up until even today. Anything that includes equality, schools, roads, healthcare, and more is declared socialism or communism of which we know is not a part of those idealogies. This is just a part of the systematic racism against people of color that also envelops the poor and women of any color.
How do Christian’s fit into the two-party system? They don’t Maybe I need to shout this to those in the back of the room so they hear too. A person of faith can belong to any political party and even change affiliation as needed. This article gives the example of the early church taking care the poor, immigrants along with others, and even ending racism, which according to one political party calls that liberal. It’s yet another example of people name calling others that have a different view. A politician can have personal views on living life and also vote on things contrary to those beliefs due to the rule of law. One example is a local city council member who happens to be Muslim can vote to approve an alcohol sales license due to the laws already in place. I’m not sure most realize this can be done. There once was a city clerk who refused to approve gay marriage licenses and even was sent to jail, that’s one of those situations where if the person can’t do the job then they may need to resign. Anyway, the political parties have been changing back and forth as they evolve, the parties now aren’t even the same as when they started. One quote I always remember is of an Native American Chief was asked why he wouldn’t become Christian, and his response was that he didn’t like wearing pants. Making Christianity associated with a particular political view has long lasting negative affects, today that same chief may say he wouldn’t become a Christian because of the conservative political views. How Florida Republicans Are Talking About Impeachment This is another opinion article based on real life observations. Some of the political views the author encounters will seem alien.
Charlie Rose interviews Jon Stewart: The Daily Show Lots of great quotes.
A look at how politics has evolved: Retired House members discuss the challenges of partisanship. It’s interesting to see that lines are drawn and elected representatives can just fall under party lines instead of listening to the variety of people that are in districts, they eliminate the variety by creating a majority. My next question is, who is defining the party?
Are we at war with Mexico again?
The media is gearing up to have a field day with Trump. So many questions are still left unanswered as answers are given. Not even a week into this and we have “alternative facts” added to the vernacular.
We don’t know why a wall needs to be built better between Mexico and the US. Wasn’t fences originally built to keep out diseased livestock? It then became a prejudice issue to build something better. People seeking a better life will find a way in. Yeah, we want to keep out heroin, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. Planes, boats, tunnels, T-shirt cannons, drones, and what ever you can think of will be used to supply the demand for illegal drugs. Here is a wild idea, how about changing the problems that leads to drug use and abuse to decrease a demand to escape from reality. Insisting that Mexico pay for it already has their president and diplomats canceling meetings. Of course even during the campaign the Mexican President already gave a hell no response. Keeping this up, yeah, they will just use a t-shirt cannon or catapult to shoot pesos over the wall at random locations until that bill is paid off. If our president has problems diplomatically with our neighbor, what will this mean for major negotiations with Britian, Russia, China, or even North Korea?
Will Megan Barry Defy the President? Oh, so conservative Republicans have been saying for decades that we need less government involvement and not give in to depending on federal dollars. This will flip their playbooks when they realize a Democratic mayor actually will do just that over the issue of having local law enforcement to target status.
Trump Signs Bill Revoking Obama-Era Gun Checks for People With Mental Illnesses I’m putting this here as a reminder that on May 27 2022 he spoke at an NRA convention saying something about mental health rather than gun control laws just days after a slaughter of 21 at a school in Uvalde TX. The Republicans are owned by the NRA so gun manufacturers can make money.
So, the day after the inauguration, there was the Women’s March. Not even twenty four hours in, the March happened. It was inclusive and peaceful. It brought out a lot of signs that mentioned many different issues.
Republicans Reveal How Badly They Misunderstand America
What Happens When Doctors Only Take Cash
Have Americans Given Up? Keep studying history so it doesn’t keep repeating.
The Unsung Architect of Trumpism Following the money of polls, you can see who is looking for stats to use to say what ever that will get attention.
Let’s mention that it came up in Congress that ISP’s can now sell your internet history. Marsha Blackburn who introduced the bill argued that this will help your privacy and security. We’ve been wanting websites to end that practice since it violates our privacy. Now you internet provider can sell your history to who ever. Thanks for looking out for the big companies and not the people. If we learned anything from this, politicians will listen to those who pay the most rather than actually the voters who put them in office. This benefits the corporation as the trends are changing in how people are using the internet over cable/satellite services. They can now sell your viewing and browsing history to who ever, as in your privacy is eroded.
How about a new history book, The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America. Just read the description for excerpts of the history. Hopefully the book has more details, but there is couple of paragraphs that might help explain some factors that shaped part of the election.
Ghitis: Trump has finally gone too far No longer can be called the “leader of the Free world”. Every president has to earn that title, it’s not handed down to the next successor. Leadership is earned, it can not be bought not gained through force or expressions of wealth. None of us want to just do something because everyone else is doing, leadership also means being active in helping to fix problems and working with others for solutions. One nation’s polution will affect another nation, water moves and air blows regardless of borders. Also, just because you don’t want pollution in your area doesn’t mean you should move operations to another country to pollute their land and affect their health. Everyone should be looking at solutions to clean up the planet and not abuse it. China’s Blue app is leading the way for citizens to report problems that need to be fixed, meanwhile we have states that have laws against collecting data on violators such as fracking sites.
I Grew Up In A Fundamentalist Cult — ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Was My Reality
I know the late night comics are mainly satire with Trump supplying lots of material, but they have been awkwardly true too. We have been needing the comic relief to grasp what has been in the news. Especially with the Russian influence.
The Russians have been using misinformation for a while. Fake news blogs that skewed information and collect huge sums of money from ads have been produced in former Soviet block nations. We know those have been around for a while, what we don’t know yet is how much of that has been encouraged by Russian leaders. Now there are resources are being used to investigate Trump’s ties to Russia. His own son had a meeting with a Kremlin connected Russian lawyer about gaining campaign information. The Attorney General had already recused himself from the investigation. Of course Trump would fire the head of the FBI while it’s investigating any colluding with Russia, the same who said there wouldn’t be any criminal charges against Clinton for lost emails. What ever he didn’t like about Comey, it was bad timing concerning the Russian probe.
Inside Putin’s Russia This series sheds light on the conservative movement in Russia that Putin uses to show his power.
It’s been daily that we get a new tweet or a change in staff or impromptu remark that has no real direction. There has been no real policies on how to deal with foreign threats, such as the response to North Korea. Making heated public remarks only adds to what they want. Bully regimes will make threats to make another respond out of emotion. A real political policy will help keep things calm even in the middle of a legitimate threat against Guam.
Words carry weight in this situation, so battling against North Korea via Twitter and public remarks are not helping anyone. Open dialogue and negotiations have to happen. We’ll want the rest of the world supporting us when North Korea launches missiles. A military response will bring about some type of war, and we should be avoiding war at all costs. The same goes for mentioning a military option for Venezuela, they assume that means a threat and already said they won’t put up with it. Our military can support UN humanitarian aid.
On Friday evening, August 11, white nationalist/alt-right groups held a rally with tiki torches similar to Nazi marches prior to WWII. They were responding to the removal plans of a Confederate General statue. On Saturday a counter protest was also happening, while the original alt-right protest was deemed illegal. One of those plowed his car into a crowd killing one lady and injuring others as well in an act of terrorism. Trump did respond, but addressed blame on both sides. 48 hours later he did read a statement calling racism evil. Then 24 hours after that he basically went back to his original statement by pointing blame on both sides. The leaders of the alt-right groups were thankful for his statements. Republicans, business leaders, and committee members were not happy about his remarks. Meanwhile, there are situations with North Korea, Venezuela, Iran, Russia, Syria, China, and more.
Germany’s Angela Merkel was quick to condemn the Charlottesville racist protest that lead to the death of one person who was in the counter protest. Germany does not have tolerance for the nazi and neo-nazi, they will even fine tourists who give the nazi salute. We won that war. These are some of the groups behind racism: alt-right, the white nationalists, white supremacists, kkk, Nazi, neo-nazi, anti-semitism, anti-immigration, sexists, anti-homosexual, fascists, hate groups, bigotry, and who ever else that supports hate and violent rhetoric. We’ve fought too many foreign and domestic wars and lost so many people. It was unacceptable then and it shouldn’t still be an issue now. These groups have ideas that have no place in our country. We have the right to peaceful assembly, we don’t have the right to violence or even to incite violence. Domestic terrorism happens and isn’t labeled as such as often as it needs to be. Hopefully during budget meetings there isn’t cuts to law enforcement that needs funds for more training.
Three hurricanes, Harvey, Irma, and Maria have significantly caused damage. Harvey hit Texas, Irma hit Florida, and Maria hit Puerto Rico. The island of Barbuda was heavily damaged by Irma, the British had been slow to support. Maria has devastated Puerto Rico. Trump wanted to got to Texas and then Florida, but so far we’ve heard nothing about going to Puerto Rico. Their infrastructure has been wiped out, remember that it is an island that doesn’t have easy access like the states. It’s going to be a while to get the logistics flowing.
Meanwhile, to distract from the healthcare fiasco in Congress, there are tweets swapping insults with North Korea and with football players protesting police brutality and racism. We had a few years that we thought we were post-racism, but that has not been the case. Thanks to the Ken Burns documentary about the Vietnam War, we’re reminded how bad racism was after the Civil Rights movement. People who swore to defend the Constitution, were returning from war to still face racism. It’s as if no one learned anything from history and are doomed to repeat it. According to the President’s statements I don’t think he ever learned from history that he lived through. Ironically, the football players and team owners responded with their own protests. The great thing about the First Amendment is that one side can quietly sit or take a knee to protest racism and those against that can take to social media to get angry and suggest all sorts of things like firing them and not watching football. One side is brave for their cause, the other is an angry lynch mob looking to get rid of the sports players. What about ending racism? Sit in’s at lunch counters happened, people responded to that. Athletes raised a fist to bring awareness of racism and police brutality, people responded to that.
Kim Jong-un and Trump tweeted about the size of their red buttons used to launch nuclear weapons. It was scary and juvenile. I can’t remember the day, but I did block him on twitter and reported it. The weird thing is that the next day it was announced that the account got shut down for a few minutes by a retiring employee about the same time I reported it.
North Korea and South Korea did have talks. The US wasn’t involved and the North Korean’s are sending athletes and officials to the Winter Olympics.
“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” A direct quote from Trump during a meeting discussing immigration. Congress members who are in families who immigrated from similar countries he called shitholes had to endure this racist comment. He went as far as suggest we need immigrants from countries like Norway or Asian countries that help us economically. Has he ever looked at history? Does he even know that people pay attention to his racist remarks? The world heard those words. We’re not having immigrants come here, they want to come here and make new life with the freedoms and opportunities the United States has. The Judeo/Christian bible makes it a point to help the foreigner, because they were foreigners in other countries that didn’t treat them too well. Trump attacks protections for immigrants from ‘shithole’ countries
A hundred plus days Puerto Rico is still mostly on a blackout.
After the Parkland Valentine’s Day school shooting, leadership still hasn’t responded with ways to protect our students. We’re not addressing the mental issues, the guns being used, and why innocent people are being targets. Protecting our own citizens should be a priority so we don’t crumble from with in. A generation of students don’t want to be sitting targets. The president weakly addressed the issue. Trump has been a loyal supporter of the NRA. Just a year before, the president had signed a bill that turned back a law about gun checks for those with mental illness. That signing was done without any fanfare, and the media was only alerted with a note on an email. Hopefully the meeting with survivors of Parkland, Columbine, Sandy Hook, and others with actually result in practical changes. Students are scared to go to school and fed up with the lack of concern from law makers.
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, had had his security clearance down graded.
Trump did announce plans that he wants to add tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, 25% and 10% respectively. Already Europe and Canada are scrambling to figure out the trade war that will happen. Meanwhile, Russian president Putin gave a speech that detailed nuclear missile capabilities. So a trade war and an arms race don’t mix well. A trade war means far more reaching consequences than just trying to help one industry that declined long ago. When the analysis is done we’ll get a better idea of what will happen economically. People here in the US don’t wake up one day and they want a career in making steel, maybe in the robotics and automation of making steel. Instead of investing in better equipment to reduce dangers to employees, it became better to buy foreign steel. Jobs are good, the trends have been changing for far too long to get out of some major manufacturing. We do make domestic steel, and it would be cool to study where and how much is made and used. Rolling back environmental laws won’t help matters much, that ends up affecting lots of people all in the pursuit of stuff. A tax on investment gains would be a high yield. Consumers pay the taxes and tarrifs anyway, remember, it’s the investors and shareholders who gain from the profits. Even the chief economic advisor resigned from the White House.
A former Russian spy was poisoned by an unknown substance. We’re not sure who ordered that. It’s been done before by Putin’s regime with a radioactive substance.
While the Russian probe is still going on, the adult entertainer that had an affair with Trump is suing to be able to tell her story since he didn’t actually sign the hush money agreement. So there’s that… This isn’t exactly a scandal, he’s been doing this sort of thing forever. His past behavior may be ok for his family, they are going to love him no matter what. He’s a husband, father, and grandfather to them. We don’t have to trust him. If he’s been making those kind of deals with his past affairs and handling pay offs through lawyers and dumby corporations, then what kind of decisions is he making for the country?
There is more about the Stormy Daniels affair that keeps surfacing. She has done an interview with Anderson Cooper. Trump’s lawyer’s office was raided by the FBI concerning records on him paying her off and for additional information. Comey released a book, and in it had information on what was happening behind the scenes of the Stormy Daniels affair, the Russian probe, and even the Golden shower incident.
While that has been happening, Syria’s leader, Assad, has used chemical weapons on his own people. That resulted in the president ordering a missile strike. A year later it happened again, with double the missiles hitting three sites. Russia’s Putin and Iran has held support for the Assad regime. The US State departments have been communicating with the Russians so that when the strikes did occur they can make sure the Russians are clear. This time it was a strike with the help of Great Britain and France. We’ll see what the fall out with the Russians will be.
Documents Reveal How Russian Official Courted Conservatives In U.S. Since 2009
The North and South Korean leaders got together for a peace summit and emerged with a new agreement amd an end to their war. Mean while Trump has been on the campaign trail boasting about his involvement. He also pulled out of Iran nuclear agreement, and so Israel has been exchanging fire with Iranian troups in Syria. Also the Palestinians are upset that the US embassy is moving to Jerusalem, there are protests. Three prisoners from North Korea were released. Trump used the opportunity to suggest that the news had the highest rating for the release even though it was 3am. And North Korea may pull out of the summot meeting with Trump, they consider themselves a nuclear state and don’t want to give the weapons they have up.
Meanwhile, Trump’s legal team claims he can’t be indicted. There are more Russian connections uncovered. We already know there has been a lot of propaganda in posts and blogs out of Russia and other regional countries before and after the election. The next bit of information being uncovered over Trump’s lawyer paying off Stormy Daniels is a document showing that Trump paid him a sum that falls in the range of the $130k that was used to pay her.
What I wonder is if there will be a return truth and seeking out better ways to understand each other. People seem to be using their power or position to do what they want with out regard to the consequences.
Trump May Be The Most Fiscally Reckless President In American History
No, The U.S. Is Not A Net Exporter Of Crude Oil The 40 year ban on exporting crude oil was repealed in 2015. One thing to consider is that there is crude harvested that isn’t used for making the products we consume.
So, the North Korea nuclear summit went ok. We aren’t nuking each other. It seems the details have to be worked out. The promises made on both sides at least sets up for future summits.
What has been in the head lines lately has been the immigration situation. Here is the main issue, people in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador are not feeling safe in their own country and are seeking asylum and a better life in the USA. This has been going on for years. If a person can get here and live with family they had a good chance of getting into the system to begin the process to be here legally. The zero tolerance policy means there are more being retained at the borders and include those caught after crossing the border. People from Central America don’t have the facts on the process and still make the dangerous journey to get to the USA. The zero tolerance policy means people are being retained and possibly deported. Also kids are being separated from their parents. The Trump administration has been giving conflicting information and have been blaming another political party for the dilema, claiming he couldn’t do anything yet after much pressure was able to sign an executive order to keep families together. No one is asking how to help Central America so people would want to stay in their own country. The zero tolerance policy plus the laws to persecute people for entering illegally has been used as intimidation to keep people from wanting to get to the USA. We’re not asking how to help Central America, building a wall or imprisoning those who want to imigrate is not solving the issue. While our nation is focused in Middle East and Asian countries, our own neighbors are being neglected. A border wall or bad imigration laws and policies are not fixing the problems when we could be working with Central American. It’s like there is a prejudice against them, the border policies are being used as a deterrent not as a solution.
Who’s Really Crossing the U.S. Border, and Why They’re Coming
Thanks to a court order, there is a dead line to reunite kids and parents. Sadly during the separation, they were put in two different systems that weren’t required to work together. Now there is problems reuniting families. What happened to avoiding crule and unusual punishment?
There is continued rhetoric from the campaign style speeches. The insults and language used is divisive. It may sound appealing to some but it is not acceptable of a president to make derogatory comments.
The trade war has started with China. Tariffs have been added by the USA, China has responded by added tariffs. We’ll have to wait and see how this affects the economy. Never mind that the unemployment rate rose as the trade war has been anticipated.
As part of a European tour, Trump met with the Queen of England. Of course there were big protests. Also some embarrassing moments with protocol.
After a closed meeting in Helsinki, Finland, Trump and Putin held a press conference to disclose the results of their conversation.
Trump embraces longtime US foe Putin, doubting own intel
There was no confrontation over Putin’s action. It’s as if Trump had no concerns over Crimea or any of the other military actions done. Plus he doubted our own intelligence agencies, taking Putin’s word that it wasn’t Russia. Evidence shows that people in Russia have been creating contemt just to make money off of ads. The American people shouldn’t be using this as a scape goat for falling for fake content creators, internally this has been going on for years not just on the internet. Long before the 2016 elections, people had been creating fake news sites and making money off the ads. They would create anything just to make money, fake news would spread faster than real news especially on social media. To be fair, Putin doesn’t have to say much to get fake news created to influence social media, making money is enough incentive for people any where. It’s the hackers that are the real threat. There have been indictments made against 12 Russian hackers. What really is important is that Putin has acted militarily in former Soviet Union nations without consequences.
‘Shameful,’ ‘treasonous,’ ‘disgraceful’: Trump slammed from all sides for news conference with Putin
Trump continues to gas light by saying he is standing strong against Putin but in reality he has been doing the opposite.
After WW2, the Soviets kept the pressure and Korean war going so that the US didn’t build up in Europe. The Americans thought it was better to fight in that war than to fight WW3 with the Soviets.
The the trade war with China is going badly, farmers are one of groups that are being directly affected. They have been working decades to establish business connections abroad and this tariff trade war is not helping them. Farmers prefer Trump do trade deals than hand them cash Apparently the current solution is to pay farmers to make up the loss in money, with no details on how the hurt farmers can apply. Meanwhile farmers who sell domestically will face the challenges a surplus in the market and declining prices. Who thought any of this was a good idea? No one wants a temp hand out, especially not knowing if they will have those markets next year or they have to find new markets with the expectation of tariffs. Of course food being bought can be distributed to food banks and nutritional programs, which we should be doing anyway to feed people.
His daughter is shutting down her fashion company. Companies have been removing her product lines from their stores.
Hold the presses, there is a recording released that has Trump in a conversation about buying the story rights of a Playboy Model he had an affair with, this is so she will be quiet about the affair. He wanted to use cash and his lawyers said he needed to set up a company, maybe an LLC, to pay through. Trump says ‘too bad’ after Cohen audio recording released and also there’s this article, Trump recorded discussing paying for Playboy model’s story
“We All Knew About the Trafficking”-The Untold Story of Trump Model Management (Part 1)
What’s happening now? There has been hearings for the Supreme Court position that is open. Brett Kavanaugh is in the hot seat. And there is a flag on the play. Christine Blasey Ford came forward with her testimony of being raped, she didn’t have anything to gain from this. I’ll let you go find that testimony, she did great being brave. The next day, Kavanaugh gave his defense and was angry and emotional about it, he seems entitled. Both are worth watching so you can witness the differences. I would like to point out that she has nothing to loose or gain, while he is trying to land a prestigious job with many benefits for politics and direction of legal rulings for many years to come, and even face disbarment from further investigation. The Senators did vote to delay the vote for a week to allow time for a FBI investigation into the matter. What the FBI will do is gather information and make reports on the interviews they conduct. Here’s the thing, the FBI doesn’t take this sort of case, so the President has to order an investigation, they won’t interview more than they are allowed. There are so many questions. At one time leadership would have quietly withdrew or never made the nomination based on the information at hand, mainly to protect all parties from public scrutiny. Well we have a president that doesn’t think in those terms, and is one who has paid off or had lawyers take care of his actions. Ford and Kavanaugh have been thrown out into the public eye. Senators have been angry that this was brought up, even though Ford’s testimony was submitted months prior when the nominee was on the short list. For the sake of Justice, we have to listen to the facts and both sides.
The President went on to mock Ford’s testimony at one of his rallies. This kind of shaming behavior hasn’t been acceptable in lesser men. Due process of justice means that the facts need to examined, we know that or else we are subject to being judged the same way. His actions and words divide the people, especially when this could have been a chance to unite people together. This President is morally bankrupt. The gambling debt should have been enough to remove the nomination.
And then the Senate voted to accept Kavanaugh… 50 to 48… I don’t even have the words for this.
Sadly I’m not surprised, but I am sad that it did happen. There’s the bigger picture of the lack of morals and acceptable dignity. Everyone is already on edge, there are some who think they can do what ever they want and are entitled to power and prestige while others want to see changes that benefit everyone equally so they have a chance at a better life. The President is leading his political party to be divided from those who oppose and not listen to other sides of issues. Political parties don’t have the same meaning they once were, laws get passed that suppressd groups or limit growth. What is wanted are leaders to represent everyone in office, not one who listens to those with the money to buy their votes.
Ok, there’s a migrant caravan of people who have gathered from Central America that has been marching through Mexico. The president’s rhetoric has been been to say there could be terrorists and criminals among them, especially emphasizing that middle eastern terrorists are marching. The Mexican officials and news media hasn’t seen much of that at all. The president has called for more border patrol and cutting funding to Central American countries. Ironically cutting funding is a good thing since the countries are unstable and has human rights violations. Even if there are bad people in the caravan, there are so many more who are wanting to escape poverty and the repeated threats of death from the ones controlling their lands. The day after the election, there wasn’t anything else mentioned in the president’s tweets about the caravan.
The Khashoggi killing at the Saudi embassy in Turkey has been putting attention on the relationship of the US and the Saudis. One religious leader thinks we should be careful not to mess with the arms deal with the Saudis, basically saying that one life being murdered by a Saudi Prince and their integrity isn’t worth the jobs that might be affected. There had been a cover up and Turkey has stayed on top of it to get answers from the Saudis. The CIA has linked the crowned prince of Saudi Arabia to giving the orders for the killing. The president has refused to listen to the recording of the killing. Questions have been raised on how to sanction the crowned prince, the president has given no indication that any thing will be done.
The midterm elections resulted in many first. Two Native American women won. More women were elected to Congress. The Democrats are a very diverse group in the House, while the Republicans look mostly white males.
Leading up to the midterm elections, ads and rhetoric turned attention to the caravan as if it was an invasion.
White House pulls CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s pass after contentious news conference
White House bans CNN reporter after confrontation with Trump
There have been two devastating wild fires in California, one near Thousand Oaks where the bar shooting occurred and another in Northern California that wiped out Paradise. The death tolls have continued to rise. The president for some reason blamed the fires on the lack of land management to take care of it, while threatening to cut funding which is ironic since his administration has been cutting funds to federal land management. The fires were mostly on federal land and spread to wipe out towns and neighborhoods.
I’m exhausted… Mentally drained by the latest news…
Cohen was sentenced to 3 years, Trump’s personal lawyer. Yes he is cooperating with the investigation.
Trump’s charity was shut down, it was not an actual charity but a personal source for funds. We already knew that from the election campaign.
He announced a win in Syria, which was not a win, and withdrawal of troops. This abandons the Kurds who have been struggling to have a place of their own. They will end up releasing Isis fighters, and all this will start over again when they gain support. Yikes…
Mattis resigned as a result of that announcement.
The whining about wanting a wall has resulted in a partial government shutdown. Right before Christmas. This continues to cause more chaos. Why isn’t there negotiations with the Central American countries to fix the problems that are driving people out. Of course people want to go to the USA, why is this wall going to help when we welcome planes and ships in from many countries?
There has been a partial government shutdown. This is because the president is threatening to veto the budget until he gets his wall.
The shutdown went on for 35 days. It ended after some compromises by the president. Basically he didn’t get all the money for the border wall and there is still nothing on how to help Central America with the problems that are causing the migration. Then, in order to get the funding he wants, he declared a national emergency. Money would have to be diverted from somewhere, perhaps from the California wildfires or even Puerto Rico. The flooding in the Midwest, Nebraska was hit hard, is a real emergency. Also closing the border will create another type of emergency since we trade with Mexico. What about helping Mexico with it’s problems. Also maybe help Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Longest shutdown over: Trump signs bill to reopen government
The Mueller report came out. Barr in the justice department summed the 300 page report down to 4. Apparently the Russians did attempt to influence the elections but there wasn’t any collusion. Basically Barr distracted from the evidence presented.
It seems that Trump just surrounds himself with people who does what ever they think will make him happy. His former lawyer, Cohen, basically just went off Trump’s hints and cues and even his reputation to make deals. With that and the chaos of the White House, I’m just going to say that Trump’s non-existent leadership style has been dependent on his followers just doing activities that would please him. It’s like he just takes credit for the good things and can easily dismiss anything else by denying the direction they take. As an elected leader/representative, that will cause the chaos that has been plaguing the administration. The president has been using his tantrums and divisive speeches to try to get his pet projects done.
Trump walked away from infrastructure negotiations before they really began This is an example of his tantrums.
Trump Walks Out on Pelosi, Schumer His tantrum is happening because he doesn’t want to be investigated.
Trump lashes out at Central America, Mexico on border
Trump Criticizes Central American Nations on Border Security
Foreign aid to Central America is in limbo because officials are afraid of Trump
Ilhan Omar, AOC, and the silencing of women of color in Congress
FACT CHECK: Trump Wrongly States Obama Administration Had Child Separation Policy At a press conference with Egypt’s president, Trump attempted to claim his administration didn’t start the child separation at the border and blamed it on Obama, when in fact it was the then attorney general Jeff Sessions who started it under Trump in April 2018. This is another example of Trump saying one thing wrong while those working for him are doing something completely different.
The Mueller Report came out. Trump has been going on a Twitter rant for days. Barr’s four page summary from weeks before the report’s release lacked a lot that was in the report.
Mueller Report Reveals Trump’s Fixation on Targeting Hillary Clinton This is an example of Trump wanting to do something illegal and those who worked for him refused to go down a path that would do greater harm to his presidency.
On Easter, 4/21/2019, there were bombings in Sri Lanka churches killing at least 200, with expected numbers to reach 300.
US threatens to veto UN resolution on rape as weapon of war, officials say
Update: UN waters down rape resolution to appease US’s hard line abortion stance Women’s rights and LGBT rights need to be expanded as a human rights issue. Some countries want to support the reproductive health of rape victims especially those who face the lifetime stigma of being rape victims.
North Korean leader warns of return to tension; Trump thanks Putin
A beluga whale with a harness was spotted off shore from Norway has raised questions on what the Russians are doing. Norway borders Russia, with a major naval base close to Norway. The Russians have been flying bombers and fighters in the area staging military flight patterns very close to Norway’s space. The Russian super quiet subs sail from that naval station. So the beluga with a harness is raising questions. Beluga whale with Russian harness raises alarm in Norway Trump has already complained that Norway and other European countries have not been supporting NATO. Trump complains about NATO and trade deals on return from France
Lie No. 10,000 is really a whopper
Tennessee moves to sabotage its own health-care system How about taking care of people.
The 10% tariff on Chinese made products has already meant raised prices for the American consumers who buy those products. Trump continues to claim that China pays for the tariffs, but the consumers pay that price. The 10% is about to end and be raised to 25%, so that means even higher prices for consumers. China has already cut off accepting recyclables which has already affected recycling programs that depended on China. There have been many factors in why manufacturing has shifted to other countries, such as stock holders, environmental laws, labor costs, how quick a factory can retool, facilities not producing or not being sold off so towns can attract new. On a side note, instead of allowing a company to leave a facility empty as a tax write-off, a town should be able to seize the facility and attract more work for the community. All China has to do is say they will no longer trade with the USA for whatever reason,
The tariffs on China are raising from 10% to 25% even while trade talks are going on. North Korea has been launching missile tests. Iran is pushing against it’s nuclear deal. Venezuela is seeing more support from Russia. There’s a lot of tension happening around the world. Meanwhile domestically, Trump has been continuously creating a divide between political parties, has been creating a racial divide with his administration, and is contending with the results of the Mueller Report.
U.S., Iran tensions unyielding, Europeans reject Iran ‘ultimatums’ over nuclear deal
Wall St. dips as investors await outcome of U.S.-China trade talks
WATCH: Trump hosts Boston Red Sox at the White House The racial divide has kept people away from White House events that are meant to be bipartison.
There is an aircraft carrier group positioned in the Persian Gulf to hold pressure on Iran, mainly because of some attacks that happened on some freighters. Iran say they weren’t responsible. There has been no mention of the US leaders about anything war related. The Iranians are backed into a corner and are doing what it needs for survival. Are we about to fight a war with Iran for the Saudis? Anything that happens with the aircraft carrier group will just add to the tension. Also, the threats from Iran have not been backed up by key allies who are also in Iraq. Personnel are being evacuated from Iraq as the tension with Iran escalates. We know that John Bolton has called for a regime change in Iran, Trump has put him in his current position. What we don’t know is what Trump will do, he wants a nuclear deal with North Korea but pulled out of the one with Iran. Why is a war being set up by those under Trump? Didn’t we learn anything from Iraq? Since Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, why do we have any rights to be putting any pressure on Iran?
US sends aircraft carrier and bomber task force to ‘warn Iran’
AP EXPLAINS: Why send a US aircraft carrier to the Gulf?
There is an aid bill that passed to provide money to those affected by the China trade war, that’s a good thing to help. However, there wouldn’t be a need for the aid if the tariffs hadn’t been in place. China does need to be held accountable for many of it’s practices that undermines fair trade, and that can be done with proper negotiations. Farmers don’t really want aid, they want to sell their crops.
AP fact check: Trump takes credit for Obama’s gains for vets
Before leaving on a trip to England and Europe, there were threats of a tariff on Mexico to make them do something about the Central Americans traveling through Mexico to the USA. This would be a 5% tariff now and an increase to 25% in the fall. The Mexican government did actually negotiate and promised the send more troops to their southern border. The trade between Mexico and the USA is so interwoven, basically depending on each other. The tariff tactic is not helping keep things friendly and peaceful. Tariffs by the US government are taxes on the US citizens who buy the products. In the early US history, tariffs were the only fund raising, taxation, that could be done.
A Brief History of Tariffs in the United States and the Dangers of their Use Today
DOCUMENT: The Tariff History of the United States (Part I)
DOCUMENT: The Tariff History of the United States (Part II)
Economic history shows why Trump’s ‘America First’ tariff policy is so dangerous
Trump’s threatened tariffs on hold after deal with Mexico
What the research says about border walls
Oh, most of the deal with Mexico had already been arranged, even as far back as December. So basically there was a threat of tariffs and Mexico quickly responded in negotiations what they already were doing. Why did Trump threaten tariffs and the risk of economic instability? Did he forget to read the briefs over things already happening before tweeting his threats? What is this distracting from? Do leaders normally create problems and then fix them claiming success? Would a leader use threats as a tactic?
Trump Is Awfully Sensitive About His Confusing Immigration Deal With Mexico
Trump claims undisclosed component to US-Mexico migrant deal, Mexico contradicts him
Mexico denies Trump’s claim of secret concessions in deal tv-drama…
Tankers struck near Strait of Hormuz; US blames Iran
ABC News’ Oval Office interview with President Trump Um, basically he said he would collude with a foreign entity or country for information on an opponent, he invited foreign entities to offer him information. Is this even up to the standard of dignity of the President? Is this how a president should act? Gossip at the expense of our country? Can’t the CIA and the FBI confirm the information without owing a foreign country or entity? Isn’t this what the Mueller Report was about? Does he even know it is interface?
The 2020 campaign started. Ironically, there were things in that speech that repeated what the Democrat nominees have said too. It’s very divisive rhetoric.
The Shadow Cabinet: How a Group of Powerful Business Leaders Drove Trump’s Agenda
A drone was shot down by Iran, and yes they claimed this one. There were two tankers attacked and they didn’t claim those, it’s even possible a rogue leader did those attacks.
Trump summons security team, calls Iran attack ‘big mistake’ One thing I do know is that the US American people do not want yet another war. Strategically we have Iran surrounded on several fronts, with Iraq and Afghanistan. This would be a good time to see if Iran wants to return to negotiations. At least Trump’s response is that some one made a mistake even if it was a leader acting on their own which is probably more true of the attacks on the tankers.
The Latest: Saudi Arabia say it intercepted 2 Houthi drones Saudis have suspected that the Iranians have been supporting the Yemen rebels. Also we should still be calling the prince who had the journalist murdered. Also, it’s very possible that if we go to war with Iran we would be fighting it for Saudi Arabia. Plus there is the human rights issue that the UK is dealing with the Saudis too.
There is a lot going on.
- Hong Kong protest over new law to extradition of criminals to mainland China.
- Protest in Georgia over the Russian annexing.
- Saudi Arabia violating human rights against Yemen, and the Houthi war crimes against Saudi Arabia.
- Tension with Iran.
There was a plan to retaliate, but it wasn’t carried out. We know he has said that he doesn’t want to start another war and even wants to finish the ones already going on. The reason we have the drones is that they are unmanned and if shot down it is just an equipment loss. What ever the drama was about calling off a mission at the last minute, at least something wasn’t done that would definitely spark a major issue. There are advisors under Trump that are bent on taking action on Iran that will lead to war. The FAA has restricted American airplanes from flying over and near Iran, the Iranians could have targeted passenger planes flying in the nearby airspace at the time of shooting down the drone. We don’t know what the regimes are doing in Iran or if they are even in control of all of them. Stumbling around and having to make decisions with out clear information may lead to a problem will trying to figure out what is the best to get Iran to negotiate.
Do the Iranians even want to talk to Trump and his administration? They did under Obama, but Trump backed out of the Iranians nuclear deal in place and the tension has risen.
Of course let’s not forget the concentration camps that the border agents use to house the immigrants who have been crossing the southern border from Mexico. 72 hours is the max they should be held before moving on to the next step of processing. The ICE are not getting them for processing to get them back to their parents. Funds and communication has been breaking down to get get these needs taken care of.
A firsthand report of ‘inhumane conditions’ at a migrant children’s detention facility Remember, before the Civil war during the slave era, separating kids and families was used as punishment or at the whim of the white people.
Iranian hackers wage cyber campaign amid tensions with US Cyber attacks are not a new thing from Iran.
mp says he aborted retaliatory strike to spare Iranian lives
After calling off strikes on Iran, Trump suggests patience
If you don’t know, now you know: Sudan |The Daily Show This has been over looked.
These U.S. states are hit hardest by Trump’s tariffs Tennessee has the highest number.
Trump went to the G20 summit in Osaka, his daughter was also there. After a social media post via Twitter, a meeting with North Korea was arranged. North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un had his delegation killed after the last meeting. Protests continue in Hong Kong over the Chinese law to extradite criminals to the mainland. Meanwhile, members of Congress toured the facilities along the border used to hold asylum seekers and were appalled.
Trump and Kim’s DMZ meeting mixes show and substance
Kim-Trump border meeting: History or just a photo-op?
Six key takeaways from the G20 summit in Osaka
Putin says liberalism ‘eating itself,’ migrant influx wrong
Ivanka Trump’s G20 performance puzzles world leaders
France urges Iran to reverse breach of nuclear deal
Ocasio-Cortez describes ‘horrifying’ conditions at Texas migrant facility
Rich get richer, everyone else not so much in record U.S. expansion
‘Help’: Photos show hundreds of migrants squashed into cells, appealing for assistance Plus there has been a Facebook group used by Border Patrol agents for racial and sexual slurs. What if US citizens had to become refugees, would you expect to be treated the same as these have been treated?
Trump digs in amid censure of racist tweets about lawmakers This is rhetoric aimed at Congress members, US citizens. This was not about criminals, this was directed to representatives of the United States. Ironically, they are the government and are being paid to tell us how to run the government. The four ladies are also known as the squad. Trump complains about anything and everything, using his rhetoric to divide the nation and cast blame on anyone not like him. His rhetoric is in line with racists and white nationalists who use it to insult, degrade, and treat people of color as second class citizens.
House passes resolution condemning Trump’s racist comments
House condemns Trump ‘racist’ tweets in extraordinary rebuke
Angela Merkel: ‘I distance myself’ from Donald Trump’s racist comments
Tension still rises with Iran, they captured a tanker with a British flag.
At a campaign rally, the audience chanted “send her back”, the previous popular rally chant has been “lock her up”. Apparently there are complaints about those who complained about issues in the US. Trump’s rhetoric on those seeking asylum is that they should stay and make changes for things they don’t like. That is exactly what the squad is doing when they make so called complaints, attempting to make changes in their own country which happens to be the USA. Trump’s rhetoric favors those for him and rejects those against him. The United States has always had the freedom of speech. Trump’s speeches have been for his base and divisive against anyone else. Don’t forget that Trump complained a lot about Obama and complained about a football player who knelt in protest of racism.
Robert Mueller was interviewed by two committees of Congress. Basically Trump can be indicted after he leaves office, this is due to the Justice Department guidelines to not indict a sitting president. The Mueller Report did not exonerate the President. As for the President’s praise for Wikileaks being problematic, he thinks that “problematic is an understatement”. Also the Russians continue to influence campaigns online, as Mueller said “They’re doing it as we sit here, and they expect to do it in the next campaign.” What we have learned from this testimony/interview is that Russia and other countries are learning how and that they can use our own online systems to spread what they want to. Pay for ads, use the algorithms to your advantage, convince people to readily share it, and you can spread anything, and I mean anything. When asked if it’s now the norm for a candidate who knows a foreign power is trying to influence an election and does not involve the FBI, Mueller responded “I hope this is not the new normal, but I fear it is.” The Russians did work to influence the election and while the Trump campaign may not have coordinated with them, they did accept the help.
Trump threatens Guatemala after its court blocks asylum deal
After the affirmation that Russian is interfering with elections and other countries now know how to do it as well, Congress attempts to pass a bill for election security… and it fails to pass… Congressional inaction on vote security puts onus on states Here’s the kicker, many states and counties don’t have the money to increase security. Cyberbullying is on the rise too, we’re not even doing enough about our internal issues that it is little wonder that outside influence can be damaging. And this is fun news for the future boys and girls, the budget passed with a trillion dollar deficit. That means kids now and those yet to be born will be inheriting a bigger debt. The Latest: House passes bipartisan budget and debt deal Why can’t we be smart about our funds? Both parties are now the debt parties.
Supreme Court: Trump can use Pentagon funds for border wall
U.S. Supreme Court lets Trump use disputed funds for border wall
Barack Obama shares op-ed criticizing President Trump’s ‘poisoning of our democracy.’
Pelosi denounces Trump’s ‘racist attacks’ on Rep. Elijah Cummings and Baltimore And there have been more tweets that attack others like Al Sharpton. This is not an oops or misspoken rhetoric, it is not becoming of the office. We all make mistakes and can learn to adjust.
Recently I got a newsletter from Marsha Blackburn. The letter had a section declaring that she was working on safe guarding our private information online. I have to cry foul on this, Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill under the guise to restore internet freedom that passed that ended net neutrality that had been passed under the previous administration. Trump had appointed a new head of the FCC, and thats when they started to work to repeal the net neutrality laws. The law made it so corporations could exploit people’s online presence. Now she is wanting to keep our private information like our search histories safe, so we can opt out. We already had laws that needed improving to better protect people rather than benefit corporations. The opt out option would have been a better solution to strengthen the net neutrality laws that existed. Ever wonder why over the last year there was a major up tick in the pattern that you can be scrolling and then ads show up for what you are thinking or what you search for on different sites or apps, that’s what the law Blackburn did. The corporations can buy and sell your information a lot more freely, all they have to do is write it into their TOC. For example, if I wanted to put ads on this blog it would be best if I knew what you had been searching for or last saw that lead you to this page, the law would let me buy that information, your own IP could be exploiting this for their benefit too. This new round of laws for safe guarding private information is just a law to cover up what was undone when they should have been strengthening with clarity what was already there. This is the kind of thinking that we wanted to see stopped, laws being passed that protect corporations and take away protections for the people. What would be nice is if the people was considered first before the lobbyist and special interest groups stop that. I cry foul if Marsha Blackburn is trying to look like some sort of hero in this.
Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton had mass shooter white terrorists kill people. At the festival in Gilroy, 3 were killed and the terrorist shot himself. In El Paso at a Walmart, the terrorist killed 20 and the police arrested that one. In Dayton, 9 were killed and the police shot that terrorist. This is heartbreaking. Leadership has to address that there are a lot of weapons out there that are designed to kill people and we need to be protected from those who intend to harm others.
Chinese companies halt purchases of US agricultural products
ICE and HSI raided factories in Mississippi taking people into custody, leaving kids without parents. On a side note, Koch Foods that got raided already was sued for the low wages and discriminatory/abuses in twirling conditions and owed 3.7 million for that. They were conveniently raided for people who may have immigration issues even though the company uses e-verify. Instead of going after the company that lost the lawsuit over employee abuses who were the ones who did the hiring, yhey went after the people who would best benefit from such a lawsuit to improve work conditions. Keep in mind there has been a switch from going after companies that hire thise with an illegal status to going directly after the people. Seems a company can get away with abuses that way, just turn over the people without really improving work conditions. Allegations of labor abuses dogged Mississippi plant years before immigration raids
When The U.S. Government Tried To Replace Migrant Farmworkers With High Schoolers This article is about 1965, don’t forget that the US had policies and a farming culture that goes back further than the current administration’s rhetoric would suggest.
A running list of how President Trump is changing environmental policy Keep an eye on the changes that this administration has been doing to the environment. These things are to benefit corporations over people and animals. One thing that is being put in place is more transparency by declaring the cost of what it takes to save a species. Of course the plan is probably to say it cost too much to save a species or clean up the water or reduce air pollution so we can have the right to fresh clean air. We have super fund sites because some one approved things to be done that results in an epic disaster. These decisions are done locally, nationally, and globally. Court OKs Ban on Wildlife Cyanide Poisoning Across 10 Million Acres of Wyoming
Trump delays tariffs on Chinese cellphones, laptops, toys; markets jump Trump’s rhetoric has drastically changed to admit that US consumers are the ones paying for the tariffs.
Trump claims credit for Shell plant announced under Obama
There was a missile explosion in the Artic concerning a Russian missile test presumably of a nuclear powered. The US was conducting tests of nuclear powered missiles as late as 1967, due to radiation concerns the tests were ended. Russian military orders village evacuation, then cancels it
Trump official revises Statue of Liberty poem to defend migrant rule change What fresh hell is this… Trump official: Statue of Liberty poem refers to Europeans
Israel bars US congresswomen – with a nudge from Trump How is this even allowed…
There are reports of new jobs being added. I have a few questions, are these new full time jobs that pay someone a living wage? Are the jobs just another job a person adds on to the list of current jobs because the ones they have now don’t pay enough to live on? Are these long term jobs that one can retire with or are they temp jobs? What is the quality of these jobs?
US moves FEMA, Coast Guard money to fund border programs Meanwhile there is another tropical storm headed to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico braces for rain, power outages as Dorian nears Also for the third time Trump has not heard of a category 5 hurricane. For some reason he asked about nuking the hurricane, the nuclear fallout would be devastating.
Analysis: Trump’s conservative critics are speaking a code They are keeping the criticism on the down low.
Trump’s Dorian response: Par for the course This is sarcasm, but is also true.
Trump: ‘Bad people’ distorted Alabama Hurricane Dorian comments
‘Total devastation’: Hurricane slams parts of the Bahamas
Ever sent clothing or toys in response to a disaster? Here’s what probably happened to it Everyone should learn to give responsibly.
Air Force crew made an odd stop on a routine trip: Trump’s Scottish resort Curious about the spending, the oversight committee is on top of this.
As clinics close, more women go out of state for abortions Closing clinics doesn’t do what some think it should, people of means find alternative ways while those without make dangerous decisions or need financial support.
Trump’s Taliban invite another bold risk that’s unraveled What fresh hell is this? How is even going to work? Trump calls off secret meeting with Taliban, Afghan leaders
A new Cold War brews as Arctic ice melts
Exclusive: US extracted top spy from inside Russia in 2017
Exclusive: Russia’s show of military might in the Arctic
Trump fires national security adviser John Bolton This is the third National Security Advisor to leave.
These Republicans Are Running 2020 Primary Campaigns Against President Donald Trump
Trump admin won’t give temporary protected status to Bahamians who fled Hurricane Dorian What is wrong with this president, this isn’t American at all. This is like the regimes we have faught wars against. These are citizens of a neighboring country that was devastated. How would terrorists even get to the island to sneak in this way? How paranoid is he against people of color? This is racism, not a security strategy. This is the kind of thing that foreign powers could hold against the US’s character. This is a shame to turn away people in need. These citizens of course will tell their own government about how they are treated as guests, especially if the president’s administration treats them like assylum seekers reaching the southern border.
Trump strains to balance diplomacy, military threat to Iran After a Saudi oill refinery was attaked, then the tweets got a mixed bag of nuts. Does Trump know that tye Saudis will use the US to fight a war that we have no business getting into. Bolton went out just in time, he was bent on making war with Iran. PERSIAN GULF TENSIONS
Washington plunges into Trump impeachment investigation
How President Xi Jinping is transforming China at home and abroad
The impeachment inquiry: “We could not ignore what the president did.”
Trump Impeachment Inquiry (AP News) This an ongoing collection of news related to the Impeachment Inquiry. Hopefully this saves me from having to add links constantly.
U.S. prepares to withdraw from northern Syria before Turkish operation This is such a bad situation for the Kurds, abandoning an ally and leaving them to Turkey. Trump’s Syria withdrawal: Who stands to gain? And so it begins… Turkey begins offensive against Kurdish fighters in Syria Oh my goodness, he should have known Turkey would do this so quickly since they were wanting to create the 20 mile buffer zone. Their targets are concerning. Just having US troops with the Kurds was protecting them from Turkey.
Kremlin relishes US pullback from Syria, turmoil in Ukraine
Syria’s Kurds look to Assad for protection after US pullout Also it’s heartbreaking that Turkey’s militia are committing war crimes.They also have no other choice but to try to get Russia to help.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump muddles facts on US Syria withdrawal
Trump warned Erdogan in letter: ‘Don’t be a tough guy’ or ‘a fool’ Is this how official state letters are written to foreign heads of state?
Trump leaves Turkey, Syria ‘to argue it out’ and clashes with U.S. House Speaker
Trump dismisses Syria concerns; Dems walk out of WH meeting The House voted to condemn the withdrawal of troops from Syria. To be fair Turkey has been planning this buffer zone plan for a while. Abandoning an Ally looses our credibility for future peace. The Kurds are scrambling for help from Russia and Syria. Basically we don’t know what the extent of what Turkey will do. Kurds have lost trust in the US, their future grandchildren will also not trust the US.
U.S. troops, Kurdish fighters to leave Syrian border region The Kurds are blaming Trump for this.
Trump says being president has cost him $2 billion to $5 billion Until tax returns are released, we really don’t know if he even has been making money. He could be exaggerating his potential earnings. Trump as president still operates like a business man that does what he wants and gets away with it when he should realize that as president he’s now a government official bound to the rule of law. He can’t do as he wants, he is still held accountable for his actions.
There were a few days that Nancy Pelosi and Trump said each had a meltdown. A photo of the meeting went out, in it was a room full of white men and just a few women with Nancy standing up.
Trump blasts critics who pushed him to cancel G-7 at Doral Camp David has been used before. Even his tweet saying he cancel that read like an advertisement for his resort.
US diplomat: Trump linked Ukraine aid to demand for probe
Opening Statement of Ambassador William B. Taylor – October 22, 2019
AP Fact Check The Associated Press has a helpful collection of fact checking articles, mainly related to the false claims Trump makes or references. The false claims of the week includes those made by other political parties.
Trump says US forces cornered IS leader in dead-end tunnel I caught the live news conference. I did notice that he cnetered the military operation on him. Any way, I also caught in the rhetoric for the Kurdish incident, he has made orders that the military protect the oil and that we should have got oil and money out of Iraq, nothing about doing it to help people or protect allies or even protect people. That just lacks integrity. AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s exaggerations on predicting bin Laden A Kurd operative got close to the leader, providing vital information. He did the right thing by helping despite the President’s abandonment of the Kurds.
Reuters Exclusive: U.S. withholding $105 million in security aid for Lebanon – sources This is a chance for Russia to provide the support they need.
The Latest: House passes rules package for impeachment probe This sets up the rules and procedures, and it even gives the Republicans more rites than they have given Democrats in the past. Trump Impeachment Inquiry
The Issues Surrounding Katie Hill’s Resignation Let’s call out the double standard of misogynistic culture, a male can do far worse and be elected president. California Rep. Katie Hill resigns amid ethics investigation Let’s call out the low life ex-husband who leaked photos with out her consent.
Trump to face limits of his power in impeachment hearings He’s been ignoring the checks and balances of the Constitution.
Pence praises rule that would let adoption agencies exclude gay parents This is a big no. How can I say no enough. In a particular religious belief system you can have your own rules for excluding others but for the public when you have people of many different beliefs you can not force people to follow your own set of beliefs. As a person of faith, I value the freedom of others too. The USA founding fathers lived under a system that required people to be under the state religion whether or not they actually believed in the state religion or not. The new world was the way to get away from such requirements, and taking away someone’s freedom outside of your own set of beliefs is no way to encourage people to even consider your beliefs. How Do Christians Fit Into the Two-Party System? They Don’t If you can take time to read this opinion piece, you will find that in other countries people are able to be conservative in their church and what some here in the US thinks to be socialist in their politics and voting.
Stephen Miller’s Affinity for White Nationalism Revealed in Leaked Emails I’m just going to leave this here for consideration, and this sort of thing needs to end.
NATO leaders appear to gossip about Trump in unguarded chat Not exactly representing the presidential office to the world. AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s misstatements at NATO summit And not exactly having his facts straight, it gets old when you have to fact check everything that comes from the president.
And this happened… Trump criticizes climate activist Thunberg after Time honor Who does this sort of thing? Like really, what kind of person does this?
Matt Gaetz misleads about Obama’s record on Ukraine military aid
Congress returns to McConnell’s legislative ‘graveyard’
Mexican children shiver in tents at U.S. border as temperature freezes
While the House debates the articles of Impeachment… Under the fundamentalist rule of Republicans the ghostlighting rhetoric is that any one in the middle is the radical left, meanwhile those in the middle know what the radical left really looks like… Also, for someone who wants to drain the swamp, he sure does a lot of campaigning for the next election and very little to bring the people together, not spend time only speaking to his own supporters. One of the issues we all have is that once elected the representatives have to hit the campaign trail while also working on laws for the people. I know I posted an article on that earlier in this post.
Meanwhile, at a campaign rally happening at the same time as the Impeachment vote… Widow, Republicans and Democrats blast Trump for crass Dingell ‘hell’ comment
President Donald Trump impeached by US House, 3rd in history
Divided U.S. House impeaches Donald Trump in historic vote
Trump Should Be Removed from Office An editorial from an editor in chief, I’m more surprised it took this publisher this long to come to this conclusion.
Column: Trump’s tax cut was a mammoth fraud After 2 Years, Trump Tax Cuts Have Failed To Deliver On GOP’s Promises
Trump deploys more troops to Mideast after embassy attack
Top Iranian Commander Is Killed in U.S. Airstrike in Baghdad Iran says powerful general killed in US airstrike in Iraq For someone who has said he doesn’t want war, Trump knows exactly what to do to start one. Ironically, he tweeted years ago saying that Obama was using such tactics to win reelection. The Iranians are typically slow and think things through before retaliation. Haven’t the US been doing this back and forth for 40 years? This was a terrorist leader, the Iraqis would be glad for it, we’ll have to wait and see what the fall out will be.
US long watched Soleimani, but feared risks of a strike Congress didn’t approve this attack and also this is bringing Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea together more than it has been.
1998 US Embassies in Africa Bombings Fast Facts Attacks on US embassies have happened in the past, amd recently the protesters in Bagdad being aggressive towards the US embassy harkens back to those past events and what was done for those tragic events. I thought to put that idea here just to ponder. 1998August 07 U.S. embassies in East Africa bombed
Iraq vote, Hezbollah threat leveled at US troops in Mideast
Iraq wants foreign troops out after air strike; Trump threatens sanctions Ok, why are sanctions being threatened on Iraq if they ask the US to remove troops? It’s their land, their country. Bully tactics are not going to have the response he thinks they will give, tension will increase.
Extremists attack Kenya military base, 3 Americans killed
After years of U.S. reluctance, Trump orders killing of Iran general hiding in plain sight Ttump was given options on how how to respond, and taking out Soleimani was the one he picked… Let that sink in…
UN chief: Highest global tensions this century risk mistakes Ordinary people are the ones who suffer.
Scores Of People In Puerto Rico Remain Without Shelter, Power Days After 6.4 Quake The earthquake happened on January 7th. Puerto Rico Declares State Of Emergency After Quake Rocks Residents Awake The wildfires in Australia have been raging over most of the country, and the Iran conflict has been a distraction. Quake-stunned Puerto Rico hit by another 5.9-magnitude shock
Iran says it ‘unintentionally’ shot down Ukrainian jetliner At first they claimed it was engine trouble. A few videos and even a few pictures of soviet rocket parts quickly gave a different idea. This new Iranian report is more in line with what the rest of the world already knew. During the missile strike on the US airbase in Iraq, the Iranians shot down a civilian airplane full of couples and children traveling to Canada.
Trump Ratings Remain Low Around Globe, While Views of U.S. Stay Mostly Favorable Trump sticks to rallies with his supporters and does little to interact with the rest of the world.
Video: Iran police shoot at those protesting plane shootdown
AP FACT CHECK: Trump says Pelosi, Dems defended Iran general That is a necessary read. We expect Iranian officials to bend the truth or lie to their people, the president of the United States should fact check before speaking and tweeting. Even his press secretary got called out for a false claim… White House spokesman roasted over Obama tweet
How people around the world see the U.S. and Donald Trump in 10 charts
America’s Great Divide: From Obama to Trump
Racism in the Era of Trump: An Oral History
Russia Hacked Ukrainian Company Linked To Trump Impeachment, Security Firm Says
Putin shake-up could keep him in power past 2024 as cabinet steps aside
Governor claims ‘executive privilege,’ denies public records A little local news for Tennessee, ran on the platform to be more transparent but not so much so far.
Watchdog: White House violated law in freezing Ukraine aid
Why climate change means new risks for U.S. financial markets This PBS Newshour is about the Blackrock financial following the climate changes and making better choices that help instead of putting funds in harmful investments. The Democratics and Republicans can be dead locked against each other and nothing gets done or as power shifts they make laws that are then undone when the power shifts again. People are tired of it and their investments are going to better solutions for the world rather than sticking with the same old thing that has been harming the environment and hopefully they start noticing those who are taking advantage of workers too.
Word of the day from the Senate Impeachment trial: Pettiflogging
Got Impeachment Trial Milk? These Senators Do Apparently according to the old rules they can drink water and milk. A sketch artist, since cameras are not allowed to view the senators, included a sketch of one sleeping, someone writing with a quill, and a spittoon could be seen.
Trump Removes Pollution Controls on Streams and Wetlands I wonder if this is so his goof course companies can expand, and do it without regards to the consequences.
Pompeo Won’t Say Whether He Owes Yovanovitch An Apology. ‘I’ve Done What’s Right’ While the Impeachment trial continues, reporters are asking questions about the actions taken concerning Ukraine. I think Americans should be concerned about Ukraine. We know Iran could make a nuclear weapon, Israel and European countries can take care of that as easily as the USA when there is group support for action. Ukraine being attacked by Russia is another matter since that can be a world war level problem.
Reuters search topic: Impeachment
Why Republicans are taking aim at a war hero to defend Trump That’s my Senator doing this, and it’s not appropriate. Dear Marsha Blackburn, bad mouthing someone is a reflection on your own character.
I’m not sure why the Trump defense lawyers keep bringing up Biden concerning. Biden’s actions concerning Ukraine was to end corruption and to bring in European help. Trump was trying to get political dirt on Biden to use against him in the campaign and was using money aid that was already designated and approved by congress. The lawyers theory was that this should be left to the campaign trail and not the impeachment trial… Yeah, that’s why we are having this trial to see if we need to get rid of him now or will have to wait until the next election cycle to vote in someone else. The witnesses, the actual recording of the phone call, documents, and the whistle blower will help determine the impeachment.
U.S. Supreme Court lets hardline Trump immigration policy take effect What fresh hell is this… Ok people, the word of the day is aporophobia. Didn’t anyone look at the anti-discrimination laws, should there be laws against eugenics. One day someone might get hurt at their job and so they shouldn’t be insured or even hired to begin with. Why was this needed, except to give biased rejects for no reason. Why did congress even allow such a thing the be brought up.
GOP lacks votes to block trial witnesses, McConnell concedes Well, witnesses and the whistle blower would be needed even if many in the GOP doesn’t want them to testify.
Trump peace plan delights Israelis, enrages Palestinians
Trump leaps into Middle East fray with peace plan that Palestinians denounce
Trump releases long-awaited Middle-East peace plan
Trump lawyer blurs lines between charity and profit
Trump trial could end soon; Alexander says no to witnesses While Alexander agrees that the Democrats have proved Trump did something wrong, listening to the witnesses will help determine the scope of his actions and the extent of the cover up that followed so it can be judged if it was worth removing from office or warrant other consequences.
Trump acquittal now likely Wednesday; Senate nixes witnesses
U.S. farm bankruptcies hit an eight-year high: court data
What does wealth inequality look like?
Becerra v Trump: How California is using the courts to fight the administration
The word of the day is Neoliberalism… This word is new to me and after some investigating, it’s the word I’ve been looking for. I’ve been lumping conservative, evangelicals, fundamentalist views together not knowing that this is the view point they have been adopting and adapting, and here it is in one word. Time and time again neoliberalism was good only for politics and did damage to the economy. There is no evidence that the movement conservatives economic policies work.
Neoliberalism – the ideology at the root of all our problems
Neoliberalism: the idea that swallowed the world
Pros and cons of neoliberalism
What was liberalism? #3 Neoliberalism | Philosophy Tube
White House Touts Help For Poor Areas — But Questions Endure Over Who’ll Benefit
The Last Great Neoliberal Experiment Comes to a Neighborhood Near You
Treasury’s internal watchdog is probing the Trump administration’s Opportunity Zone program Kushner, Trump’s son in law, is involved.
Kushner sells stake in firm criticized for possible conflict
The Iowa caucus ended up having an app glitch for votes. The Senate had final trial arguments on Monday, Tuesday evening is the 2020 State of the Union address, and Wednesday is the Senate vote on the Impeachment Trial… And of course the opening remarks has errors. Let’s face it that poverty is a wider scope than we let on. My hometown is loosing 350 jobs this year while the company puts the company first knowing that there are not many replacement jobs to match, and it’s the community leaders job to attract jobs that do better for the community. Job numbers might be on the rise, but there are low wage jobs and people need multiple jobs to make a living. Millions have come off of food stamps, surprise, that happens when you make cuts and kick people off the program, but the military got funds. As for school choice, works great in cities with lots of choices already, but if you live out in rural areas the choices are slim to none. Homeless student population is at the highest is has ever been. There was theatrics that appealed to his base. Ok, definitely hitting the Neoliberalism check list and the speech was basically a campaign commercial. Why is Trump against the rest of the world?
Nancy Pelosi tore up the speech after it was done… People have been ranting and raving over that action… I’m goin to leave this here from 2018… Meet the guys who tape Trump’s papers back together
AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s exaggerated ‘great American comeback’
Great American Comeback? Trump’s economy has both boom and gloom
Fact-checking Donald Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address
FactChecking the State of the Union
H.R.3 – Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act During the State of the Union address, Trump asked for a bill that lowers drug costs… Well, the house already passed it and it is in the pile on the majority leader’s desk for the Senate to go over and vote on. It’s already happened in the House and was bipartisan, and has been waiting in the Senate. This was an actual thing last fall, also pictures of the pile on the majority leader’s desk circulated around.
During the speech, Trump used some theatrics. One was to give the Presidential Medal of Honor to a very divisive racist radio/podcast personality. Keep in mind, this person has said a lot of extreme comments on politics and women, definitely not a good example for receiving the award. There are a lot more of the far right talking than those on the far left. I’ll say this here, the far right have and keep pushing things further right and spend a lot of time claiming everything that is not with them is a liberal socialist agenda. Most if not all of those in the middle know what socialism is and don’t understand how they can be lumped into that. I’ve posted about Neoliberalism already, and you need to read about that. The ones who want to keep progressing laws away from damaging the environment, support equal rights, education for all, raising people out of poverty, health care for those who can’t afford it, away from racism, and more gets lumped into being called liberal socialists by the far right conservatives. The talk radio and tv shows are opinions with theatrical entertaining methods to keep listeners coming back and to gain financial support. This is like YouTube celebrities who keep doing extreme stunts for likes and followers, and the next person who picks up followers goes even farther to get even more likes and followers. The same model is done with posts on social media, using anything to get attention to say something extreme, and to monetize from likes and shares. And this is how foreign sites make money and spread whatever, they wouldn’t be doing it if they weren’t making money from it since people keep clicking. Tabloids are another example of using extreme titles and photos just to get you to buy or click on their content. Wrong conclusions and rumors spread faster than actual news, and that’s also how the far right keeps going further to the right, so far right that they view those in the middle as the left… The Media Biased Chart version 5.1
The impeachment trial of Trump
Keep in mind that there was a National Prayer breakfast the morning after. Arthur Brooks read Jesus’ sermon on the mount, encouraging to forgive your enemies. Trump said he didn’t know if he agreed with him. https://youtu.be/fLDnhL648qI Remarks by President Trump at the 68th Annual National Prayer Breakfast This is concerning, considering that Arthur Brooks was reading from Jesus’ words. Loving Enemies Is Hard at Post-Impeachment Prayer Breakfast
Trump’s follow up speech, acquittal celebration, to the Senate Impeachment Acquittal is very divisive and speaks to just his followers, he is making no attempt to unite the nation. Bills passed under a Democrat majority are being overlooked, when if it was a Republican majority passing the exact same bill then it is praised and seen as congress doing something. The mixed messages are what people are tired of, in Congress and the White House political parties are not to be the dominate means of decisions when you represent all people. This speech just caters to his base and Republicans, in contrast when a Democrat speaks it is expected to address everyone no matter the politics or else they would be viewed as biased… The time is being used as a campaign speech… Loyalty will be rewarded ad of course wants the party to fall in line with his power over the party, and he is looking for revenge…
Speaking of revenge, or just plain if they don’t join in on his immigration crack down then he will have the Feds apply pressure. Trump administration limits New Yorkers’ access to travel passes Keep in mind that this is because of the New York license policy. The back story of the New York driver’s license law Ok, the conseratives want less government involvement and to give rights back to states, here we are seeing more Federal regulations upon a state. I don’t understand the switch in one of their fundamental tenants…
When you criticize something so much you run the risk of becoming the very thing you are criticizing… Trump is lashing out against his opponents, the response he’s grasping for would make anyone look bad if they met him with his own ethics and style… He did use a prayer breakfast to call out opponents, which is not what a prayer breakfast is for, it’s supposed to bring people together not be used to divide. The Maine Senator Who Said ‘No’ To Joe McCarthy Margaret Chase Smith said:“The American people,” she said, “are sick and tired of seeing innocent people smeared. …I do not want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny — Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Smear.” Remember, this was 1950, McCarthyism would kick in full force after this. And from Michelle Obama, when they go low we go high. No matter the party, you are expected to have dignity becoming of the office.
Trump claims his policies are driving great economic growth. What does the data say? Presidents and of course every other politician wants to complain about the last one’s economy and promise or even boast about what he will do to make it better, and even make claims policies are making it better. Reality, well, that depends on the confidence in leadership, rich don’t want to pay more taxes or not at all, the poor don’t want more taxes, and everyone really needs a lot from the government in many hidden ways we don’t see everyday and absolutely need to function as a nation. Spending, savings, and even investments change with trends. It would be nice if we didn’t have to worry about a particular political party being in charge, when in reality, the laws being passed should be from law makers working together.
Here’s the difference between a ‘socialist’ and a ‘democratic socialist’ I mentioned gaslighting earlier, and I want to emphasize that those who are democratic socialists don’t want socialism. Much of the rhetoric from the right/movement conservative/fundamentalist/Neoliberalism will confuse democratic socialists with socialism. Ironically, while democratic socialists are against authoritarian socialism, the right seems to be grasping that more and more to get their view point across, the book The Animal Farm covers how that happens.
Revenge!!?
Trump ousts ambassador who testified in impeachment inquiry
Trump ousts White House staffer who testified against him in impeachment: lawyer
Prosecutors quit as Justice Dept. seeks shorter sentence for Trump ally
Trump accused of another quid pro quo, this time with New York
Emboldened, Trump defends right to interfere in criminal cases
Trump commutes Blagojevich sentence, pardons junk bond king Milken What in the fresh bizarro world is this? President Trump goes on clemency spree, and the list is long What about people who are serving ridiculous sentences for things far less consequential and are not his friends or acquaintances?
2016 again? Trump rejects intel reports of Russian meddling American people spread falsehoods and half truths faster than the Chinese coronavirus. It’s easy for misinformation to get created, and apparently the Russians don’t have to do much to spread it around, people are more than happy to spread it around and even make it worse. Oh, here’s an idea, shut down the monetizing of content or the ability to buy ad space here to those areas of the world, that would help slow down the motive to create such content. The change in director of the National Intelligence Agency is rather troublesome, they know the job and information needs to be shared whether or not a president is worried about how bad it reflects on him.
Trump angry after House briefed on 2020 Russia election meddling on his behalf Something concerning is that the replacement of director is not from the intelligence sector. This is more chaos.
Trump urges calm even as US reports worrisome new virus case This is concerning. Trump did propose cuts to the CDC and luckily Congress didn’t go along with that, also Pence initially botched an HIV epidemic sticking to party lines instead of public interest. Trump’s office will be more concerned with spread of criticism than the virus.
CDC Info: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CORVID-19)
New Research: Bats Harbor Hundreds Of Coronaviruses, And Spillovers Aren’t Rare
NEW REPORT: TRUMP HAS ACCUMULATED 3,000 CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Stocks plummet amid coronavirus fears and oil-price crash
AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s rosy take on govt’s handling of virus He’s more worried about his numbers than the number of lives at stake. His incompetence is showimg
The coronavirus is a globalist. Here are 5 ways that’s a problem for Trump.
One pf the ideas that came out of the White House is a cut in the payroll tax during the Corvid-19 crisis. Ok, this benefits the company but doesn’t do anything to provide relief to those who will lose work time and income during the illness. Maybe pay each person who gets corvid-19 so they can actually afford to take time off work to recover and avoid spreading the virus.
Analysis: Trump’s virus playbook offers US vs world strategy Trump is not a world leader, he does little beyond a focus on the US and his core followers to inspire respect from the rest of the world.
Reporter: White House Knew Of Coronavirus’ ‘Major Threat,’ But Response Fell Short This was so the numbers would be low for the campaign. Also this transcript gives an insight to the chaos. We’re behind other countries on tests.
Virus Outbreak AP News category
As coronavirus chaos spreads globally, Trump declares U.S. emergency
President Trump Declares National Emergency As Coronavirus Pandemic Grows
Trump Caught Google Off Guard With a Bogus Coronavirus Site Announcement
FACT CHECK: Trump’s Accusations About The Obama Administration And Swine Flu Keep in mind that Trump announced at a rally Monday March 2nd that he just learned about the number of deaths from the flu annually, everyone knows this but him. That’s why people are in a panic and Trump’s response has been lacking. Behind Trump’s coronavirus shift
Iraq officials: Rocket attack hits base housing US troops
Senate rebukes DeVos for cruel re-write to “borrower defense” rule
Dow falls 2,200 points, trading halted, as rate cut fails to calm markets The neoliberal play book is to place companies over people… Keep in mind that when people have reduced work that means less money being made for rent and spending. Money in people’s hand for spending and saving/investing puts money into the economy. What ever the government does to prop up corporations does little to build consumer confidence. The quick selling price drops means it’s a good time to buy before the prices go back up. Large companies are being hit hard, it’s going to be worse for small companies and individuals who can’t reboud as quickly.
Trump pushes for massive aid from Congress, checks to public Congress is having to work together for solutions. What is coming out is promising, what’s tricky is we don’t know what the president will say before it’s jad time to be reviewed. Right now a $1000 check means going to a bank sometime in April after the initial 15 day, and will help the momentum for the economy. Creating jobs that might be lost is going to be slow mainly because business has to be built up over time when we don’t know how long it will take for people to go back into public full force.
Virus poses a test: Can fractured Washington still ‘go big’?
One of the things that is happening is that essential medical supplies are being over run by Federal and state purchases as bids are not going to the most needs. Later we might be looking at how the Federal government is buying and companies are more than willing to get those contracts while hospitals and states are trying to get to those supplies, which may take a long time to get through the Federal government paper work. We’re not sure if this is helping at the moment. During a press conference, trump seems to think that contracts should be going to other needs before the Federal ones, in reality this may not be happening since some don’t have the guarantees that come with a Federal contract.
Trump angrily defends his handling of coronavirus pandemic
CBS 60 Minutes: Fed official uncertain how economy will fare during the coronavirus crisis
Over 1.5 billion globally told to stay home to avoid virus
Analysis: Trump struggles to adjust to crisis presidency This reads like a Frontline documentary. Most of his rhetoric has been to blame others and criticize the very things he is having to do now, even taking credit for good things he wasn’t involved in. Decisions have to be made that are not political and are best for the first three words of the Constitution. We’ll see how this all plays out, Trump is good at stepping back and letting things happen so he gets the credit.
Tensions rise as $2 trillion virus aid stalls in Washington Nows not the time for shady practices placed in the bill, Congress has responsibility to the people.
FACT CHECK: Trump Says 50,000 Could Die From Flu. So Far, It’s Half That We have a lot of flu deaths and that is a reflection of our current healthcare system, we’ll have to address this since this new virus has already overwhelmed other countries and we are vastly dependent on jobs proving insurance along with paid time off to be able to properly handle this situation. AP FACT CHECK: Trump hype on auto industry and ventilators
Trump, Congress agree on $2 trillion virus rescue bill It’s now a waiting game. I don’t think going back to work just for the economy will have the results Trump is hoping for. It’s only beginning and Covid-19 will infect many.
Seasonal Flu vs. Pandemic Flu Sadly there are those during this pandemic that still think this is just another flu, this is a virus that is brand new to humans. This has to be taken seriously and like past pandemics such as the 1918 influenza, scarlet fever, typhoid, and cholera, even the various plagues that killed large numbers in Europe. What 1918 Spanish Flu Death Toll Tells Us About COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
Trump signs $2.2T stimulus after swift congressional votes
https://mobile.twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1244320570315018240 Apparently it’s ratings over lives. People tune in to hear the president because we are not at work and we hope we are getting important information to save lives. People are tuning in to get information from Dr. Fauci who has a handle on what really is happening. Ratings during this time should only mean that people are getting the important information regardless of who the president is. Trump brags about high TV viewership of coronavirus briefings
Trump extends virus guidelines, braces US for big death toll
Trump backs off plan to reopen businesses by mid-April amid coronavirus warnings
‘We’re trying to keep our heads above water’: U.S. healthcare workers fight shortages – and fear
Healthcare for all, living wages, labor rights, and unemployment insurance cannot be viewed as far left. These are common issues. We need to treat each other well, and not abandon anyone.
U.S. Congress eyes next steps in coronavirus response
AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s misfires on virus death rates, tests
U.S. senators defend selling shares before coronavirus crash Insider trading…
Double strike: Tornado, virus push Tennesseans to the limit
Stuck at home and jobless, Americans confront growing costs of coronavirus
3M warns against Trump’s order to limit face mask exports How we conduct ourselves during a crisis says a lot about who we really are.
Leaders back Navy firing of ship captain; sailors cheer him Some heroes don’t wear capes, and this Captain put his crew above his career… The next one will have to face the spread of Covid-19 on the ship…
Trump’s optimism during the daily press conferences isn’t exactly helping matters. People are in homes without work, some were looking or waiting on work before this started. We get that the Republican party wants to rely on states rights and let the governors make their own decisions. This has meant that states are bidding against each other for PPE and ventilators. Also the Republican governor of TN had been relying on cities to be ones to give lockdown mandates, which the major cities already have but the smaller ones haven’t done much more than say there are CDC guidelines. Keep in mind local media broadcasts crosses county lines and gives more emphasis on the major city that they are located and this leaves people with a gap on knowing what their town is doing, local newspapers barely exist. National media focuses more on the nation as a whole, people have become accustomed to this level of information rather than relying on local news. This may be major part of why the Republican party leadership is at odds with media, especially since the President past hasn’t been the best for the level the office demands. He finally started to admit the dire situation we’re with death projection numbers we already knew about. Trump: ‘Going to be a lot of death’ in U.S. next week from coronavirus We’re looking for solid leadership, even of it’s just saying we need to listen to local leaders and governors, not political rhetoric or adhering to a policy checklist.
His repeated use of a racial slur of Covid-19 is cringe worthy for Asian Americans who have been targeted with hate crimes has done little to unite people. We also get that he’s had a long history with models and that’s the models he’s more familiar with than the statistic models for the virus projections.
Jared Kushner’s Role In Coronavirus Response Draws Scrutiny, Criticism Ironically Trump’s ran on the idea to drain the swamp, and he filled it with a quagmire, namely family members and employees and friends and campaign supporters. Basically he’s filling roles with people who are yes people and loyal to him like ancient kings did.
U.S. ‘wasted’ months before preparing for virus pandemic
Are states in a bidding war over medical gear with the feds?
Federal Government Outbids Kentucky For Medical Equipment Amid Shortage
Report: Outbreak triggers drop in climate-changing emissions Photos of some cities show less haze.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump myths on new jobs, airport virus tests
The Latest: Trump criticizes World Health Organization
‘Please Don’t Politicize This Virus,’ WHO Head Says After Trump Threatens Funding
Trump slams U.S. watchdog’s report on shortages at coronavirus-hit hospitals The watchdog did it’s job, the report didn’t live up to the positive rhetoric Trump would like people to believe.
CDC removes unusual guidance to doctors about drug favored by Trump
As Trump rails against mail voting, some allies embrace it Worried about the reelection…
U.S. Now Has the World’s Deadliest Coronavirus Outbreak
AP FACT CHECK: Trump attacks govt watchdogs on false grounds
As the going gets tough, America returns to experts for help
A Month After Emergency Declaration, Trump’s Promises Largely Unfulfilled Ironic that many in the Republican party will say the Democrats do nothing, apparently the gaslighting speeches do not get the results promised when you don’t negotiate before the presentation. We already knew back then that he caught companies off guard.
‘Elbow to elbow:’ North America meat plant workers fall ill, walk off jobs This the sort of thing that we have been hoping wouldn’t happen. This is reality for workers who are doing important work to keep us fed. Also this paints a picture of how far the separation is between workers and the White House.
Signs missed and steps slowed in Trump’s pandemic response The reason people were saying Trump’s travel ban on those from China was that it excluded Americans, it didn’t quarantine all people traveling from China to the USA which was a lot of people. Meanwhile, the Covid-19 spread here from Europe. Trump made mistakes by ignoring warnings to focus on his own campaign and the impeachment. We saw reports on what was happening in Wuhan, but that was overshadowed by other interests too.
Trump uses pandemic virus briefing to air laudatory video
Trump claims ‘total authority’ over state decisions
Trump claims ‘total’ authority, over govs, to reopen economy
A U.S. tribe’s uphill battle against climate change
Trump’s halting of funds to WHO sparks worldwide rebuke
Trump threatens to adjourn U.S. Congress over ‘scam’ preventing appointments
What does Trump’s funding freeze mean for the WHO?
Trump looks to ease distancing in places; CEOs urge caution Also some governors are also warning that things will be slow to restart and won’t be normal such as more masks in public.
The daily president news briefings have given us a mix of information and misinformation. Dr Fauci has been helpful. The Monday the 13th briefing was attacking the media, this was after a weekend of the #presidentialdisaster on twitter and various headlines. Media Bias Chart 5.1 He uses the term fakenews so often in his campaign speeches for his base. Keep in mind, headlines are used attract readers. Also on the 24/7 talking media shows they have to fill the time with discussions and opinions. If you have noticed, I tend to stick to AP News, Reuters, and NPR/PBS news to link to. The further from the center, you get more clever headlines and subjects to attract readers and have increased advertisements. Media has to be at briefings due to the historical aspect of what ever a president says and does. People tune in when the briefings are informative, concise, and full of facts. These briefings have been straying and becoming more propaganda, gaslighting, and have misinformation and contradictions like his rallies. We don’t have to dwell on mistakes or blame others, we just have to focus on what we’re going to do about it.
Medical intelligence sleuths tracked, warned of new virus
Virus pandemic collides with Trump’s disdain for foreign aid Spinning 180’s on aid and equipment… We, the whole world, are in this together… At least we can talk about what our leaders are doing… Here’s the thing, we can help people even when we are in need of help, that’s who we are, and it’s not done so we get something in return. Trump’s son in law, while doing what ever job was given to him by his father in law, referred to ventilators bought by the Federal government as “our” ventilators not for the states. So the Feds can hoard them, states are then having to find them on their own when the Feds are out bidding them. Need to be part of the solution, not the problem.
My Wild, Totally Surreal Experience Covering a Trump Coronavirus Briefing
Trump unveils three-stage process for states to end coronavirus shutdown
Coronavirus Latest: Despite Trump’s Optimism, There’s Still A Long Road To Reopening
Factbox: Trump’s coronavirus reopening guidelines
‘Tip of the iceberg:’ Nations struggle to count virus toll
U.S. coronavirus crisis takes a sharp political turn
‘LIBERATE!’: Trump pushes states to lift virus restrictions Can we say starting a riot or civil war is new… Keep in mind that he’s encouraging armed right-wing protestors who are threatening the governor of Michigan with lynching.
Explainer: Who’s WHO? The World Health Organization under scrutiny
Experts worry politics will guide voters’ virus precautions
AP FACT CHECK: Trump falsely blames governors for virus test
Oil prices bounce back, U.S. crude futures trade above zero This is new. Meanwhile, the air is cleaner from less use.
Trump says he’ll ‘suspend immigration,’ offers no details Ok, we understand that after the civil war, there has been an ongoing increase in racism in the government, like a lot. We have to remember be that people used and abused the system for racism. That’s why we are cautious about any attempt to exclude people that want to come here. Ironically, how we got a sections of our territory was by moving into the area and taking it over while remaining loyal to the US, I wonder if some think this is happening when people move to the US. People are looking for the freedoms and opportunities to work.
Trump Says He’ll Suspend Immigration For 60 Days Over Coronavirus Fears I still don’t get why’s this is happening, people traveling across the border has been low.
We’ve changed as a whole, the nation now sees the need for stockers and nurses and food plant workers and farm laborers and so many more. There’s a need for health care, living wages, paid time off, and more that political parties can’t overlook or downplay any more. The air is cleaner.
Political wrangling, controversy mark re-opening of U.S. states
U.S. coronavirus deaths top 45,000, doubling in little over a week: Reuters tally
FRONTLINE’s First Major Documentary on COVID-19 Premieres Tonight
Coronavirus Pandemic (full film) | FRONTLINE Due to the lack of Federal leadership, states have to compete with states, and cities compete with cities for supplies and tests. Good leaders can keep in check and steer people away from underlying problems, we’re seeing that this is not happening from the top.
What Happens If U.S. Reopens Too Fast? Documents Show Federal Coronavirus Projections
Timeline: What Trump Has Said And Done About The Coronavirus
More deaths, no benefit from malaria drug in VA virus study
China calls virus lawsuit brought by US state ‘very absurd’ Blaming China is not going to help, Trump has been trying to do that as well. When Trump put a ban on people from China, he excluded US citizens flying back and didn’t require quarantine for anyone flying in. People who may have had contact with Covid-19 were still getting through from China and also Europe where we got most of the spread from.
How Democratic governors and mayors are bucking Trump on stimulus benefits for immigrants
Special Report: Former Labradoodle breeder was tapped to lead U.S. pandemic task force
Iran-US tensions rise on Trump threat, Iran satellite launch
Doctors struggle to stay true to science but not cross Trump
AP-NORC poll: Few Americans trust Trump’s info on pandemic
Trump suggests ‘injection’ of disinfectant to beat coronavirus and ‘clean’ the lungs I’m just shocked at the lack of common sense… It does sound like questioning to get a handle on the information, but there is a disconnect from what the doctor was talking about and what Trump was comprehending. The Latest: Trump says disinfectant comments were sarcasm We understand sarcasm when it’s appropriate, this was a time for facts and concise information. It’s gaslighting. ‘Under No Circumstance’: Lysol Maker, Officials Reject Trump’s Disinfectant Idea There’s already a history of such bad ideas being tried. Trump’s disinfectant ideas horrify doctors and academics
Nashville musicians find themselves without jobs or benefits
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump’s briefings, key Senate races
Trump urges states to consider opening schools before summer Trump suggests that opening schools is key to the economy, meaning that parents can then go to work. The key to the economy is people making enough money to buy, save, and invest… People can go to work all they want, but until there are customers to buy said products and services then the economy will stall. This isn’t real estate where you borrow money to buy property and then sell it for a profit, people don’t always have a way to borrow money to make money for that type of transaction or even have the spare money to buy anything. Never mind the time it would take to space kids out in already overcrowded schools and have the extra help to do the necessary labor to do some of the things required to make it happen.
Poll: Cost makes nearly 1 in 10 leery of seeking COVID care The elected officials are not addressing the need for healthcare and medical care.
In over 6 weeks we passed the number of US soldier deaths in Vietnam.
Coronavirus: The US resistance to a continued lockdown
Trump slams cities, states seeking U.S. aid to offset coronavirus losses This is along Trump’s political party lines, typical Neoliberalism. What ever the reason for the need of aid, it’s still the citizens who need help. If you don’t want to help the cities or states, then how about helping the citizens.
You would think Trump’s administration would be preparing for the worst, as in lots of business closings and more that the economy will be facing. It’s easy to see what is happening in some countries, and learn what not to do.
U.S. coronavirus deaths surpass Vietnam War toll as Florida readies reopening plan
America First meets global pandemic, testing Trump worldview It is regression if you go backwards, especially if you haven’t proved it’s good for the nation and the world. We’re still trying to spread many of the freedoms we have even though we still need to fix the lack of equality of all.
Trump Questions Whether U.S. Should Aid ‘Democrat’ States This plays only to his base… I’ve heard Republicans say that they hope a Democrat winner to an office will reach across the aisle to help get things done. But when Republicans win they don’t even bother trying to compromise or work well with others. (Keep in mind there are more right wing talk entertainment shows than those in the middle or left) At one time the office of president was about uniting people. My 7th grade teacher taught a lesson in which she divided the class by eye color, half enjoying icecream, until some one made a rude comment about the other half, then that half got icecream. That was about prejudice behavior. The gaslighting has been going on so long that the right/far right thinks any one not them has to be a liberal socialist, this even includes the progressives, moderates, and centrists. Why can’t leadership work with all the people for equality instead of regression to a lesser time?
Trump speculates that China released virus in lab ‘mistake’ Normally you would think that the president would listen/trust to the intelligence reports to make sound judgements on what is shared or give opinions about. I don’t know what specific media sources he goes to regularly, but we do know the 24/7 talk show news outlets fill air time with speculation and opinions. I don’t know what to do with his speculation that isn’t backed by the intelligence reports. Coronavirus was ‘not manmade or genetically modified’: U.S. spy agency
White House blocks Fauci from testifying to Congress on coronavirus response It should be normal to investigate and have people involved to testify. Fauci has nothing to worry about, he hasn’t been making the final decisions.
AP FACT CHECK: Testing ‘czar’ rebuts Trump; vet care hyped
Sidelined by pandemic, Trump campaign turns to digital shows What is this? Didn’t even know this was happening, and it’s awful and may get worse. It lacks dignity and respect to the office.
Trade war relief money mostly going to large farms The last 3 years of the trade war tariffs have taken a toll on small farmers, they had spent years building relationships with customers and now are having to find new sources to sell produce to. With restaurants closed or with reduced services along with schools closed, consumers are buying from different sources like grocery stores and online. Farmers have wait on processing plants that have labor shortages and closures due to Covid-19. We expect tax payer money to go to where it’s actually needed. Who is putting be these regulations or loopholes in these bills? If we ended this by actually providing aid to working farmers, we could perhaps also afford more for SNAP and schools. Why are hundreds of people in big cities receiving bailout money meant for farmers?
Coronavirus Conundrum: How To Cover Millions Who Lost Their Jobs And Health Insurance Since WWII, it’s been debated if health insurance should be tied to jobs, while many jobs have cut or don’t even offer health insurance. We still have a lot of work to convince law makers and health insurance policy makers to think about what is best for the people. When you make a lot of money, then insurance isn’t a burden or even a noticed expense. When you barely make enough to live on then it is a burden, your freedom is taken away as a have-not. The conservative party wanted to repeal-and-replace ACA while in reality a few fixes in extending subsidies and funding would make it great. Why is this so political?
As seen in a previous article about farm subsidies and aid, it’s seems ok for money to go to people who don’t really need it while people who actually need help don’t get help. And before that, the CARES act for business bail out, we saw immediately funds running out while larger companies got the help when there was little going to smaller companies that actually needed the help. We witnessed that happen live, it was noticed by many who wanted to pay attention, even while there was arguments about including oversights and allowing watchdogs to do their jobs. This is the sort of thing that has been needed fixing in Congress, so money goes where it is needed and not into pockets of those who took advantage and opportunity over those who didn’t have a chance to get help. We got lucky that someone advised the president to send money directly to people and he actually ran with it before the Neoliberalism/movement conservative policy makers could stop it. There is a pattern here, we spend a fortune that ends up going to the haves just to get a little bit of help to the have-nots… Want to jump start the economy, put money in people’s hands so they can spend it by being customers for such things as savings, rent, mortgages, insurance, food, goods, and services. Putting money in companies would help some, but they would have to wait until customers have the money to spend.
Not-So-Small Businesses Continue To Benefit From PPP Loans
Trump’s anti-China rhetoric aimed at boosting US leverage Remember the lies and rhetoric that got us into the Iraq war, yeah, that didn’t make America great and isn’t helping now. We still have a long way to go to make up for that. Trump spent time ignoring the warnings, maybe because it didn’t go with his style or agendas, there was a focus on Iran. Exclusive: Internal Chinese report warns Beijing faces Tiananmen-like global backlash over virus How about we don’t blame China, and take responsibility for our own actions. It was easy enough for US citizens flying back (from Europe, China, and everywhere else) to spread Covid-19. Trump keeps repeating his conspiracy theory. Testing could have caught them earlier and they could have been quarantined. Testing still hasn’t caught up to anywhere near to what it should be. Trump’s claims on testing hasn’t been even close to accurate.
Coronavirus: World leaders pledge billions for vaccine fight Trump is leading the US to do it’s own vaccine. The whole point of science research is to share information to benefit all of humankind, and it’s why there’s the internet.
Virus-afflicted 2020 looks like 1918 despite science’s march
Ousted U.S. whistleblower says Trump health official played down coronavirus threat
Rick Bright, Former Top Vaccine Scientist, Files Whistleblower Complaint
Republicans seek tax cuts in next coronavirus bill; senator warns Congress may spread virus There has to be transparency, this round for relief laws seems more about helping a few businesses than people.
‘It’s gone haywire’: When COVID-19 arrived in rural America
Trump says coronavirus worse ‘attack’ than Pearl Harbor This is troubling, it’s war rhetoric or not thought out very well. Trump’s persona will not accept blame or declare admission to many mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis. Oh, it could have been stopped at the “border” by quarantining those flying in, citizens and whoever else could have been sent straight to quarantine. We got a lot of spread from those returning from Europe. Democrats demand intel on coronavirus origins Time to show the intelligence reports. It’s like Bush and his administration did about weapons of mass destruction that were never found.
Trump administration buries detailed CDC advice on reopening
Why isn’t the flag flying at half staff for those dead from Covid-19…
Exclusive: Biden allies told to attack Trump’s stimulus as ‘cronyism’ Trump’s cronyism has been so obvious anyway, it’s sad.
Flynn dismissal a surprise? AG Barr in sync with Trump And here’s a bonus from the historian Heather Cox Richardson on May 8, 2020. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-8-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy There’s a lot of posts from Heather Cox Richardson, you can read and explore her writings. And here’s another post to read from May 2, 2020. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-2-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy
Why it matters that the NIH canceled a coronavirus research grant Apparently, due to misinformation, the Trump administration stopped and important grant, ironically the same administration had extended and increased funding to this research because of the importance. What I learned from this is that people are mistakingly blaming China or the lab, when conclusions still point to this starting from nature. If anything they hadn’t discovered it yet or it got over looked because it hadn’t jumped from animals to humans until the start of this pandemic. After this, they know more of what to look for and get a head start on future research need for tests. It’s the administration that ignored early warnings as this took off. And this was from April, Trump cuts U.S. research on bat-human virus transmission over China ties
How dishonest politics upended a coronavirus researcher’s funding
This happened… https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-10-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Also reported on Reuters In leaked call, Obama describes Trump handling of virus as chaotic This is basically what many are already thinking, but the Twitter storm from the current president is childishly making it into something it wasn’t. Like anything you read or hear, you can listen and evaluate, but just reacting and lashing out isn’t of upstanding character. Meanwhile, why isn’t the flag at half mast for those who died from Covid-19… President Trump evades question on ‘Obamagate’ You can watch it for yourself.
Trump abruptly ends news conference after spat with Asian American reporter You can watch it. Trump ends press conference abruptly after heated exchange with reporters It was a fair question,. And just for historical context https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-11-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy
‘The grief is so unbearable’: Virus takes toll on Navaho
AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s perfect China ‘ban,’ death toll myths
As China pushes back on virus, Europe wakes to ‘Wolf Warrior’ diplomacy Those in the EU have kept the pressure on China who has been trying to save it’s reputation with methods it uses with it’s own media. People just want honest answers. People in China want to know what is in the news. Those in the US spreading misinformation are just as bad as the disinformation campaign of the Chinese government.
Trump’s surprising target in war on media: Voice of America
U.S. Senate approves bill to pressure China over Uighur rights This is an abusive situation has been going on for a while. The sad thing is, this is something that some of Trump’s base would attempt here if left unchecked. Maybe this will give the president a clue to what happens when you don’t treat people well. Bolton says Trump didn’t just ignore human rights but encouraged China’s concentration camps
https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/videos/230066964953522/?app=fbl This will give you a history lesson on what has been shaping current political ideologies… Basically she describes the use of Neoliberalism in politics without using the term.
Maternity ward massacre shakes Afghanistan and its peace process
Brutal Afghan attacks highlight limitations of U.S.-Taliban deal
Pandemic planning becomes political weapon as deaths mount
Caught in Trump-China feud, WHO’s leader is under siege
President Obama’s Message to the Class of 2020
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-16-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Obama addressed graduates. One of the highlights is a quote from Heather: “He rejected the aggressive individualism that has defined America since the Reagan years “[I]t doesn’t matter how much money you make if everyone around you is hungry and sick…. [O]ur society and democracy only works when we think not just about ourselves, but about each other.”” Also another quote from Heather: “He placed America’s strength in community. “No one does big things by themselves. Right now, when people are scared, it’s easy to be cynical and say let me just look out for myself, or my family, or people who look or think or pray like me. But if we’re going to get through these difficult times; if we’re going to create a world where everybody has the opportunity to find a job, and afford college; if we’re going to save the environment and defeat future pandemics, then we’re going to have to do it together. So be alive to one another’s struggles. Stand up for one another’s rights. Leave behind all the old ways of thinking that divide us — sexism, racial prejudice, status, greed — and set the world on a different path.””
I’m going to take a moment to emphasize a lesson learned from a community leader working with impoverished areas of the Appalachian mountains. During times of economic struggling there are those who have lost their sense community and helping others. Ironically it is a Christian faith principal of helping each other and those outside of their community during struggle that is lost when blaming others and only thinking of yourself for surviving.
One political party likes to cut spending and taxes which results in deficit spending. Social services are cut by saying those are socialist liberal programs, but reality it’s a leg up to be able to survive while those out for themselves leave people behind.
Democrats: Fired watchdog was looking into Saudi arms sale If they have nothing to hide, why would they need to fire any of the watchdogs for doing their jobs. Part of the arms deal is the sale of nuclear technology, also it will take a year for weapons to be ready so this isn’t an emergency.
Businesses Are Reopening, But Customers May Not Be Ready To Go Back During the last depression it took a while to recover and as the culture shifted.
Trump says he’s taking malaria drug to protect against virus This is a bad idea, people who don’t know what they are doing are going to try to obtain it and suffer the consequences. It’s irresponsible.
Trump slams Michigan, Nevada for expanding voting by mail, but drops funding threat Everyone should be encouraged to vote, voting by mail is a great idea to get a better response. Gerrymandering needs to end anyway.
We’re expendable’: Russian doctors face hostility, mistrust
U.S. pulls out of Open Skies treaty, Trump’s latest treaty withdrawal So this means less keeping tabs on Russia? And this is a good thing? What about the nations/territories Russia annexed? Can we still use satellites? How much does this make life easier for Russia to do what they want especially towards other countries?
Trump visits Ford plant in politically crucial Michigan, leaves mask off for cameras
Trump counting on Supreme Court to block probes, lawsuits If this was a Democrat president, the Republicans would be tripping over themselves in rage trying to get the information.
Trump warns governors: let places of worship open
Trump declares churches ‘essential,’ calls on them to reopen Reporters challenged the press secretary who was not straight forward and attempting to mislead. A reporter who does go to church asked if it was safe. Keep in mind that the CDC had been backing off the strength of it’s language to appease the Trump administration who has been misleading and focused on the economy rather than lives.
Engel Raises Alarm on Pompeo’s Political Scheme with Senate Republicans This will need to be seen again.
Also the announcement that churches should open is to distract from the Pompeo arms sale to the Saudi, nevermind the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Also Trump has a strong interest in starting back up nuclear testing, which would give a few those high dollar cold war contracts while the president continues to push cuts in spending on money that helps people. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-22-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy
Time running out on the last US-Russia nuclear arms treaty This is concerning, it takes a long time to negotiate nuclear treaties, especially if you want to keep tabs on the others.
U.S. discussed conducting its first nuclear test in decades, Washington Post reports The whole thing escalates as one says the others are doing something whether or not there is truth in the propaganda. Cold wars start like this, and some get rich off of it.
https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/videos/539864419987532/?app=fbl Historian Heather Cox Richardson discusses what has lead up to the current situation and insight to what the political climate is like. Take time to learn what is being said here. The current political parties are not the same as when they started. In the 50’s the Republicans party attracted the racist southern Democrats and then by the 80’s was gaining momentum with evangelicals. (I should write more on how the evangelicals today are far different from the original version, just like the political parties have changed) That alone should be troubling for those of faith especially for equality of women, minorities, etc. Trump just mirrors back to his people, his base, like the salesman he is, still lacking the leadership he needs. It’s about strengthening the oligarchy where a few at the top make the decisions claiming that those at the bottom can’t make the right choices. This is against the very things Abraham Lincoln wrote and stood for.
How the coronavirus spreads in those everyday places we visit
Widower: Delete Trump tweets suggesting wife was murdered This man’s wife died of natural causes. The tweets from Trump recently show you who he really is and what he does to bring distrust and chaos. I blocked him long ago and this behavior is not fitting for any world leader. This is a created conspiracy theory.
White House letter doesn’t explain why Trump fired watchdogs If no one is around to point out corruption, then you won’t see the corruption. Keep in mind that while we’re distracted by misinformation tweets, they have been selling nuclear technology to the Saudis in an arms deal that the watchdogs have been investigating, see Iran-Contra affair.
https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/videos/247902676653080/?app=fbl A little history lesson on propaganda and how politics was affected during the 1918 flu.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/faith-based.html This is the CDC guidance for reopening faith centers. I hate to say this but must, there are many conspiracy theory believing people especially from the way right who also are of various religious affiliations have been spreading misinformation that the government or liberals are trying to suppress their rights and freedom, especially concerning the requirements to wear a mask. Some even go as far as questioning if a person is a Christian if they dare to wear a mask. Martin Luther who started the Protestant movement wrote about social distancing in the 1500’s during a plague concerning staying away from people but not neglecting or abandoning people in need of help. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/may-web-only/martin-luther-plague-pandemic-coronavirus-covid-flee-letter.html He had some other practical advise as well. He even went as far to suggest that those who spread the plague on purpose should turned over the the executioners, you just need to take precautions so you won’t be accused. Today’s equivalent would be a fine as a deterrent for those who don’t wash hands or don’t wear masks or cough on people just to spread disease. We know wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands works to help stop spreading disease, especially when using all three. The president has undermined the CDC recommendations and the doctors advising him and his administration. The right wing conservative conspiracy theorists are spreading misinformation about Covid-19 and even about wearing masks, sadly for the most part the president and his administration has been a part of that.
Four Minneapolis officers fired after death of black man He died over an alledged fake $20 bill, he may not even have known it was counterfeit until he used it. This is important. Racism and white supremacy has been finding open traction under Trump and the Republicans/right-wing conservatives. Ever since Lincoln was shot there has been those who allowed pre-civil ideas back into the nation. Racism and white supremacy wasn’t eradicated, it just took new forms especially including the poor, poverty, immigrants, misogyny, sexism, nationalism, and more into that definition. People have used a picture of Trump with rich affluent African Americans to say he’s not racist, but never made the connection about money and that those without it don’t have the same value. We have to end this.
Trump’s executive order targets political bias at Twitter and Facebook: draft Fascinating, this is how nanny states start? People should be free to call out leaders. Trump threatens Twitter over fact checks: What’s next? Tell the truth and you don’t have worry about fact checking, stay away from propaganda. A president has a different role and a lot of responsibility that is far different from entertainment. This is a lame attempt to distract from 100000+ dead from Covid-19, the racist police killings, bad leadership, selling nuclear tech to the Saudis under the guise of emergency, and more.
America reaches grim milestone of 100,000 coronavirus deaths
Rising US job losses stir fears of lasting economic damage This is what we are wanting leadership to fix. The conservative/neoliberal playbook supports big businesses and the oligarch. The unfounded fear of government supporting ordinary people is based on archaic propaganda.
George Floyd protesters set Minneapolis police station afire Tensions have already been high since more African Americans have been affected by the Covid-19. Culture and underlying health issues have made this a problem. After the CDC and other health officials started reporting specific numbers on African Americans dieing/affected by Covid-19, Trump was bent on opening the economy back up.
House Democrats demand probes of police killings of black Americans
Trump adds fuel to protest fires with denounced tweet The looting reference that Trump quoted was from a racist. The History Behind ‘When The Looting Starts, The Shooting Starts’
Also during a press conference, Trump didn’t mention Minnesota or George Floyd, however he did use the time to mention the US leaving WHO and address issues with China’s changes towards Hong Kong. He called for Fair And Reciprocal Trade, FART. Please tell me the late night comedy hosts run with this. As comical as the acronym is, this is more than likely to mean fair trade under the Neoliberalism definition rather than the idea of a living wage and freedoms for workers. Rebuking China, Trump Curtails Ties to Hong Kong and Severs Them With W.H.O. And this just covers up the sell of nuclear technology and that the Trump administration did collude with Russia.
Trump ex-adviser Flynn asked Russia to avoid ‘tit-for-tat,’ new transcript shows No matter what Trump says, Russia did interfere with the 2016 election. Flynn urged Russian ambassador to take ‘reciprocal’ actions, transcripts show
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-29-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Historian Heather Cox Richardson’s take in the declassified Flynn transcript and current events.
Hong Kong on borrowed time as China pushes for more control
Troll farms from North Macedonia and the Philippines pushed coronavirus disinformation on Facebook
US cities assess protest damage, await another day of unrest The protests and rallies are getting the message out, the looting, vandalism, and property damage means the message gets left behind for cleanup. People get mad at those who did the damages and theft who may not even have been part of the peaceful rallies.
World alarmed by violence in US; thousands march in London
Israeli defense minister apologizes for Palestinian’s death The excessive force of the Israeli security forces is one reason why Trump moving the embassy to Jerusalem was problematic. It had been a way to keep pressure on Israel to do better with it’s human rights. Oh, and also the US still has work to do so even individuals recognize human rights.
Amid protests, Trump says he will designate Antifa as terrorist organization Not sure how this will work out for him. Antifa should be like everyone who isn’t fascist. Also, does this mean Trump and the Republicans are fascist?
Trump took shelter in White House bunker as protests raged The inflammatory tweets are of little help, he brought this into his presidency by pandering to his base that happens to include racists. A quote from this AP article: “the president’s own seeming disinterest in delivering a message of unity.” Wow, we expect better, this is the United States after all.
Trump threatens military force against protesters nationwide There is the 1807 insurrection law and also a lot of other protections from the federal government. The last week or so people were protesting while carrying guns that the government was oppressing them with the business closures, so they could go back to dining at restaurants and get haircuts. In the speech, antifa was mentioned but not the white nationalists too.
Police fire rubber bullets, tear gas to disperse peaceful protest near White House Ironically the protest is about the excessive use of force. This was not done with wisdom, it was for a photo op that the pastor of the church didn’t even approve of. Also one of the priests from the diocese was driven off.
Trump’s Unannounced Church Visit Angers Church Authorities It’s how he did this, drove people away so he could get a picture.
A pandemic that affects a disproportionate number of people of color.
An economy that affects a disproportionate number of people of color.
Police brutality that affects a disproportionate number of people of color.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/june-1-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Why was he on the phone with Putin…
How to Make this Moment the Turning Point for Real Change
China delayed releasing coronavirus info, frustrating WHO
Ex-defense chief Mattis rips Trump for dividing Americans
George Floyd death: China takes a victory lap over US protests
Trump’s ‘antifa’ accusations spark debate in Germany, the movement’s birthplace
‘Get your knee off our necks,’ activist Sharpton tells George Floyd memorial
Analysis: Trump emulates strongman tactics, tests his limits He’s still not a uniting leader. He acts as if he’s trying to show off what he can do to the world, and in reality he needs the American people to be able to do anything.
UN agency: Iran violating all restrictions of nuclear deal
‘Your Pain Is My Pain’: global anti-racism protests rage
NFL On Kneeling Players’ Protests: ‘We Were Wrong,’ Commissioner Says I covered some of this earlier in this post, back when Colin Kaepernick was taking a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racism. This is why I take a knee too. Feels better knowing that his message is being heard, even if it is a few years too late. Let’s see if the president will call him a son of a bitch now. Trump hasn’t got the message. Of course the Mayor of DC renamed the street leading to the White House, Black Lives Matter Plaza, and it’s painted very large on the street.
Protests continue in Washington as Trump threatens to deploy military
DC paints huge Black Lives Matter mural near White House
A little more insight to the events of the June 1, 2020. A U-turn, a rush to see Trump, a day of tension and surprise It’s as if Trump was emulating the action movies he is fond of without thought to the consequences. We hoped for leadership, but he was pushing the limits making demands above the law. His saids and staff might be yes men, the military know to draw the line.
As Trump blames antifa, protest records show scant evidence Ironically Trump blaming antifa falls on the same week as D-Day, which was the start of a major invasion against fascism.
Emboldened protesters march again, demanding police reforms after Floyd killing
It’s official: U.S. economy entered recession in February
Trump troop pullout would still leave hefty U.S. footprint in Europe This is tricky to figure out his game plan. It brings up questions like what does he have against NATO? Will this help Putin’s Russia?
N. Korea says it will cut communication channels with South Why? Because there are those from South Korea floating leaflets across the river, and using balloons.
Trump pushes conspiracy theory about Buffalo protester This is embarrassing that a president would do something like this, sadly not surprising. We know it’s not even true. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/june-9-202o?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy So he’s getting his information from a Russian Kremlin propagandist that’s on a conspiracy theory network… Why is this not in someone’s report and part of impeachment proceedings? This is from October 2019: Trump favorite One America News has been called ‘paid Russian propaganda’ — this is what happened when I watched it for a week Read what you, if an American company wants to be as American as apple pie, then why did it hire someone who wrote for the Kremlin? Polish a turd, it’s still a turd.
Ukraine alleges $5 million bribe over Burisma, no Biden link
Atlanta officer fired after fatal shooting of black man
As US seethes over race, Trump calls out ‘evil of slavery’
‘Why Am I A Republican?’ Conservative Analyst Questions GOP’s Response To Protests Read the last 3 paragraphs… Also there should be a welcome committee who brings cookies as people realize a political party isn’t what it pretends to be. Politics shouldn’t be reactionary.
Putin says Russia’s handling of coronavirus is superior to U.S. Well this is fascinating.
Justices rule LGBT people protected from job discrimination This happened while the president had a recent executive order for permitting discrimination of LGBT in healthcare rights, I have no kind words for him doing that. Transgender Health Protections Reversed By Trump Administration Trump tends to do this on Fridays as people prepare for the weekend. Trump administration revokes transgender health protection
North Korea destroys empty liaison office with South
Trump signs order on police reform, doesn’t mention racism
Court rejects Trump bid to end young immigrants’ protections Awesome, DACA helps so many.
U.S. Supreme Court blocks Trump bid to end ‘Dreamers’ immigrant program
There’s a Jewish/Christian biblical principal to take care of immigrants and aliens as your own. When people are wanting to be mean or biased against others, God’s love shines through when you accept others because you weren’t treated well when you were in the same situation.
Bolton says Trump didn’t just ignore human rights but encouraged China’s concentration camps
Months before election, Trump finds himself at odds with most Americans’ views He doesn’t even try to unite Americans. He sticks to his base, core supporters. In order to get one or two things, his supporters have to compromise their integrity and morals on that and so many other things.
Facebook removes Trump ads with symbols once used by Nazis Good catch.
Geoffrey Berman, U.S. Attorney Who Prosecuted Trump Allies, Says He Won’t Quit While the media is distracted with Juneteenth, the President’s rally in Tulsa, being a Friday, and more, this was happening after the Supreme Court fillings earlier in the week didn’t go well for the president.
DOJ tries to oust US attorney investigating Trump allies
U.S. prosecutor who has investigated Trump lawyer refuses to resign
Ousted U.S. prosecutor Berman to appear for closed-door congressional interview
Trump rally highlights vulnerabilities heading into election
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/june-22-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This is a summary of Monday June 22 2020. Apparently Trump and his administration does not like a free unbiased press. Criticism of Trump writes itself, just writing what he does or doesn’t do is enough to make him mad. For example, Trump has been saying that he authorized Federal authorities to sentence those tearing down statues to 10 years, well that authority already exists in the current laws. He didn’t need to claim it as if he had something to do with it. That’s like taking a tour, spotting a parchment paper, and saying this constitution is our law now, hint, it already is. See, it writes itself.
Trump’s war on Voice of America
Editors at U.S. government’s Voice of America resign as Trump appointee arrives
Something I want to interject here is an observation. A person can repost something they saw that popped up on Facebook that may be just a catchy headline, misleading information, or even bad sketchy misinformation that gets rehashed ever so often on the internet, do absolutely no research even though it has been debunked over and over for years, I have observed that when you present information that debunks it even when it is fact checked and can be found in multiple locations debunking the misinformation, someone including the one who reposted the misinformation will say that you can’t trust that fact checked information because they have deemed it left leaning or liberal when it came from an unbiased objective source. How far right are you that you would think the middle is to the left? You have no problem sharing the misinformation from who knows who, but refuse fact based information because it comes from a source that can be scrutinized and checked and held to high standards. Do you even know how this boggles the mind? It’s easy to do research even look for source information, that’s what the internet was created for.
‘Coming back and biting us’: US sees virus resurgence
Explainer: What is a second wave of a pandemic, and has it arrived in the U.S.? Spoiler alert, still in the first wave.
Trump Administration Moving To Close Federally Funded COVID Testing Sites There’s more to this than just the headline. You would think that the Federal response would be to help and support state and local testing. This comes as states are opening up and there is a rise in Covid-19 cases. Also maybe there needs to be cuts in Federal money to state prison systems so the states can reevaluate how they incarcerate people especially those of color.
Survey: Women Are Rethinking Having Kids As They Face Pandemic Challenges And to go along with that, a Hannah Witton video… https://youtu.be/C08X9suMcL4
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/june-24-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy HCR sums up what is happening with the politicizing of the Department of Justice along with the Russian investigation. Spoiler alert, it’s being done so Trump is above the law.
Trump wants to bail out Maine lobster fishermen. Alaska’s seafood industry calls it a “gut punch.” Some parts of the nation are affected by the tariffs that the rest of the nation doesn’t see or pay attention to. Also, notice that Federal money is going to places that will benefit his election, especially to gain electoral votes. Trump policy created a nightmare scenario, and now money becomes available to help them out. Farmers saw their hard work building relationships end due to tariffs, they don’t want bail outs (aka social programs), they want their business back. ‘Out of the blue,’ Trump directs trade offset aid to Maine lobster industry Obama designated the area out of reach of most lobstermen, Trump opened it up and there’s money being made available.
During the 6/26/2020 press conference, a reporter asked Pence why he would say to hede the local officials and policies to wear masks, social distance, etc but would do the opposite at the President’s rallies (do as we say, not as we do) Pence had a vague response about the freedom of speech that didn’t say much and the press conference ended. So, um, his freedom of speech is more important than the life of the listeners.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration was pushing for the Supreme Court to declare the ACA illegal. This is from June 26 2020 As COVID cases rise, White House seeks to scrap ‘Obamacare’ Luckily this may not be heard until the Fall. There’s still a lot of fixes that need to happen, such the affordability and insurance still tied to employment (salespeople like that more than individuals). What it does do is let those who have pre-existing conditions get coverage. The way things are working now means there is an emphasis on the companies rather than the consumers. This is from January 2020 Democrats ask U.S. Supreme Court to save Obamacare
US watchdog: Afghan gov’t weakened ahead of Taliban talks
News broke that Russia is paying Taliban to kill US soldiers… https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/june-26-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This is while Trump has been accepting of Putin.
Russia Secretly Offered Afghan Militants Bounties to Kill U.S. Troops, Intelligence Says
Biden criticizes Trump for inaction over reported Russian bounties
Biden slams Trump over reported bounties placed on US troops
Russian operation targeted coalition troops in Afghanistan, intelligence finds
Princeton to remove Wilson name from public policy school It’s about time, some at Princeton has been trying for years. Woodrow Wilson segregated Federal offices and was racist.
Trump Retweets Video Of Apparent Supporter Saying ‘White Power’ I had just posted an article about Woodrow Wilson who was a racist and supported racism. Trump then posts a video supporting those supporting white supremacist racism. If you’re not competent enough to watch all of a video you post and think through the ramifications, then are you competent enough to handle the PDB(Presidential Daily Briefing) when Intelligence says Russians are paying Taliban to kill coalition forces?
Distancing from Trump? Some Republicans step up critiques No time for overconfidence from the Democrats and independents and undecided, there’s still lots of work to do. Keep in mind that what might be considered conservative is extremist far right and they would even consider those who are close to the middle as being left wing liberal socialists even though most if not nearly all of the US is against actual socialism. These are also the same ones who think the objective fact based well researched and least biased media as being untrustworthy and liberal. People have accepted this narrative so much they will share distorted misinformation freely and complain that fact based informational responses are liberal or untrustworthy. Keep in mind that what might be called liberal is no where near being as bad as actual socialism that is steeped in fascist totalitarian authoritarian dictator governments. We know there are extremes that try to disguise what they are doing. The conservative view to remove the New Deal social programs has a history of racism. Defunding or cutting programs like SNAP or housing is so that there is no help for people of color. Also, Neoliberalism, embraced by Ronald Reagan and is what under lines the conservative ideology, pushes heavily for priority for corporations over people in an oligarchy/aristocrat system which by the way also fits into the fascist totalitarian authoritarian dictator governments. The conservative Republicans in power of that political party are not conservative in a traditional sense, they are extreme far right ideologues (blindly partisan) who have embraced the movement conservative ideologies and are unable to compromise in political views to get things done with others. After the death of Lincoln and by the 1870’s the original Republicans had started to embrace the companies/corporations over people. In the 50’s and 60’s the white racist Democrats changed parties to became Republicans, by the 80’s they were solidifying the white evangelical vote along with their ideologies, married that with Reagan’s Neoliberalism, the end of the fairness doctrine brought on the talk radio saying whatever farther right conservative political narratives they wanted and along with the rise of the 24hr cable news shaped political views in the 90’s, which lead into the 2000’s war in Afghanistan against the Taliban after 9/11 and the bad narratives that brought about a war in Iraq, then the rise of social media while good for getting political information out also spreads false narratives faster than any fact could imagine, we find ourselves with an inexperienced in politics conservative Republican president with an uncompromising self-serving persona who doesn’t know how nor is willing to work across the aisle and is unyielding in conservative ideologies while catering to his niche supporters that includes white supremacists, which is what the extreme far right conservatives want. I’m not sure if critiques or separating themselves from Trump is enough to even get his attention off himself to take up leadership during the pandemic and the resulting economy. I don’t think he even has the first clue what to do with the economy and the looming eviction/housing crisis about to happen other than find something to blame. The bonus is that despite his speeches at his rallies we still have no idea what he wants to do with his next term other than end anything Obama did.
Facing criticism, White House to brief Democrats on reports Russia paid Taliban to kill U.S. troops
AP sources: White House aware of Russian bounties in 2019 The plot thickens…
From pandering to Putin to abusing allies and ignoring his own advisers, Trump’s phone calls alarm US officials Sadly I’m not surprised given what he’s done so far, also I’m very upset that anyone would behave in such a manner.
‘FBI Lovebirds’ and Diamond and Silk: The day Trump was briefed on the Russian bounties scheme
Black Lives Matter… This article might help with a historical snapshot of what was happening during the civil rights movement. Spoiler alert, it’s not pretty. White Supremacist Ideas Have Historical Roots In U.S. Christianity Sunday is the most segregated day of the week… Let that sink on for a moment, and start listening to people of color.
Trump attacks ‘left-wing cultural revolution’ in Mount Rushmore address
Much of US scales back on holiday, but Trump plans to go big
For nation’s birthday, Trump stokes the divisions within US
Trump repeats vow to defeat ‘radical left’ in July Fourth speech
In Fourth Of July Remarks, Trump Attacks ‘Radical Left’
Democrats, Biden look to accelerate Southern political shift Hopefully people will see what is behind the political parties, beyond the rhetoric. People have grown weary of the white culture conservatism that embraces big business over people which includes oligarchy aristocrat systems making decisions for the people, supports systematic racism, inequalities, etc. and have been listening to those narratives so long they think that anything different is a radical left.
Trump lashes out at NASCAR, Wallace over flag and noose
Justices rule states can bind presidential electors’ votes
Marriage of convenience: what Mexico’s leftist leader gets out of Trump
Trump’s misreading the map, looking for Electoral College votes in some of the wrong places Analysis: The president is putting out fires in red states, while Biden is focused on a half-dozen key battlegrounds. This relates to the Maine lobstermen bailout that was neglected since the farmer bailout all due to the tariffs.
Trump says ‘may cut off funding’ if U.S. schools do not open This is so political, remember the quid pro quo that lead to the impeachment. The states and local taxes pay for the schools, which explains why schools are not equally equipped. The press secretary wasn’t helpful in clarifying what this even meant by twisting things. The Covid-19 is still spreading with high numbers. The Trump administration has been throwing Federal money at states that Trump has been wanting to get support from, which by the way is illegal. I wonder if the tweet about cutting funds was a slip up since he knows money is going out to gain support.
Trump to US schools: Reopen or you may lose federal funds
U.S. Supreme Court lets prosecutor but not Congress obtain Trump financial records This helps the NY case. As for Congress, there is a need to see the financial records to see if there is a compromise that would lead to the actions we already are seeing and questioning, this is overshadowed with political reasons to hide or expose the records.
Supreme Court upholds American Indian treaty promises, orders Oklahoma to follow federal law
Justices rule swath of Oklahoma remains tribal reservation This is significant, I would like to see how this works out for the Nations. Crimes will go to Federal Court. The long history of racism and prejudices have made an impact on the Nations. Keep in mind that states are like nations united as a Nation. This maybe will help the tribal nations face laws and practices that have been used to suppress and take advantage of them. At least it means honoring treaties.
Germany’s Merkel: Pandemic highlights limits of populism Angela Merkel quote from this article: “We are seeing at the moment that the pandemic can’t be fought with lies and disinformation, and neither can it be with hatred and agitation,” she said. “Fact-denying populism is being shown its limits,” she added to applause. “In a democracy, facts and transparency are needed. That distinguishes Europe, and Germany will stand up for it during its presidency.”
‘A free man’: Trump commutes longtime adviser Roger Stone’s prison sentence The king has spoken… There’s the laws we live by and then there’s Trump’s friend exception. If you are a Trump supporter, would he commute or pardon your crime?
It’s not just the presidency: Trump is changing the Congress While he’s establishing an authoritarian executive branch, his lack of leadership falls short to do what will bring people together to solve anything. He’s blindly following his ideologies, and has the assumption that people of his wealth, prestige, and/or class should be making the decisions especially to keep others suppressed.
Remembering the 1995 Srebrenica massacre of Bosniaks I’m going to leave this here as a reminder that we’re not alone on this planet and some don’t have freedoms.
Florida sets one-day record with over 15,000 new COVID cases, more than most countries It’s still a little early to see what this quick rise in infections is going to do and how it will affect opening schools and more.
Virus spread, not politics should guide schools, doctors say
Richmond, Va., Photographer Watches Familiar Anger Resurface In Recent Protests
At The U.N., Russia Forces Reduced Access For Aid To Syrians There is still a humanitarian crisis happening in Syria. Remember that the US had troops there and after a phone call he suddenly withdrew troops leaving Kurdish allies to fend for themselves and Turkey moved in. Also Russia is still fighting along Ukraine’s eastern border.
Corruption crisis puts Bulgarian leader on the ropes This sounds familiar. The oligarchs have using the judiciary system to their favor, notice that our president has been placing and replacing those in the judicial system with loyal supporters.
The White House’s new briefing strategy: Short, with lots of commentary There was another article that also picked up on the press conference patterns. The political theater of Kayleigh McEnany’s scripted walk-offs
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-12-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Historian Heather Cox Richardson sums up the current situation as the administration seeks to reopen schools with the underlining agenda to privatize schools. Keep in mind the lack of authority and DeVos’s lack of background in the education system other than an outside political movement to privatize schools that resulted in underperforming charter schools. There is a reminder that Trump reflects Hoover’s approach that didn’t help starving people but helped big business, spoiler alert, that didn’t help the economy or the starving people. https://www.history.com/news/how-photography-defined-the-great-depression Without photos of the great depression era rich people wouldn’t have seen the effects they were having on people. Trump idealogies are reversing what actually worked under FDR.
US debates school reopening, WHO warns ‘no return to normal’
California shuts down again as U.S. coronavirus crisis expands
Fauci blames virus surge on U.S. not shutting down completely
Trump bashes U.S. health experts, Fauci urges caution, as virus cases surge
White House turns on Fauci as Trump minimizes virus spike Trump is trying to gaslight/control his narratives, we already know what Fauci said and he updated his information as he went along even if it wasn’t what the president wanted to hear. Fauci rules!!! One report had Fauci’s approval rating at 67%, Trump at 26%, think about that for a moment. Meanwhile, the way right is tripping balls over a hand written note declassified from an FBI agent in the Flynn investigation from before Trump took office. Flynn lied to Congress, that’s why he was convicted and sentenced to prison, and then pardoned by Trump. Also Trump commuted Stone. So what have we learned, support/cover up Trump and he bails you out of prison time, and when you speak the truth that he doesn’t like or think will help him win the election he will throw you under a bus and run you over and over again. This is who this president is. https://youtu.be/ApYTNItV-gQ
Rethinking US Counterterrorism Strategy July 6, 2020 Douglas London
Trump administration to recommend National Guard as option to help hospitals report coronavirus data
Trump signs bill, order rebuking China, and slams Biden This is a Rose garden press conference turned political speech. AP FACT CHECK: Trump wholly distorts Biden on immigration This is the fact check from that Rose garden press conference.
White House Strips CDC Of Data Collection Role For COVID-19 Hospitalizations This is political, especially from an administration that is determined to down play the pandemic. Reporting should be the correct numbers anyway, so extra money was spent to do a new system that basically does the same thing as the one in place. The Florida governor has been scrutinized for such a tactic. Why does DeSantis continue to hide COVID-19 data? Florida already looks like a loser | Editorial
Minimum wage workers cannot afford rent in any U.S. state We’ve known this for years, few want to talk about it. Not everybody gets to move up in their jobs to higher livable wages. At the end of July when the additional unemployment money ends and protections against evictions ends we’re going to see the results hit hard.
UK, US, Canada accuse Russia of hacking virus vaccine trials
Four more years? Trump struggles to outline second term plan
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-16-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Heather sheds light on Mike Pompeo’s activities. It seems him and other Republicans are already looking to the 2024 election. I’m thinking future historians may look at Trump’s presidency as a tool or strategy move in an attempt to gain control for as long as possible. After listening and even reading the Family Leader Summit speech, I’m going to agree with HCR. I am wondering what he means by religious freedom, no one is taking away religious freedom in the USA and there is much to do to help bring religious freedom in the rest of the world. This may be impling his brand of religion as being the main one or feels threatened for some reason. What we have many times is a lack of respect for others and even an unwillingness to learn from others. There is little taught in churches about sex or preventing pregnancy or providing long time help to crisis pregnancies. No one is stopping religious groups from teaching against abortions within their groups, imposing such teachings onto others is just as bad as forcing abortion onto others. It’s got twisted into a political agenda. Ending abortions only drives it underground and women of means can readily seek abortions, those who cannot afford it will seek measures that are not safe. Women have been taking care of this for many millennia, especially when they can’t afford the child or even don’t want to be connected to the one who got them pregnant. Ironically, it’s the religious ones who seek after abortions just as much if not more than others. Condoms and birth control and showing God’s love to those in tough situationswould help more than fighting abortions.
Some of the Most Visible Christians in America Are Failing the Coronavirus Test This article is from April and the links in this section are July. I think it’s gotten worse, people have questioned a person’s faith just because they wore a mask. One illustration I remember from a class: some one asked a native American why he wouldn’t become a Christian, he responded that he didn’t like to wear pants. Christianity was being equated with certain social requirements and not faith. The research shows that is the case today and has definitely been going on for a while. When a person leaves a youth group reality smacks them with contradictions that are unchristian. The books Unchristian and The Next Christians has the research setting the frame work of what is really in place and what comes next.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-17-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy John Lewis has died and he left an incredible legacy.
DHS Official On Reports Of Federal Officers Detaining Protesters In Portland, Ore. Trump’s fascist movement, using federal agents as gestapo…
Oregon Sues Federal Agencies Over Protest Enforcement
Oregon officials decry federal agents after protest clashes
Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control So far Trump hasn’t got it under any kind of control.
‘Wall of Moms’ stand between Portland Black Lives Matter protesters and federal police
From Antifa to Mothers in Helmets, Diverse Elements Fuel Portland Protests
Trump plans to send federal law enforcement personnel to Democratic-led U.S. cities
50 Days Of Protest In Portland. A Violent Police Response. This Is How We Got Here.
Federal agents, local streets: A ‘red flag’ in Oregon The federal involvement is political and has escalated what was on the decline. I thought the conservatives traditionally has supported state and city rights over federal involvement, what is happening in Portland is the opposite.
Trump says virus in US will get worse before it gets better
Tension, infighting roil Trump White House as coronavirus strategy sputters
Ford’s Theatre | Lincoln’s Great Words Challenge: Importance of Oratory and Leadership I’m sure I’m nearly quoting Heather Cox Richardson: Between 1865-1874 the narrative is that poor people especially people of color and later that would include women should not participate in politics because they will vote to redistribute wealth and advance socialism or communism has skewed our view of politics up until even today. Anything that includes equality, schools, roads, healthcare, and more is declared socialism or communism of which we know is not a part of those idealogies. This is just a part of the systematic racism against people of color that also envelops the poor and women of any color.
Seeking Suburban Votes, Trump To Repeal Rule Combating Racial Bias In Housing Repealing that rule means more racism can be used in neighborhoods. As gentrification occurs even in redevelopments of older neighborhoods, as rents and property values rise, this approach can be used as an excuse to push people out In history we can see this done to aquire Texas and even California territories
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-21-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy The Republican ideology supports large corporations and big businesses and cannot support ordinary Americans because that would be a social safety net that goes against their own ideology. We live in a time when the lack of social safety nets will effect the economy as people already cannot afford to pay rent, buy healthcare, etc.
Silent spread of virus keeps scientists grasping for clues When you see the scientific method happening live you will have valid information up to a point and then it may change as new information comes available. At other normal times there can be several buffers before information is even presented. In politics, people run with one bit of information and keep going back to that one piece, right or wrong, as long as it fits their narrative. As new information arises, you have to set the old and outdated aside instead of constantly going back to that outdated information. The internet clickbait and certain political narratives (fundamentalist conservative ideologies) will continuously go back to outdated information just to reinforce their narratives. That’s also why so much misinformation about wearing masks floats around on social media. The ease that such misinformation spreads rather than facts is alarming. One reason the Russian propaganda machine infiltrates so easily is that the Republican conservative ideologies line up with the oligarchy aristocrat system in Russia by supporting corporations and big businesses over people.
U.S. orders China to shut Houston consulate in move China calls ‘unprecedented escalation’
Mothers across U.S. stand up to federal agents at anti-racism protests
U.S. Orders China’s Houston Consulate To Close, Ratcheting Tensions
Trump deploys more federal agents under ‘law-and-order’ push
Court documents reveal secretive federal unit deployed for ‘Operation Diligent Valor’ in Oregon While Trump is sending Federal agents to incite violence and gas protestors like communist China did in Hong Kong for political gain and show boating, people are still dying of Covid-19, we’re still lacking in testing, we’re on the brink of an even worse economic diaster, and so much more is happening. Keep in mind that Trump is sending these special agents to cities with Democrat leadership and not to cities with Republican leadership. Chicago probably just needs Federal agents to actually do their job in tracking weapons and drugs entering the city as a part of the cycle of violence, but you didn’t hear that from me. Gang feud likely cause of mass shooting at South Side funeral home, sources say
Portland’s mayor tear-gassed by US agents as protest rages
On House floor, Dem women call out abusive treatment by men
U.S. Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez says Republican colleague called her profane slur
China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu in growing spat
Timeline: U.S.-China relations under Trump Ok, here’s the thing, China gets accused of spying and they want to close Chinese embassies, meanwhile Russia spies too, is hacking too, and pays Taliban to kill US soldiers while this administration responds with crickets sounding off (nevermind attempting to get political information out of Ukraine by threatening to remove support which ultimately helps Russia). Insert meme of Will Smith gesturing with both hands to something significant here. When Trump pulled out of the Pacific Trade deal, coupled with tariffs, China then could change things with Hong Kong. That led to riots over the new laws of extradition to the mainland for crimes which can be used for political reasons. Because Trump pulled out of the deal, there wasn’t a check to be able to add pressure on China to withdraw such an action. Trump may not have liked the deal but it was a way to help keep democracy in Hong Kong. Trump pulls U.S. out of Pacific trade deal, loosening Asia ties
FEDERAL COURT ISSUES RESTRAINING ORDER ON FEDERAL AGENTS IN PORTLAND Sad a lawsuit had to be done to get protection to report the protests. Also, John Rudoff listed in the lawsuit is a fellow roller derby photographer. Photos | The concerning progression of police response to Portland protests
Always rocky, China-US relations appear at a turning point Pompeo isn’t high enough in politics for China to pay attention, so he’s not helping matters addressing a different culture.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-25-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy A year ago, Trump made that phone call to Ukraine.
Seattle Black Lives Matter clashes spark 45 arrests, 21 police injured
Portland protesters breach fence around federal courthouse
CBS Sunday Morning: Is The United States “hitting bottom”?
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-26-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Heather sums up the state of matters of what the Republican ideologies have done to the US.
Trump’s entire scheme to incite violence in Portland gets exposed | No Lie podcast
Six U.S. mayors urge Congress to block Trump federal deployment
Cleanup from Hanna spurs fear amid COVID-19 surge in Texas Hurricane season won’t be easy when volunteers and crews need to take extra precautions.
After Delays, Republicans Rolled Out A New Pandemic Relief Bill. Democrats Balked The Republican bill has more things that help businesses like protections against being sued if someone gets Covid-19 rather than helping people to not catch Covid-19. Meanwhile, a bill that already passed the House has sat on McConnell’s desk for months for the Senate.
‘Make America Normal Again’: Trump backers plead for a virus plan
Even White House allies are asking: Where’s Trump’s pandemic plan?
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-27-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Historian, Heather Cox Richardson, sums up the days events especially leading up to Barr being questioned before Congress. Barr has become Trump’s fixer while the office is supposed to have it’s own lawyers, hopefully the questioning will go deep enough to uncover lies and maybe get something out of him about why US citizens are a threat when Russian attacks are not. In the last 25 years, antifa actions have led to 0 deaths while right wing extremists and white supremacists actions have led to 329 deaths. Anti-fascists linked to zero murders in the US in 25 years Also let’s consider Trump’s jealousy of Fauci throwing out the first pitch of the Nationals, he made up throwing out the Yankees first pitch just to cancel it. Trump backs out of Yankees opening pitch he was never even invited to. An official told The New York Times the idea emerged from jealousy of Fauci. This link was used too sinced The New York Times isn’t always available without a subscription. The NYT’s article Trump Announced, Then Canceled, a Yankees Pitch. Both Came as a Surprise. Who would even think this up as a thing to do? Also the internet is buzzing with Trump sharing misinformation, so apparently it’s from one lie to the next.
Trump’s coronavirus retweets spark claims of censorship Not following Trump at moments like this is nice, I wondered why there was a bunch of posts concerning this. Misinformation spreads fast especially when some want it to be true. You would have thought he would have learned tofact check after the post with the racist in a golf cart.
Iran missiles target fake carrier as US bases go on alert
Attorney General Barr fends off Democrats’ attacks over protests
Barr clashes with Dems over DOJ’s independence
WATCH: Barr defends aggressive federal response to protests
5 takeaways from House hearing with AG Barr
Source: US, Oregon in talks about pulling agents in Portland
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-28-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Heather summarized the Attorney General William Barr testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. One thing I did notice is that Barr wants Trump reelected or else if he’s not reelected then Barr will leave the office, the man wants to stay in his position. Heather did find that they did identified the umbrella man who helped start the violence in the Minneapolis is a white supremacist and member of the Hell’s Angels. Barr and Trump are targeting Democrat cities and Black Lives Matter peaceful protests that got used in Trump campaign ads to instill fear in people rather than armed right-wing, antimaskers, and white supremacists who marched in Michigan threatened the governor with lynching that the President encouraged with tweets, LIBERATE MICHIGAN. Trump tweets support for Michigan protesters, some of whom were armed, as 2020 stress mounts And another article. Of Course Trump Called Armed, Right-Wing Protesters “Very Good People” Remember the live speech at Trump tower https://youtu.be/JmaZR8E12bs
Politics drive views of US response to 2 Oregon standoffs Remember in 2016, Bundy occupied a Federal wildlife refuge, and actions leading up that over the years Conservatives were adamant that states should take care this sort of matter, Federal involvement would lead to tyranny and dictatorship. There’s a full reversal under Trump about federal involvement in Democrat led states.
Senate Republicans push back on McConnell’s $1 trillion U.S. coronavirus relief proposal
US officials: Russia behind spread of virus disinformation
‘Wrong Time, Wrong Place’ for Arrest, NYC Mayor Says of Cuffed Young Woman Controversy
Oregon says federal agents to pull back from Portland after clashes
Misinformation on the virus is proving highly contagious
Fed chief says coronavirus surge starting to dent U.S. economic recovery
As U.S. police struggle to hire, next-generation cops seek more humane approach
Trump Is Happy to Inform Suburban Voters That He Is Still a Racist Rolling Stone went straight to the point with this headline.
Trump Touts ‘Suburban Lifestyle Dream’ After Rescinding Obama-Era Rule Preventing Housing Discrimination Years ago while volunteering with Habitat, the neighborhood next to it complained about property values might be affected. When the Habitat neighborhood was finished, there were beautiful homes and a park with green space to make any neighborhood jealous. If anything we need more laws to prevent redlining and other discriminatory actions. Let’s consider that racism has been shifting to include economic means as a standard. We still don’t see people by the content of their character.
Lawmakers batter Big Tech CEOs, but don’t land many blows
U.S. lawmakers accuse Big Tech of crushing rivals to boost profits Well, that was different. One Republican congressman asked Zuckerberg a question that should have directed to Twitter. Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill that eventually passed to become law that rolled back net neutrality which contributes to the very things they are investigating. Some of the questions seemed to point to a lack of net neutrality and that the FCC and FTC abdicated controls. Net neutrality was repealed a year ago — what’s happened since? That article was 2019 and today in 2020 these congressman are asking questions about what these companies are doing. The WIRED Guide to Net Neutrality The committee members could have just searched “what happened to net neutrality” and got better answers, the ones brought in are not the carriers who can charge them and others just to be on the internet.
US officials: Russia behind spread of virus disinformation Trump was even part of spreading misinformation a few days before this article.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/july-29-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Every day now there is something in the news that should destroy a politician’s career, yet Trump continues with his racism and favoritism towards Putin’s Russia. Trump has stayed away from the memorials for John Lewis.
Exclusive: Trump never raised Russia’s Taliban bounties with Putin
3 former presidents mourn John Lewis at funeral in Atlanta
Good trouble: AP PHOTOS: Nation honors John Lewis with final farwell
Local U.S. election officials fight disinformation ‘virus’, whether from overseas or Trump
How Jared Kushner’s Secret Testing Plan “Went Poof Into Thin Air”
There’s a lot of internet time being spent on a mere mention that the election could be delayed, BTW Congress is the only one to do that, this seems to be an early plot to distract from current events and possibly allow Russian propaganda to create false information about the actual date of election. Trump knows how to use such tactics with a tweet by planting ideas. I spent too much time bringing you this topic. Trump floats election delay, congressional Republicans reject idea
Trump Keeps Criticizing Universal Vote By Mail. But The Nation Isn’t Doing That He’s giving a hint of doubt where it shouldn’t be.
US to bring 6,400 troops home from Germany, move 5,600 more
Oregon urges judge to rein in US agents deployed in Portland
3 Months Of Hell: U.S. Economy Drops 32.9% In Worst GDP Report Ever
Opinion John Lewis Together, You
Can Redeem the Soul
of Our Nation
CBS This Morning | The great broadband divide I wrote earlier on net neutrality roll backs and the FCC and FTC have been giving up jurisdiction. Idealogies that don’t want to support poor also doesn’t want to be held accountable when such actions also affects rural areas.
TV commercials ask Trump to stop TVA outsourcing of IT jobs Apparently this has been going on for a while. Federal utility board backs CEO under Trump’s fire for pay And there’s another article from 2017 that refers to Lynn Evans as the first African-American to be temporary chairwoman until one can be elected Trump’s picks for TVA board could reshape federal agency. News just broke that Trump fired the chair of the TVA. The TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, provides electricity to 9 million people in multiple states. Trump fires Tennessee Valley Authority chair As news develops, it does look like Trump created this situation by picking board members, the board elects the chair, a labor union used ads against the TVA for using contractors who hire foreign workers through a federally supported program, and Trump may have found his information from the ads leading to the firing. Trump fires TVA chair, cites hiring of foreign workers And of course another source. https://reut.rs/2PiLyDd
Republicans Slug Their Way to Thursday Senate Primary These two TN candidates have been the worst, they keep attacking each other trying to out conservative each other without even sharing anything they plan to do. Conservative as a political agenda means little since the conservatives can be a mixed bag of ideas, different conservatives will have different ideas about what it means to be conservative. So they just attack each other with minor details to say they are more conservative than the other. They even use fear tactics against liberals even though conservatives caused the problems at hand. It’s sad and comical at the same time.
A line in the sand’: Both sides dig in on virus relief bill This has been on going for awhile, the extra benefit has already expired and people are facing evictions.
Trump finally for sabotaging Post Office to win the election | No Lie podcast
In Pompeo’s New Hierarchy of Rights, Religion and Property, Not Humans, Are at the Top Oligarchy, corporate socialism… Unalienable Rights and the Securing of Freedom and also this speech happened at the Family Leader Summit My Faith, My Work, My Country
Chasm grows between Trump and government coronavirus experts You would think that a president would listen to the experts and make good wise judgements rather than stick to conspiracy theories and partisan idealogies bent on holding and gaining power. Instead we got one who is more worried if you like him or not. The Axios interview shed more light on how out of touch he is for the pandemic, what was seen was not good for anyone. Axios on HBO: President Trump Exclusive Interview
Toll expected to rise in blast that shook Beirut, killing 78 and injuring thousands
Massive Beirut blast kills more than 70, injures thousands
Tropic storm Isaias whips up eastern US, killing at least 6
‘We are no less American’. Deaths pile up on Texas border
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-4-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Trump couldn’t pronounce Yosemite correctly (he attempts to say Biden has dementia and makes fun of other people) at his own bill signing taking all the glory, btw the bill was introduced by John Lewis last year and Trump has been avoiding all the funeral ceremonies. Heather also addresses the political spin of the White House by blaming Democrats for lack of pandemic relief, the Democrats passed a covid-19 relief bill in May but the Republicans one Senate didn’t look at it and are trying to do one of their own with no traction. So Republicans say “the Democrats do nothing”, but in reality as we are seeing with the Post Office the Republicans set up for failures and then blame Democrats for doing nothing.
What if the president did his job and didn’t focus on reelection, blaming Democrats, creating situations that cause problems like the Post Office delays thus affecting mail in ballots, tweeting distracting statements, and even spreading Covid-19 misinformation…
Satellite Images Show Aftermath Of Beirut Blast This should give you an idea of how big the explosion was, the crater formed is now under water. So, the bad news is that there was a fire at the warehouse that stored 2750 tons of ammonium nitrate, the good news may be that the sea rushed in to put the fire out after the explosion left a crater.
Facebook, citing virus misinformation, deletes Trump post And it was misinformation.
Exclusive: Fauci says regulators promise politics will not guide vaccine timing
State Dept.: Russia pushes disinformation in online network There’s a 77 page pdf. https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USSTATEBPA/2020/08/05/file_attachments/1512230/Pillars%20of%20Russias%20Disinformation%20and%20Propaganda%20Ecosystem_08-04-20%20%281%29.pdf Many US people have bought into the conspiracies and disinformation that comes from Russia and it gets reshared, copied, and written to even more sites. There’s so much more than what is reported here, Democrats alluded to even more influences on the election the the people need to be warned about. State Dept. Traces Russian Disinformation Links
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-5-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy She covers some important issues such as Trump firing Linick who was investigating Trump because he asked an ambassador to convince the UK to have the British Open at his own resort. Let’s keep in mind that a lot of money from the federal government goes into Trump’s resorts when he stays at his own place as President. Also that the Manhattan District attorney has finally gotten Trump’s Deutsche Bank records.
Conservatives battling to the end in Tennessee U.S. Senate primary I used to hear the horror stories of bad politicians using bad tactics like smear campaigns in an attempt to gain votes, this has been the most useless ad campaign from two candidates that say very little about what they will do or want to achieve while in office. They keep saying they are more conservative than the other. There’s nothing about working well with others. What about fighting the wage gap between rich and poor by becoming less of an authoritarian oligarchy, even fighting for equal rights for all, establishing healthcare for all, building up safety nets, cleaning up the environment and especially ending systematic racism. Locally the rent keeps going up but the wages don’t even budge from low income, people of means see their kids off to college who don’t return because the jobs they want are just not there. The rural areas that covers most of TN stalls at a “good enough level” and mentally stays there. We’re in an epic apocalypse as people die from Covid-19 while facing massive evictions, and this is what they chose to campaign about.
‘See you in court’: ACLU files nearly 400 cases versus Trump
Children rapidly deported from the United States strain Guatemalan shelters
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-6-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This day in history, the Manhattan District attorney Sue’s for the dissolving of the NRA, and there’s even Russian connections.
COVID-19 second stimulus package standoff highlights Trump’s flawed economic agenda
U.S. Intelligence Warns China Opposes Trump Reelection, Russia Works Against Biden This is why Trump is banning Tiktok, that and probably because he feels that K-Pop stars messed with attendance at his Tulsa rally.
Postmaster General Touts Postal Service Overhaul But Promises On-Time Election Mail The overhaul has been slowing services in order to loose confidence in the Post Office due to an agenda to privatize it which will just drastically raise prices for rural or less populated areas like other companies do now. Besides, Louis DeJoy was a Trump donor appointed from outside the Post Office and didn’t move up through the ranks. https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/videos/380124412973636/?app=fbl Heather discusses this in her Tuesday questions and answers lecture 8/4/2020.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-7-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy It keeps getting worse.
Pompeo Warned Russia Against Bounties on U.S. Troops in Afghanistan
Pro-Russia vaccine misinfo finds home in US Facebook groups The sad thing is that the misinformation might get picked up and spread faster than actual Covid-19 facts.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump misleads on mail ballots, virus vaccine This week’s fact check.
Trump allows some unemployment pay, defers payroll tax Not sure how this is going to work, states would have to find the money to pay for this. The Republicans keep saying the extra $600 means people won’t be looking for jobs, but in reality many jobs are slow to come back or are gone completely and also people may not have the resources to relocate to a new job market. He’s been trying to get rid of the payroll tax and is using this as a chance to get rid of it, it probably won’t affect paychecks like some think. Trump keeps pushing for a payroll tax cut. Here’s what that means.
Trump signs coronavirus relief orders after talks with Congress break down
Trump announces executive actions after stimulus talks broke down
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-8-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy The HEROES act passed the house and sits on the desk in the Senate waiting, the Republicans blame the Democrats for the problem then attempt and fail to make their own relief bill, and Trump takes matters in his own hands that may be questionable and could even cause more problems just so he gets his pet tax cut and have a chance to blame the Democrats who will be made to look like jerks if they challenge the legality of this.
US tops 5 million confirmed virus cases, to Europe’s alarm
Factbox: Tax cuts, reduced unemployment benefits: What’s in Trump’s coronavirus executive orders
AP FACT CHECK: Trump’s smoke and mirrors on executive orders
Health officials are quitting or getting fired amid outbreak It’s a tough time especially when you give information to people who don’t want to believe it. Stop listening to the Russian propaganda. For the longest Covid-19 hadn’t reached rural areas or all the cities, now it’s just a matter of time before it gets to you or someone you know. People are immature in how they respond to wearing masks and shutting down.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-10-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Heather sheds some light on the odd ideas of the president, even the ones with no evidence to back it up. He’s been trying to control the narrative but there’s a lack of interest since we want someone to actually lead while a pandemic is occurring. Wanting his face on Mount Rushmore doesn’t feed people, pay rent, or do anything to stop the spread of Covid-19 while people die from it.
Scientists uneasy as Russia approves 1st coronavirus vaccine
Scientists ask: Without trial data, how can we trust Russia’s COVID vaccine?
Veteran GOP Strategist Takes On Trump — And His Party — In ‘It Was All A Lie’ There are still people who don’t really want the fundamentalist extremism that has taken over the Republicans and evangelicals.
Biden picks Kamala Harris as running mate, first Black woman
Democrat Joe Biden chooses Senator Kamala Harris for White House running mate
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-12-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy There’s a lot of the extreme right wing conservatives that have bought into their own propaganda and conspiracies. The conservatives think Harris is to far left, while the left think she’s to moderate.
EPA expected to undo methane leak rule for oil, gas industry Stopping the release of methane since it’s a greenhouse gas was supposed to help the environment.
Trump administration to roll back curbs on methane from oil, gas operations If it’s too costly for companies to do things properly, then why are they even extracting oil and gas? The Trump administration is bent on undoing anything the Obama administration did.
Trump holds up coronavirus aid to block funding for mail-in voting This is directly voter repression.
Trump Admits He Opposes Funding For Postal Service To Block More Voting By Mail
U.S. global media agency hires shock jock who called Obama ‘Kenyan’ This is beyond concerning. A conspiracy theorist does not help the integrity of those working there, our tax money should not be used for such mockery.
Trump gives credence to false, racist Harris conspiracy There’s a pandemic happening, but he picks this to talk about.
User Clip: SV Date Asks Trump if He Regrets ‘All the Lying’ He’s Done Some heroes don’t wear capes.
Trump pushes anti-immigrant message even as coronavirus dominates campaign There’s a pandemic happening that the Trump administration needs to address. We’re a nation built on the principal of immigration, I would go as far as to say the underlying racism is what drives such policies from Trump. There are some horrible conditions people go through just to get to the USA, and are not treated like people once here. There are blanket statements that are made that doesn’t show compassion or even reflect a proper understanding of biblical based principles of treating foreigners well.
Amid criticism over mail-in voting, Trump requests absentee ballot Mixed signals… In the book, Animal Farm, the whole time they say four legs are better until the end when they walk on two legs and usher in another paradigm…
Amber Ruffin Shares What Trump Has Done For Black America This is from late night comedians highlighting that what Trump has done has been bad. If you are rich then you might have a place in Trump’s world.
Ex-FBI lawyer to plead guilty in Trump-Russia probe review
Trump dodges question on QAnon conspiracy theory
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-14-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy The USPS has turned into a fiasco, it’s been made into an election circus before the election time has started.
Iowa governor defends storm response as residents struggle The derecho hit Iowa hard.
Monday storm impacted an estimated 37.7 million acres of Midwest farmland
Protesters slam U.S. postmaster outside his home amid mail-in worries
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-15-2020-saturday?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Historian Heather Cox Richardson discusses the benefits of having at least two political parties. She also mentions the problems when one party takes over, warning that there is more and more corruption from the one party.
Rewriting the limits of presidential powers This is revealing, kind of like when the secret bunker under the Greenbrier was revealed. Once it’s out there, the people of the US can do something about it. This was born out of threats of nuclear disaster, perhaps when most of the people are gone. The extent is probably seen in science fiction, especially zombie movies, where you hope a virtuous leader takes care of the people and left over military assets. The PEADs take care of the rich and elite, does little for everyone else. Trump’s virtue is questionable and the wild card needed by those pushing for Republican power. Anyway, seems like they told Trump about the PEADs and he’s been trying to do what he wants ever since for the power, except he’s not actually being a leader during the pandemic. https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/april-12-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This was from April 12.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump hails under-performing China trade deal Also the there are plenty more fact check articles.
Trump administration finalizes oil drilling plan in Alaska wildlife refuge Maybe make oil companies prepay for clean ups and restoration like the USPS was made to prepay for retirements. Why is this even happening… Who does this benefit, it would be costly to even drill there… Oil companies are not as interested in it as much as the Republicans are bent on opening it up. America’s wildest place on the edge of destruction And there’s more information. The struggle to protect the Sacred Place Where Life Begins — Indigenous groups lead fight against Arctic oil drilling And there’s a Teen Vogue article. I Traveled to the Arctic to Witness Climate Disaster Firsthand
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-17-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy The day’s events include some highlights of Trump undermining democracy. The Democrat National Convention started, the speeches were personal and the party wants to include everyone. The speakers ranged from Republicans to Bernie Sanders, covering the mix of views that can get behind Biden. Michelle Obama, who’s necklace spelled out VOTE, was the keynote speaker of the evening.
Dems put divides aside, rally behind Biden at convention
India’s bicycle warriors on a mission to save children from traffickers I wanted to add this since there has been an uptick of people posting on social media about child trafficking. There are still places in the world where parents are desperate enough that they get money from child labor. This is dangerous for the child since the exploitation can be very bad. The other point I wanted to make is that with proper support for basic needs like food and shelter, you will see such practices stop. ‘COVID generation’ risks child marriage, forced labour, ex-leaders warn Global leadership and understanding will help.
Trump to pardon women’s suffrage leader Susan Anthony May need to consult historians, she probably would be mad at such a gesture since the incident brought attention to the cause, and it’s ironic that he’s also using this as a publicity stunt. There was still racism happening. Suffrage anniversary commemorations highlight racial divide
U.S. Detention of Child Migrants I’m going to leave this here since some media outlets have jumped on Michelle Obama’s speech reference to kids in cages also forget the bigger picture of a rise in migration and Trump’s zero tolerance for the border. Policies that were meant for temporary situations for a few days not months which lead to horrible conditions. Why this former DHS official under Trump is endorsing Biden Miles Taylor said that Trump asked about things such as paint to make the border wall hotter and even sharp spikes. At Homeland Security, I saw firsthand how dangerous Trump is for America
Trump campaign’s Russia contacts ‘grave’ threat, Senate says There is also a link to the 966 page report in that article and also at the Senate web site. Senate Intel Releases Volume 5 of Bipartisan Russia Report Embracing the Russian narratives has been concerning. Senate committee concludes Russia used Manafort, WikiLeaks to boost Trump in 2016
Democrats make it official, nominate Biden to take on Trump
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-18-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy The historian Heather Cox Richardson addresses the Susan B Anthony pardon, the intelligence committee report, and even the nomination of Joe Biden. Apparently someone paid SBA’s fine and she was furious that she couldn’t go to the Supreme Court, so not sure Trump did anything at all other than draw attention to himself signing a paper to pardon a settled voter crime.
Trump praises QAnon conspiracists, appreciates support This is scary, it’s like a substitute for Russian propaganda.
Trump: US demands restoration of UN sanctions against Iran Trump backing out of the nuclear deal with Iran has put the US in an awkward position on the world scene allowing Russia, China, and Europe to fill the power gap to be able to control the situation better with little regard to what the US wants. Trump has done little on the global scene to influence other governments to even consider support the snapback provision, this has now come back to bite him. The Republican ideologies also means they are to do less on the global level anyway essentially weakening the US among global leadership. His rash decision gives Putin an edge.
Belarus chaos brings a poker-faced response from Russia Yes, this is happening because Trump is weak and distracted.
Belarusian protesters defy Lukashenko, EU announces sanctions Does the blaming others and using force on protestors sound familiar…
Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny ‘poisoned’
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-19-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Apparently after Obama spoke, Trump went on a Twitter rant.
U.S. weekly jobless claims top one million in setback to labor market recovery
Rise in jobless claims reflects still-struggling US economy
Ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon charged in border wall scheme When asked by press, Trump used his typical gaslighting routine to attempt to distance himself from Bannon. Bonus, it was the US Postal Inspection Service police who did the arresting… Ex-Trump aide Bannon pleads not guilty in border wall scheme This is an odd scheme anyway, Bannon took advantage of Trump supporters, their own populist movement conservative supporters who bought into the idea of a border wall. Trump directed Homeland Security to give $400 million to firm tied to Bannon’s We Build the Wall scheme: report This may be the tip of the iceberg of activities going on by populist movement conservatives. The spectacular fall of a center-of-power populist It’s the cowboy myth all over again, living by their own rules with little influence from the government.
Factbox: Here are eight Trump associates arrested or convicted of crimes So, to get elected and to run his administration Trump surrounded himself with these. According to the last Senate Intelligence committee report led by Republicans, the ones who ran his campaign were linked with Russian agents, Trump was even working on a deal for a building in Moscow before the campaign. It’s exhausting just thinking about the gaslighting happening when Trump repeats his narratives to divert attention away from the decisions to hire such individuals.
U.S. judge dismisses Trump’s lawsuit to block subpoena for tax records
Appeals court won’t step in for now on Trump tax records
Mural highlights Dolly Parton’s Black Lives Matter quote “Of course Black lives matter. Do we think our little white asses are the only ones that matter?”
It was great’: In leaked audio, Trump hailed low Black turnout in 2016
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-21-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy California wild fires plus Colorado, Illinois and Iowa was hit by a derecho, and there are two hurricanes about to hit the gulf coast… Of course Trump’s response is right in line with the idealogies that the federal government isn’t to be a safety net. That brings up the questions, why have a federal government if they do nothing to help and definitely why do we need Trump with such an idealogy? It’s un-American to just help those in your political party and abandon the rest.
AP FACT CHECK: : Trump’s distortion on Dems and the pledge It’s sad that a president has to be fact checked, he already has to be fact checked and called out on during press conferences. There’s even a running tally of the number of times he’s lied or mislead. President Trump has made more than 20,000 false or misleading claims
AP FACT CHECK: What the Dems didn’t say, and what Trump did
Protest erupts after Wisconsin police shoot man from behind
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-23-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This says a lot.
Republicans Blast Democrats As Socialists. Here’s What Socialism Is A lot of this goes back to the late 1800’s. The RNC 2016 platform harkens back to the 1920’s and 1930’s that were not helpful during the Great Depression, the movement conservatives are bent reversing the new deal era of Roosevelt. The movement conservatives reinforces authoritarian, autocracy, and oligarchy idealogies. Ironically that also helps them relate to foreign leadership such as Putin’s Russia even though the movement conservatives are against globalism. The Republican ideology does not support Federal assistance helping people. The logical conclusion of less federal regulations or involvement would be an end to the constitution since that’s the only way to elevate states rights to the level desired. During the 20’s the rich were getting richer irregardless of the means or consequences, Federal laws were just in the way. The Great Gatsby was written during the time allowing the author to make observations of the era. Oh, the best a socialist has done in any US election was in 1912 with just over 900000 votes, Americans have unanimously been against actual socialism. Much of idea of using the government to help the poor can be sourced from the Bible and proven methods used to fight socialism and communism. Eisenhower as a Republican President had that idea but the branch of Taft Republicans were against it while holding onto racism and segregation.
I do want to say the divisive rhetoric of either party just leads to a split in the US people and does little to get to core values.
AP Analysis: Trump’s convention aims to airbrush his tenure Wonder what he would do if he won, he wouldn’t be out campaigning for reelection so what would his goals even be…
AP FACT CHECK: GOP taps distortions to heap praise on Trump
Pompeo convention speech for Trump from Jerusalem sparks criticism, investigation He made his office political…
Republican convention touts Trump trade deals, despite mixed results
Bipartisan measure introduced in Congress to condemn QAnon conspiracy theory
Trump officials pressured CDC to change virus testing guidelines
Laura gains strength, could bring ‘unsurvivable’ storm surge This hurricane strengthened to a Cat 4 in the gulf and is expected to be a Cat 5 when it hits land. There is a potential 20′ storm surge, that’s a lot of water and can go miles inland.
AP FACT CHECK: Pence presses a distorted case on economy
17-year-old arrested after 2 killed during unrest in Kenosha No matter how much the Trump administration desires to paint the protests in a bad light, the reality is that there are ones who join in that are there to disrupt the peace or a mix of individuals who don’t even know what they are doing. The Trump administration has been creating their own reality while an armed kid can walk past police in the guise of an unverified militia to murder people on the street. We need protection from such individuals. Vigilante calls on social media before deadly Kenosha attack
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-26-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy There’s a disconnect from reality in the current administration.
Stuart Stevens – The Evolution of the GOP | The Daily Social Distancing Show Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show filmed while home during the pandemic has Stuart Stevens as guest. It’s a quick insight to what makes up the Republican party now. Historian Heather Cox Richardson has been doing a lecture series online on the history of the Republican party. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2dS6uX1RkUzx3wKPlqeCplQjWOeKq7QI
Laura carves destructive path through Louisiana; 4 dead
AP FACT CHECK: Trump distorts record; BLM falsely accused This was a shit show… Trump lashes Biden, defies pandemic on White House stage The Republicans have shifted from the movement conservatives(the far right movement) to Trumpism, and yes that is an official word. Classic conservatives are more in line with moderate Democrats. Trump assails rival Biden in White House speech accepting nomination The protestors outside the gates could be heard, some heroes don’t wear capes.
Protesters try to drown out Trump speech, yell at Sen. Paul
Trump must turn over tax returns, does not deserve immunity, Manhattan’s top prosecutor says After the last ruling, Trump’s lawyers filed an emergency appeal. Once the case goes to trial then there will be a court record that might be used in further litigation.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-27-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy She describes the RNC finale as a “Biff Tannen fantasy”. Back to the Future Part II | How Biff Tannen Ruined Hill Valley
Fact Check: Trump’s Address To The Republican Convention, Annotated The speech is exhausting, especially since so much of it needs fact checking.
U.S. economic recovery hampered by wobbly performance in powerhouse states
Thousands Gather For March On Washington To Demand Police Reform And Racial Equality We have a president who is ignoring racism and the pandemic, and his supporters still deny systematic racism even exists.
Health agencies’ credibility at risk after week of blunders
Exclusive: Most U.S. states reject Trump administration’s new COVID-19 testing guidance Some good news, the Trump administration ideas are already behind.
Trump says he saved 51 million jobs in pandemic. Economists, U.S. officials say otherwise
U.S. House panel announces contempt proceedings against Pompeo
Breakingviews – Cox: Republicans mostly rant about fake socialism People have been using the term “socialist” as a political derogatory remark since the 1850’s, and the US has not even been close to having a socialist consensus. The best an actual socialist has done in a presidential election was in 1912 with 900369 votes.
The terms socialism, socialist, communism, and communist are used as scare tactic derogatory labels against the other side namely moderates, progressives, and liberals who ironically are also against those idealogies, meanwhile reality is that there is a widening of the wealth gap allowing more oligarchal and autocratic idealogies by the movement conservatives and that is also a threat to democracy. A smaller government with less regulations on corporations means those with the wealth control or dictate the rules that govern people of lesser means as ones without equal say. We have lost the ability to work together for balances so everyone has an equal say.
Buried in the movement conservative ideologies is systematic racism, one aspect is that it doesn’t want to support social services that helps people of color. The use of the derogatory term “welfare queen” in a myth narrative that is still repeated helped create a stereotype. The Myth of the Welfare Queen Spoiler alert, she was a criminal con artist and the welfare fraud was a small part of it. The true story behind the ‘welfare queen’ stereotype And another article. The Original ‘Welfare Queen’ This one brings up a welfarereform law in 1996 that ended up having different results than what may have been intended. The intention may have been to end a dependence on welfare, there just wasn’t anything to turn to to get out of poverty. Also there was a prison reform law that meant states used it to depend on federal money to pay for their prisons. The law had a provision that states could take advantage of by incarcerating more people since federal money paid for it. Crime rates were on a decline before the reform law, states could still get money for operating prisons even if the state couldn’t make budgets work. This loophole was taken advantage of and you can now guess correctly that a disaportionate number of people of color were incarcerated with mandatory sentences and even over things a white person would get lighter sentences for which is part of systematic racism. Gerrymanding and red lining are also other parts of systematic racism. Trump ended an Obama-era anti-segregation rule, the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) housing regulation. He blatantly ended an anti-segregation rule, which allows systematic racism back in to communities.
Too risky? Fed pressed to expand aid to some businesses If you are trying to save hotel workers, until people are traveling again this might be difficult, so how about money going to the actual people who need it. Companies are already on the verge of closing since consumer trends are shifting. Larger corporations are just going to buy up property and assets when the loans can’t be paid back. Again, putting money in the hands of people will do more since money trickles up to the rich rather than down from the rich.
Trump knocks protesters against racial injustice during New Hampshire rally When Trump took office, the nationalists and white supremacists came out more than ever. This means people against racial injustice are coming out too, many protests are happening that don’t have extreme violent participants. Tensions have been escalating since Trump ignores systematic racism and racial injustice, so far he has only plans to use force to end protests instead of just arresting criminal activities at the protests.
Anti-racism protesters to march in Kenosha after third night of calm
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-29-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This is troubling…
Hidden in Plain Sight: Racism, White Supremacy, and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement Very concerning.
Is it possible to rid police officers of bias?
‘Fanning the flames’: Dems accuse Trump of stoking violence
Biden condemns Portland violence, says Trump ‘recklessly encouraging’ it
Kenoshians face ‘wake-up call’ after tumultuous, painful week of violence
Russian nuclear-capable bombers fly near Alaska
Russian navy conducts major maneuvers near Alaska
Russia, U.S. trade blame over armored vehicle skirmish in Syria
Russia blames US for military vehicles’ collision in Syria
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-30-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy People are paying more attention to the details that are pointing to Trump’s authoritarianism moves.
AP FACT CHECK: Is Trump’s America great again or hellscape?
Americans divided over armed civilians who flock to protests We’ve had some turbulent times when people show up with guns to counter-protest or even to take matters in their own hands.
Judge blocks asylum screening by border protection agents Good, there can be a bias among border patrol.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump tweets distort truth on National Guard
What legal standing do armed civilian groups at protests have? Mary McCord: Well, the Supreme Court has actually been quite clear, back in 1886 and as recently as 2008, that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to bear arms for one’s own individual self-protection, but does not prevent states from prohibiting private paramilitary organizations. And that’s what those groups were. They were private paramilitary organizations. The Second Amendment doesn’t protect their activity in Kenosha or elsewhere.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump misstates what happened in Kenosha
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-1-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Trump created his own propaganda and fake news story, the fake news part was because he was tweeting a denial so much some had to look into it instead of actual news.
Kenosha business owner declines President Trump photo-op, former owner replaces him “I think everything he does turns into a circus and I just didn’t want to be involved in it,” Gram said. Can we say propaganda when the owner was replaced for the photo-op…
Trump visits Kenosha, not to urge racial healing but to back police
Propaganda in Belarus: Why state media journalists quit The journalists see the problems of the state controls of the media, especially downplaying Covid-19. Trump has downplayed Covid-19 and routinely calls any media report he doesn’t like as being fake news. And now for what’s happening to the US’s Voice of America, the new CEO that Trump appointed has done some changes that might be passed off to the less observant until you look closely at the up coming visa expirations of foreign journalists that are part of VOA. Normally these are renewed, and it’s looking like these are being ignored so when they expire the journalists would have to go back even to hostile situations that could endanger their lives for having worked at VOA. This now looks like the Voice of America is being converted into a Trump state media. U.S. Broadcasting Agency Will Not Extend Visas For Its Foreign Journalists And another article. Some VOA Journalists Forced to Leave US Soon as Visas Expire And of course one from VOA. VOA Journalists Fly Home After USAGM Fails to Renew J-1 Visas
Portland: How a ‘hyper-liberal’ city’s racist past is resurfacing A bit of perspective to give a historical context of Portland where protests have gone past black lives matter to political differences. A narrative of opposing liberals sits better with the racists base of Trump supporters than opposing the systematic racism found in police departments that has lead to protests.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-2-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Trump is silent on Russia’s assassination attempt on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Also there is a cover up of Russian interference in the election. Angela Merkel says Novichok poisoning of Russia’s Navalny was attempted murder It would be nice if the US backed up allies. Alexei Navalny: Germany urges EU action over Novichok poisoning
DHS withheld July intelligence bulletin calling out Russian attack on Biden’s mental health Comrade Trump repeats this misinformation.
Report: Trump disparaged US war dead as ‘losers,’ ‘suckers’ The report is plausible, he’s been just as harsh in other similar situations. Fox News, that is readily accepted by the movement conservatives, confirmed it. He’s called real things hoaxes so much that when he called this a hoax you know not to believe this is a hoax.
Democrats request Hatch Act probe of Republican convention
Biden speaks with Jacob Blake, hears from Kenosha residents
Video captures first deadly police shooting under D.C.’s new bodycam law
He fought corruption in Russia. ICE wants to deport him. Things have changed to allow this to happen. Remember the bounties on US soldiers, and poisoning an opposition leader.
Depression, anxiety spike amid outbreak and turbulent times It’s been rough, people have more questions than answers. So many are directing anger and frustration at each other while it should be directed towards leaders that are ignoring the pandemic doing little to support the resources needed to help in real practical ways and even denying systematic racism.
Health officials worry nation not ready for COVID-19 vaccine It will take a lot of qualified people to vaccinate everyone. There has been an investment in a promising new device. U.S. Bets On Small, Untested Company to Deliver COVID Vaccine In the 1970’s there was a needless injector that would speed up the process. Also a micro needle patch might be an option.
US CRISIS MONITOR RELEASES FULL DATA FOR SUMMER 2020 93% of BLM protests were peaceful. And at the few where there was violence, it increased when federal involvement occurred.
Trump targets ‘white privilege’ training as ‘anti-American’ He’s calling anti-racism training as anti-american, this is racism if you haven’t picked up on the clue. Vought Memo You would expect this from Woodrow Wilson to do that, not in 2020. Links have already been shared concerning the DHS document, here’s another. DHS draft document: White supremacists are greatest terror threat
Special Report: Australia faces down China in high-stakes strategy
Dozens arrested as violent Portland protests continue Friends could smell the tear gas many blocks away. Local police had a lot to deal with. So much of the escalation has been when Trump pushes for more federal involvement and does little to listen or address racism and police brutality. Portland has been shifting from a black lives matter movement against racism and police brutality to something more as the federal presence rises. It’s bringing out extremists from all sides.
Review Of Federal Charges In Portland Unrest Shows Most Are Misdemeanors The cases in Portland have not referenced anti-fascism or conspiracies, so what ever Barr is referring to has to be propaganda rhetoric. Barr has been making false statements lately conserning mail in voting and protests. Of course there were a few agitators. The local police were handling numerous problems. Keep in mind, the US fought against fascism in WWII, and what the right-wing movement conservatives call socialism is not actually socialism.
States plan for cuts as Congress deadlocks on more virus aid History taught us a lot during the 1918 flu and Great Depression, we don’t have to repeat the same mistakes.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-6-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This summarized the day in history.
Hospital: Russia’s Alexei Navalny out of coma, is responsive
Trump open to inquiry into DeJoy and campaign contributions The committee that approved Dejoy was made of 4 Republicans and 2 Democrats, so that’s not exactly bipartisan. Trump associates who have been sent to prison or faced criminal charges Trump is surrounded by those who are doing crimes. Factbox: Here are eight Trump associates arrested or convicted of crimes And the list is getting longer. Trump and other Republicans like to claim that Democrats are corrupt but as for those close to Trump the evidence shows otherwise.
Michael Cohen’s Trump book: The ex-lawyer’s key claims
Scorched earth: Record 2 million acres burned in California
Exclusive: Exxon downsizes global empire as Wall Street worries about dividend
China may dump U.S. Treasuries as Sino-U.S. tensions flare: Global Times Trump’s policies and idealogies won’t help matters, he’s been soft on Russia with whom the US sanctions and harsh on China with whom we trade with. China has tensions with Australia too. So much of global tension is about trade.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-7-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Historian Heather Cox Richardson discusses Volume 5 of the Senate Intelligence Committee report, Trump’s campaign advisors had connections with Russia. These campaign advisors were fixers who cleaned up Russian clients to get them elected. The list of clients range from oligarchs to dictators and also are lobbied to get support. There is little about changing a client’s character for the better. There are articles that shed light on how Russians keep electing the same oligarchs over and over while their own lives don’t change for anything better.
Inside Putin’s Russia Also there’s more. How Putin’s oligarchs funneled millions into GOP campaigns There are global connections among movement conservative idealogies which is ironic since one idealogy is being against globalism. ‘Liberalism is dead’: Putin’s drive to unite the world’s conservatives The US has had a long history of having a “liberal” consensus, moving forward from past problems and mistakes including away from the bad behaviors of the right wing. How the Right Wing Convinces Itself That Liberals Are Evil
How Trump Draws on Campaign Funds to Pay Legal Bills
California Has Saved Money by Suing the Trump Administration
Trump says he is willing to spend his own money to win re-election The negative press he’s had was brought on by his own self.
Homeland Threats 8-19-2020 draft Russia is doing a lot to influence the election. White supremacists are the major domestic violence threat, while there is no mention of antifa or anti-fascists.
Trump is blasting the military-industrial complex. But he’s one of its biggest boosters.
Feds take over defense in libel suit against Trump This is an odd thing to do. They didn’t do this for Clinton. This is a sneaky way to get the case dismissed if it moves forward since the federal government can’t be sued for defamation. Trump has been using campaign funds to pay legal battles.
Special Report: How a small group of U.S. lawyers pushed voter fraud fears into the mainstream I’ve been purged from the voter rolls, I found out the hard way on an election day. Re-registering is convenient when you renew your driver’s license, that hasn’t always been an option. If you just need to register to vote the complication is having a day off to go take care of the registration, putting it off leads to it being easily forgotten until time to go vote. From what I remember is that even when you have registered, there’s additional paperwork to fill out when you actually go to vote. While out of state for school, I think I just never bothered trying to figure out how to get an absentee ballot mainly because I didn’t know where to begin with that process. Doing this online is still relatively new and has gotten better. I don’t know what all you need if you don’t have a driver’s license to register to vote. In North Dakota, voter repression popped up due to a new requirement that driver’s licenses had to have physical addresses which affected native Americans who happened to depend on Post Office boxes. Since then they have been working on naming roads and dirt paths just to meet the registration requirement until resolved otherwise. North Dakota And Native American Tribes Settle Voter ID Lawsuits
‘Play it down’: Trump admits to concealing the true threat of coronavirus in new Woodward book This will get attention. The White House press secretary is already spinning. We already knew it was bad, we just didn’t need a president to spend time denying it while loyal supporters/followers latched on to the false narratives. There’s a list of common sense things to do like strictly quarantining anyone traveling from outside the country, testing would need to be increased, and having a mandatory mask mandate. Hording PPE by the federal government just made supply scarce while states and hospitals prepared for the possibilities
Book: Trump said of virus, ‘I wanted to always play it down’ What it did was to divide the nation, in one way was those who don’t want to wear masks are divided from those who wear masks.
Rolls-Royces, Rolexes and rowhouses: Feds crack down on small business loan fraud This isn’t surprising, sadly. Republicans didn’t want to add in the clause to track PPE and loans, which was a sticking point the Democrats to make sure there was accountability, there was even a stall over this very issue.
Official claims pressure to alter Homeland Security intel
A Trump security chief acknowledges role of white supremacist extremists in U.S. urban violence
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-9-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This day in history covers Trump’s down play of Covid-19 timeline. Intelligence reports were even being changed to line up with the Trump administration narratives, instead of facing reality. White supremacists are a big threat, they came out of the woodwork when Trump got elected. After this much lieing, he even tried to play up the new nuclear weapons systems, which just sounds like boisterous bragging.
U.S. judges reject Trump plan to exclude many immigrants from representation I think once you start doing this it becomes too easy to exclude even more people. Census just wants to count people living here.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-10-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Highlights include: The department of Health and Human Services tried to make Dr. Fauci stick to Trump’s positions even the misinformation he regularly says. An election lawyer called out Trump and the Republicans for suggesting voter fraud. The US Treasury added Andrii Derkach and some Russians to their list of people to block and sanction. Rudy Giuliani used Andrii Derkach to spread disinformation on Biden.
US Treasury Sanctions Ukrainian MP Who Spread Biden Disinfo Over Electoral Interference
Rudy Has Been Playing Footsie With Sanctioned ‘Active Russian Agent’ For Months
Charges, sanctions revive specter of Russian interference
Officials battle online misinformation along with wildfires The president is occupied by the election and is silent about the wildfires. There are places in California where the sky has darkened and changed color to beautiful reds and oranges, street lights are on at midday.
Trump’s Businesses Raked In $1.9 Billion Of Revenue During His First Three Years In Office I’ve heard people complain that Obama left office with $40 million, which is from a book deal made before he took office. Trump’s tax cuts helps the rich like him while shifting the tax burden to those making much less. Some of what Trump made was from staying at his own resorts while acting as president and playing golf while everyday people are struggling.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-11-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Basically the West is on fire and Trump is a dumpster fire. Trump was lieing about the pandemic and has been getting various departments to change to fit his narratives, he is his own fake news creator.
Ashland Cyclists Bring Water, Food To People Stuck In Evacuation Zones A little good news.
Biden audio first shared by ‘Russian agent’ thrives online The audio was edited into misinformation and then shared online. More Russian propaganda to influence the election.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-12-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy It really is a big deal that appointed directors are having reports changed to align with Trump’s narratives just to get reelected. The West is on fire, another hurricane is on the way, storm damage in multiple states, a pandemic, looming evictions, and millions out of work are all being overshadowed by a reelection campaign.
The pandemic has already put a burden on states as tax revenue has dropped.
Winds a worry as death toll reaches 33 from West Coast fires
Trump officials interfered with CDC reports on Covid-19
Longtime Climate Science Denier Hired At NOAA
Massive Protests Continue In Belarus As Demonstrators Demand Lukashenko Resign
Kremlin set for election wins, but Navalny supporters make rare gains in Siberia Navalny was poisoned recently, he’s in opposition to Putin and the Kremlin.
Progressive Democrats urge action on tech as potential Google lawsuit looms This is supported by both Democrats and Republicans.
Exclusive: China would rather see TikTok U.S. close than a forced sale
Retirements, layoffs, labor force flight may leave scars on U.S economy According to history, the movement conservative ideologies don’t work and undermine democracy to lead to an oligarchy aristocrat system.
Russian excess deaths over summer outstrip COVID toll by more than 3 to 1 So, the Russian government claims a low covid-19 death rate, but there a lot more deaths than usual. Of course they threaten journalists with jail time if they report it. Trump’s administration has been directing the CDC, HHS, and DHS to downplay the pandemic and Russian influence on the election.
U.S. court allows Trump to phase out immigrant humanitarian protections Trump is trying to pander the immigrant vote while also stopping immigration, well it was more of an insult at a rally. He’s already lied about the pandemic, normally speaks and tweets false information, it’s exhausting having someone in office who regularly says one thing and actually does something else.
Biden Pledges To Dismantle Trump’s Sweeping Immigration Changes — But Can He Do That?
‘Like an Experimental Concentration Camp’: Whistleblower Complaint Alleges Mass Hysterectomies at ICE Detention Center What fresh hell is this… That article needed more research beyond the catchy title to spark readers. Seems that there wasn’t the mass hysterectomies as alluded to, there were hysterectomies done and the records need to be questioned. AP Exclusive: More migrant women say they didn’t OK surgery The original whistleblower report just had a relatively small section devoted to the hysterectomies.
Trump spurns science on climate: ‘Don’t think science knows’ When weather patterns shift, we can observe the results and hypothesize predictions based on sound judgement, that’s science. Rains bring vegetation growth and then drought turns it into fire material, the pattern is happening more frequently namely it’s yearly now in western states. It’s also a national security threat. Trump also mentioned exploding trees, I have nothing but sarcastic remarks about that, watch out for exploding trees while raking the forest… Forestry management already knows what to do. They Know How to Prevent Megafires. Why Won’t Anybody Listen?
Child care crisis pushes US mothers out of the labor force Thus is reality, couples already have a lot to consider during a pandemic, stagnant wages, high rent/bills, and more.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-14-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Heather Cox Richardson writes about the violent rhetoric of Trump and his cronies as they threaten the upcoming election, just like the desperate white racists-oligarchs-autocrats did before the Civil War.
Trump: Israeli pacts with 2 Arab states signal ‘new’ Mideast In Trump’s speech he mentions the decades of division and conflicts, ironically that is what he’s depending on to win reelection. When we hear statements like that while he is doing something completely different, we have more questions than answers. They left the Palestinians out of the negotiations while also drawing up maps for Palestinian lands. Much of this already was happening, it just made it official and tied up loose ends with outdated and no longer enforced sanctions.
Apology, no firing: Official said US scientists hurt Trump This has gotten strange, Caputo did a live meltdown rant with conspiracy theories and Schumer is calling for Azar’s resignation.
Takeaways: Trump’s town hall offered preview of debates This wouldn’t look good for any president, it’s not one of his rallies where he can say what he wants and get away with it. Candidates wouldn’t even make it to the nomination phase with this town hall. Trump’s ABC News town hall: Fact-checking the president’s answers This aired on ABC and they were kind enough to do fact checking along with other news media outlets. He even was fact checked during the town hall, bonus even put in his place by a questioner in this video Trump on ABC News town hall. I think he just gave sound bites that could be spun later into propaganda for his base, he doesn’t know how to talk to anyone outside his base. ‘You can’t attack a regular voter’: Trump faces a retail-campaigning gap
Pompeo says U.S. will do all it needs to ensure Iran sanctions enforced Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal and now that’s comeback to bite the administration, 13 of 15 council members say it is void.
Hacking Your Mind: Weapons of Influence This is a PBS documentary series, and this one discusses the use of commercial marketing in politics. Data is mined to craft targeted ads and suggestions to cater your online experience so you see what you want to see. Very useful insights to how it works and maybe not be lured in to the false narratives and even the Russian propaganda. The next episode delves into how social media can be used to lead to authoritarianism.
Trump disputes health officials, sees mass vaccinations soon This literally happened, the head of CDC gave some important information and Trump pulled his info out of his dark side.
The Latest: Trump contradicts CDC director on vaccine, masks
Hurricane Sally weakens to tropical storm, brings ‘historic flooding’ to U.S. Gulf Coast
The Complicated Importance Of Abortion To Trump Voters I’ve written about this, even if over turned it will not stop, it will just be driven underground and unsafe practices will be used by individuals.
Trump Announces ‘Patriotic Education’ Commission, A Largely Political Move This is idealogy propaganda of Trump. Systematic racism is real and has been used since the Civil War.
Barr Blasts His Own Prosecutors: ‘All Power Is Vested In The Attorney General’ Barr has been using the DOJ as Trump’s personal attorney, this is another declaration that Barr is the final decision on if prosecutors go after high level people such as Trump. The movement conservatives like Barr are just working to hold power since they are in the minority, Trump is just boisterous enough to do their bidding for them.
U.S. House resolution opposes anti-Asian coronavirus rhetoric, including Trump’s ‘China virus’ We can see that there are some working to end racism, bigotry, and xenophobia. Sexism needs to be added to the list.
Trump says a Harris vice presidency is ’no way for a woman’ to become president Sexist statement for sure, there is an underlining hint to something else implied.
Fact check: Did the Nashville mayor’s office hide coronavirus stats? No. Not at all. Bad journalism lead to the initial report before it was vetted and actual investigations meant it also was taken out of context. Debunked COVID story prompts differing responses on Fox News The sad thing is that people drove by Mayor Cooper’s house saying angry things and using bull horns and calling for his resignation, basically acting foolish. Reminds me of the time a friend said he saw a pic of Nancy Pelosi ripping a Bible, which was satire by Babylon Bee, someone got mad and started ranting about her and Democrats before even knowing the source or checking it out to see if it was true. What happened to bring slow to anger and even bearing false witness…
FBI director says antifa is an ideology, not an organization
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87, 9/18/2020. RBG is a national treasure, the notorious RBG. On a side note, I had an Aunt Mae die the day before of Covid-19, she had been on a ventilator and after being removed it took a couple of hours with a collapsed lung.
RGB hasn’t even been buried yet and there’s talk of replacement. Trump to Senate: Vote ‘without delay’ on his high court pick Trump is quoted as saying “We were put in this position of power and importance to make decisions for the people who so proudly elected us…” A minority voted him in, he does little to listen to the vast majority of people other than an even smaller minority who runs his base. The mention of power seems to imply that his group is now in control rather than being mindful of the entire nation as a whole having power, this is not being humble or thinking of others.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-20-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy A historical perspective on Supreme Court nominations.
Analysis: US to hit 200K dead; Trump sees no need for regret Today, we buried an Aunt, covid-19 was not pleasant to deal with in this case. Empathy and sympathy would be nice.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-21-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy There is much happening that goes unnoticed.
Global banks defy U.S. crackdowns by serving oligarchs, criminals and terrorists Trump’s former campaign manager, Paul Manafort was mentioned. Remember, Trump’s campaign for 2016 was run by ones who worked to clean up Russian oligarchs for elections. Trump’s business career is more connected to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy than we ever knew Justice Anthony Kennedy’s son was the Deutsche Bank loan officer who loaned Trump over a billion during the time no American banks would. Keep in mind that Kennedy resigned and Trump selected Kavanough as replacement.
FinCEN Files: ‘Bringing the big banks to justice’
FinCEN Files: Deutsche Bank tops list of suspicious transactions
Iran strikes defiant tone at UN under crushing US sanctions
U.S.-China tensions take center stage at U.N. as Trump accuses Beijing of unleashing ‘plague’ This is a distraction from what’s happening with Russia.
America’s 200,000 COVID-19 Deaths: Small Cities And Towns Bear A Growing Share
Feds threaten funds to NYC, Seattle and Portland over unrest
U.S. Justice Dept weighs stripping federal funds from cities allowing ‘anarchy’
Tesla’s value drops $50 billion as Musk’s promised cheaper battery 3 years away Not sure why this happened, it seems to be good news that a cheaper battery can be made. That means more sales as more people can afford to buy one. Going electric has become a viable option as battery technology has advanced.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-22-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy It takes a historian to remind us of what we already know before upcoming reports get released. Ukrainian lawmaker Andrii Derkach is a Russian operative, Rudy Giuliani and senator Ron Johnson are relying on him for information. Johnson has already been sharing conspiracy theories and Russian propaganda. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort’s Ukrainian business partners are Russian operatives. Trump sold a home in Florida in 2008 to a Russian oligarch who paid twice as much. Republicans moved to limit investigations that were used for the impeachment. Even if Putin has anything over Trump, Trump’s admiration of his authoritarian rule means Putin can use him.
NYT: Rosenstein curtailed counterintelligence probe into Trump’s Russia ties New York Times is behind a pay wall, so if you don’t get that then this may help for perspective.
‘The port came to us’: Story behind AP photo of Beirut blast
200,000 dead as Trump vilifies science, prioritizes politics
Cost Of Racism: U.S. Economy Lost $16 Trillion Because Of Discrimination, Bank Says Racism does so much damage beyond money.
Trump Declines To Promise Peaceful Transfer Of Power After Election He already has been spreading doubts about the election results before ballots have even been cast. This is from the one who lost the popular vote. Isn’t this authoritarianism and fascism…
‘The hits just keep coming’: Congress stumbles from crisis to crisis
In Taylor case, limits of law overcome calls for justice
2 Louisville officers shot amid Breonna Taylor protests Say her name…
GOP senators’ anti-Biden report repackages old claims “But an interim report, issued by Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) less than six weeks before the presidential election and released publicly on Wednesday, is largely a compilation of previously public information — some of it rehashed anew by witnesses who already testified during the House’s impeachment inquiry last year — as well as news articles and strongly worded insinuations with little evidence to back them up.” Keep in mind there was an earlier article. Engel Raises Alarm on Pompeo’s Political Scheme with Senate Republicans Johnson and Grassley had made a trip to Moscow on the 4th of July and Giuliani had made a trip to Ukraine meeting with the same Russian operative coming back with a story to investigate Hunter Biden’s laptop.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-23-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy A day in history as Trump attempts to use fear and doubt tactics for the election while the pandemic rages.
McConnell, other Republicans split with Trump on peaceful transfer of power This is just over the tweets and comments.
‘Are people to be left to die?’ Vaccine pleas fill UN summit
Virus cases rise in US heartland, home to anti-mask feelings
Probe into ‘discarded’ ballots becomes campaign outrage fuel This raises a few questions about the lack of details. The contrived issue is over 9 ballots, not enough to signal an alarm. This just fuels conspiracy theories.
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine produces strong immune response in early trial
Trump Administration Moves To Expand Development In Alaska’s Tongass National Forest No… Ugh…. This seems like it’s just get a few extra votes rather than attempt to help a dieing old growth industry.
Details on Trump’s $200 cards for Medicare users scarce and conflicted He’s just making fun of those on Medicare, right… How about actually reducing prices for healthcare.
As U.S., China squabble at U.N., a plea – and warning – from one of world’s smallest states Micronesia, you are heard… They are right by the way, it’s ok to speak up when what China and the US are doing drastically affects them.
Trump taps ’eminently qualified’ Barrett for Supreme Court RBG is not even buried yet…
Paris names park after Black woman who resisted slavery
NY Times: Trump paid $750 in US income taxes in 2016, 2017 When you hear that one party wants the rich to pay their fair share, this is why. Trump’s tax cuts helped the rich while shifting the tax burden to those making far less. Trump has made $1.9 billion since taking office. The FinCen report showed money laundering that benefitted oligarchs, criminals, and terrorists. The movement conservatives that took over the Republican party are moving things towards an authoritarian oligarchy system.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-27-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Trump taxes, his massive debt, and more… Who does he owe money to? How bad of a security threat will this turn out to be? The showman has to face the music… He’s been creating something far worse than the swamp he campaigned on to drain.
IRS Chief Makes More Than $100,000 Per Year Off Trump Property, Documents Show
The first presidential debate was not easy to watch. One commentator on CNN called it a shit-show. Trump talked over and interrupted Biden at any chance he could get. While being asked to denounce white supremacists Trump didn’t and avoided it, what he did do was to directly call for a particular right wing white supremacists hate group to stand back and stand by, I’ll repeat that he said directly to a right wing white supremacists hate group to stand back and stand by. He didn’t know exactly what to say but knew of a group to address. He didn’t denounce white supremacists at all, he just diverted and officially acknowledged that hate group giving them direction to wait for further orders. I had never heard of this right wing hate group, not that I was even looking for the names, and he addressed the group by name as if he knew who they were and would listen to him. I’m not going to name the group here, listen to the debate for that. People of color are very aware of that particular group. Earlier in the debate, Trump mentioned the end to race sensitivity training claiming it was un-American to teach it. He basically was saying the FBI is wrong in their understanding that white supremacists are the greatest violent threat, just like he’s not accepting the CDC and doctors advice on the pandemic. Piece it together and you can see what is underneath his facade.
Trump to far-right extremists: ‘Stand back and stand by’
Trump deflects debate question about whether he condemns white supremacists
AP FACT CHECK: False claims swamp first Trump-Biden debate
Fact-checking U.S. economic claims in tumultuous Trump-Biden debate
Presidential debate: How the world’s media reacted
Ex-FBI Director Comey defends FBI Russia probe in Senate hearing
Push to bring coronavirus vaccines to the poor faces trouble This is concerning. Even while I have nothing, I’ll help others.
Trump plans to slash refugee admissions to new low
Faith groups decry Trump’s plans for record low refugee cap This is a humanity issue, people can’t live in their former county and desperately need a place to go. There’s a lot of other countries that are taking less refugees too, and the reasons they are leaving are not being addressed.
Is Prosecuting a Former President Worth It? A thought piece for consideration.
Release of unverified Russian intelligence sparks questions about politicization I’ve already posted articles about Trump hiring campaign advisors that have worked with Ukrainian and Russian oligarchs scrubbing their political lives for campaigns. Trump’s own team has been asking for political favors and information and of course oligarchs and Russians are more than willing to produce what ever is wanted with little evidence to back anything produced. Trump’s team members and advisors were in contact with individuals, even before the inauguration, who have been identified as Russian operatives which led to impeachment. Russian propaganda also continues. So we have people listening to anything and everything from an unscrupulous Trump team and Russian propaganda.
President Trump and first lady test positive for COVID-19 This changes everything. One news outlet showed a chart of 20+ staff and family that potentially have had contact.
Factbox: Selected quotes as U.S. President Trump tests positive for COVID-19
Concerning signs despite word Trump is doing ‘very well’ We know that past presidents have hid the severity of illness and injury, and as a bonus Trump hasn’t been truthful with information.
Trump’s Doctor Says He’s ‘Doing Very Well,’ But Timeline Raises Serious Questions
Analysis: Trump faces credibility crisis over health scare
White House acknowledges Trump’s condition had been worse than revealed
In big states, tiny counties, Trump attacking voting rules The Trump campaign is literally disrupting and suppressing the vote. They are trying to get ahead of the rules to manipulate the vote.
Delays in verifying mail-in ballots will slow election tally
EPA grants Stitt request for state oversight on tribal lands Um, this might be more about oil and gas.
U.S. House’s antitrust report hints at break-up of Big Tech firms: lawmaker
U.S. Supreme Court allows South Carolina vote-by-mail restriction
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-5-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Trump’s trip to the hospital and joyride seems to be just distractions to occupy the media cycles. There’s a lot happening such as voter disruption and suppression stories not getting the attention.
Quid pro quo… Coronavirus aid hopes vanish as Trump ends talks with U.S. Democrats
US medical supply chains failed, and COVID deaths followed AP, Frontline, and Global Reporting Centre have an ongoing investigation.
Frontline: U.S. Medical Supply Chains Failed, and COVID Deaths Followed
AP FACT CHECK: Pence on climate, Harris on taxes, in debate
Militia Members Plotted To Kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer, FBI Says
13 charged in plots against Michigan governor, police
Thirteen arrested in plots to kidnap Michigan governor, incite unrest
Trump, Barr at odds over slow pace of Durham investigation
Russia sponsors Nagorno-Karabakh cease-fire talks
Anti-government groups shift focus from Washington to states
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-9-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy The daily summaries from Dr. Heather Cox Richardson is handy from a historical perspective and also reveals real concern.
Moscow Azerbaijan Armenia Sergey Lavrov Russia
Armenia, Azerbaijan say Nagorno-Karabakh truce fails to hold
Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of violating Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire
Meet the Americans ‘standing by’ for possible election violence
North Korea unveils ‘monster’ new intercontinental ballistic missile at parade
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-11-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Dr. Heather Cox Richardson shares history and insight related to the latest Supreme Court nomination. Spoiler alert, the Republicans have been stacking the courts for decades at a higher rate than Democrats. The Republican movement conservatives, also known as far right extremest, have been working to roll back civil rights and workers rights, which would allow a few people to dictate control over many. This has been to undo the fight for equality.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-14-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy As the Supreme Court nomination hearing continues, it is proper to look at what an originalist will mean. With the New Deal and after WWII we have laws moving equality forward, the originalist are stepping back to an era of rich people and corporations making decisions for the people while the Federal government would have little authority. Also note that there is a recent wave of political ads directed towards latin american and hispanic descendants that claims that a vote for Democrats would lead to socialism while in reality the extremism of the movement conservatives has been moving the Republicans to the same type of authoritarianism found in socialism and communism.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump sees what others do not in the pandemic This week we saw dueling town hall meetings for Trump and Biden. There is a stark difference in the personalities.
‘I’m Still Unemployed’: Millions In Dire Situation As Savings Start To Run Out The Trump administration has been doing a lot behind the scenes to shore up his idealogies of supporting big businesses and doing nothing for those who actually need help. Christmas is going to be rough for those who don’t have anything left and will affect those who are expecting to rely on the shopping season.
Analysis: Questionable ‘N.Y. Post’ Scoop Driven By Ex-Hannity Producer And Giuliani The tabloids and extremists will stoop to any level to make up and report misinformation. The Trump political campaign even has used Russian footage in ads, you would think they would want to distance themselves from Russia but no. Another pro-Trump ad uses footage from Russia Also ads have included ones who have not given permission for use.
Slamming Trump, G.O.P. Senator Warns of a ‘Republican Blood Bath’
Policy vs. personality: Undecideds torn as election nears One of the reasons I wanted to share this AP article is that there is so much propaganda and misinformation floating around that people are confused about what the political parties are even doing. Tabloids and click based or ratings driven media would have sensationalized the answers given in this article. Many news sources do inform people with sound investigation and vetted sources, and sadly there are other entertainment based media that just shares what it wants to get attention for ad revenue.
Sadly in the US the custom is to be bored with the truth but go crazy for gossip. If a political party can use this to their advantage the campaigns will exploit it. Once elected it would be nice to have them work with all. I’ve seen for years that the Republican party has been becoming one that doesn’t want to compromise to work with others and holds to ever regressive idealogies. Dr. Heather Cox Richardson has a lecture series on the history of the Republican party. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2dS6uX1RkUzx3wKPlqeCplQjWOeKq7QI It is informative to those in the Republican party as well as understanding for the Democrats. Throughout the series there is an undertone of oligarchy and idealogies that surface in the Republican party as the movement conservatives gain control pushing for businesses over people and undoing the very popular New Deal social services. The extreme far right, nationalists, white supremacists, evangelicals, oligarchy, authoritarians, and more have teamed up together for political reasons and to further their idealogies.
Biden tells mother of transgender daughter there should be “zero discrimination” That was one of the best heart felt highlights of the town hall meeting. Parents are going to love their children no matter what, children and people shouldn’t be hated or ostracized for being who they are. As a society, we shouldn’t be hating or ostracising people for being who they are. There was a long standing Jewish customer that whoever lives or is invited to stay in your tent is accepted as your own people under your protection. While the rest of the world is skeptical and apprehensive about strangers, the Jewish custom was to be welcoming since they too have been strangers that haven’t been accepted by others. As time went on some of that was lost as some Christian societies would later incorporate other customs that were less becoming.
Reconnecting Roots on PBS Religion: Church in States
2016 sequel? Trump’s old attacks failing to land on Biden We’re going through a lot and he’s not even putting effort into it.
‘Our house is on fire’: Suburban women lead charge vs. Trump Some heroes don’t wear capes.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-18-2020-sunday?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy This daily summary addresses the Russian operative misinformation that is being echoed amongst the far right extremists.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-20-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy A few highlights of the day. Trump didn’t declare money he made in China, $188561 in taxes were paid to China, while he’s accusing Biden of a close connection that doesn’t exist. The Trump administration has essentially trafficked children with their separation policy at the southern border, 545 have been lost from parents. Elliott Broidy who is a campaign fundraiser for Trump and a client of fixer Micheal Cohen is in a guilty plea deal for acting as a foreign agent lobbying the Trump administration for Malaysian and Chinese interests for millions of dollars.
Lawyers say they can’t find the parents of 545 migrant children separated by Trump administration
Trump Records Shed New Light on Chinese Business Pursuits
U.S. hit by spike in coronavirus cases; rising infections strain Europe’s hospitals
Trump ups pressure on Barr to probe Bidens as election nears This is not right, the DOJ is not Trump’s personal lawyers. Barr has been a Trump loyalist, but he should know ethically not to take up an investigation when there’s no proof of wrong doing even exists. Just the mention of an investigation will echo back and forth among the media that feeds off of the frenzy and can be used as a campaign tactic. What this does echo is what lead up to Nixon’s resignation. The break in at the Watergate happened when they got desperate to find campaign dirt on their democratic opponents.
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-21-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Biden actually has a tax plan, while Trump has no specific plan. One thing that did happen but went over the people’s heads in attendance was that Trump basically insulted Erie Pennsylvania by saying he didn’t expect to ever be back there again but poll ratings had fallen. He seems to only care for the poll ratings rather than connecting with the people. Sadly Trump did pass an executive order so he can hire loyalist for government positions, can we say this is a dictator move and it’s a dick move too.
Executive Order on Creating Schedule F In The Excepted Service This a dick move a dictator sets up. This allows cronies to be hired into public service positions and also gives the president the ability to fire those who are not loyal to him. This is for positions that normally need to serve people irregardless of political affiliation. Wilson segregated the government in such a manner in 1917, that’s the scope of what this present executive order means to separate people by political party or views. Trump would be able to fill positions with those loyal to him. Just the existence of this blog post would disqualify me from a job under Trump. New executive order may reclassify ‘wide swaths’ of career positions as political appointees
USPS IG: Postal service changes compounded significant negative service The loyalists have rejected the report, no surprise there, meanwhile when it was happening the people felt and expressed the negative results while it was happening.
Debate fact-check: Trump and Biden face off in final debate This may help some what but the debate probably won’t convert more people to one side or the other. It takes deep study to know really what is occurring. I still think Trump is regurgitating the misinformation and Russian misinformation that his side holds to. I didn’t think Trump answered the questions related to systematic racism, he diverted to mention a few things he’s done while in reality he’s also actually undercutting other progresses. Trump attempted to corner him about Biden’s career policies and the simple answer is that the Rebublicans blocked those very things that would fix immigration and systematic racism. One of the things that is more likely to be echoed among the click baiters will be Biden’s mention of moving away from oil, his policies are on his website and he already had mentioned in the debate that he’s thinking ahead to 2035 amd 2050 to push for changes. Renewable energy is already growing, the Republicans are not supporting subsidizing it as the trend is shifting that direction. I do believe Biden meant to say he’s moving to end subsidies for oil companies but it came out as a sound bite to be exploited. Bonus: While the US produces plenty of natural gas, the methane by-product is a greenhouse gas. Trump is still harping on who built the cages while his administration abused people as captives, just off the top of my head while under Obama there was a 72 hour holding period and under Trump the holding period was extended to indefinitely and exploited as a fear tactic. Trump is still denying foreign influence on his election and campaign. Trump still hasn’t thought past himself or the campaign for the future with nothing of significance, he’s centered on his misinformation rhetoric. Trump did mention that he wants schools to open up, he failed to mention that schools are closing as fast as they open due to outbreaks.
Debate Takeaways: Trump vs. Biden on virus, race, climate
US: Russian hackers targeting state, local networks
Eye on Civil Liberties: Where You Can Have an Impact in Elections Closer to Home The movement conservatives keep driving their idealogies which regresses from the progress that has been made. Keep in mind that movement conservatives have idealogies that want to undo the progress since FDR and the slightest compromise or waver from their idealogies is viewed as going liberal, this is different than the traditional conservatives who actually can compromise and work with others while remaining traditional conservative in the eyes of constituents.
Series: Tracking The Issues In The 2020 Election This is a series of articles from NPR.
FACT CHECK: Trump Is Not The Best President For Black America Since Lincoln The title speaks for itself for a false narrative that Trump keeps repeating.
Final Presidential Debate Live Updates And Fact Checks
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-22-2020?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy Dr. Richardson summed up the day, Russian hacking and the presidential debate.
Biden’s warning on oil tests voter resolve on climate change Biden just had a moment where he didn’t articulate his words for a brief moment. No matter what, the US will still need fossil fuels for a long time even as people are wanting to move away from a dependency on fossil fuels. Trump has pushed coal while industry and electricity producers are already trending to other sources that are cleaner.
FBI to assist probe into police shooting of Black couple in Illinois
Surging coronavirus colors White House race in closing days Trump’s rhetoric implies that if we are not testing then we wouldn’t have the Covid-19 numbers, Covid-19 will be present and spreading with or without testing so testing i more important than ever to know how to isolate to stop the spread. He expects covid-19 won’t be heard about after the election, his narratives present a reality that is not actually happening. Biden uas a of work to do if elected dealing with a portion of the nation who are not facing reality.
Four years in, Trump has plenty of unfinished business He just campaigns, holds rallies, and golfs when he’s not gassing protestors, or undoing anything Obama did, or denying the magnitude of Covid-19…
U.S. sets single-day record for COVID-19 cases during new surge
Ethiopia blasts Trump remark that Egypt will ‘blow up’ dam
Sudan-Israel ties ‘only achieved with pressure’
U.S. Signs Anti-Abortion Declaration With 32 Countries This is happening among authoritarian rules countries, not free democracies. How about mandatory vasectomies, that would do a lot to end abortion. This is in accord with countries that do not have equal rights for women. Trump Administration Marks the Signing of the Geneva Consensus Declaration
Trump aide says ‘we’re not going to control the pandemic’
PBS – Do The Right Thing by just capital december 11, 2017 Facinating documentry on looking for companies that have your best interest in mind because that’s where you are spending your money. In this political climate we’ve been dealing with a president who doesn’t have our best interests in mind while focusing on his reelection. Businesses have been changing for some time and are moving away from older ideals that put profit over the care for the people in the companies who are making those profits.
Fear and anxiety spike in virus hot spots across US
October 25 2020 (Sunday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
VMI Superintendent Steps Down Amid Allegations Of ‘Structural Racism’ Systematic racism is still needing to end.
Trump fights in court to block pandemic food aid for lowest-income Americans
Federal judge halts Trump’s proposed food stamp cutback for 700,000 Americans This is good news, but shouldn’t have happened to start with. If anything, food aid needs to be expanded to reach even more people. The extra help will mean a lot especially to those who fall in the gap where income isn’t enough when a person ends up making too much for food stamps but not enough meet the same level while on food stamps. Trump and the Republicans bigotry and aporophobia, hatred of the poor, is beyond reproach. He truly is a horrible peron who has no concern for all the people of the US, just select ones. The movement conservatives have been after any social safety net, this started as racist propaganda so tax money wouldn’t be used to help people of color have an equal chance to prosper and really gained momentum as the movement conservatives gained controls.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump and his familiar falsehoods
Barrett confirmed by Senate for Supreme Court, takes oath So this happened… The extremists far-right movement conservatives did this…
The Rust Belt boom that wasn’t: Heartland job growth lagged under Trump The policies put in place affected the already established trade system. What a president says and does matters, it has to be carefully thought out and not just on a whim or self serving to please his base supporters. A real estate dealer isn’t in touch with other markets as much as he thinks he is, that’s why experienced advisors are needed for sound advice.
October 26 2020 (Monday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Amy Coney Barrett’s Judicial Philosophy Doesn’t Hold Up to Scrutiny It’s worth the time to read the constitution and amendments. I always found it interesting that the amendments filled in gaps that used or abused as time went on. Society has changed over time, the voting rights of people of color are a given now. Some one at one time thought that poll tax could be used to discriminate against people of color, and there had to be yet another amendment because some didn’t play fair with others. We should be adding an amendment to end gerrymandering and a host of other politically partisan issues being forced up us by a minority, all of which is because someone got creative to get away with things that harms the equality of others. There’s a chuld labor amendment that hasn’t passed, but therr are state and federal laws, and society frowns heavily upon parents who take their child’s money and make them start working too early or keep them out of school. The equal rights amendment is one that seriously needs to happen, even with laws now there are cases where it’s not enough since old racist tactics now have merged over to include the poor of any color just so they can get away with various things.
Let’s Count All the Errors and Lies in Brett Kavanaugh’s Defense of Voter Suppression
October 27 2020 (Tuesday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson Dr. Richardson gives a lesson on socialism in the US and it has nothing to do with actual international socialism. The tactic used by the far-right extremists to call anything socialism came before the feared international socialism actually rose up as a system, so they not only got it wrong but continued to repeat the false narrative.
Trump Has Weaponized Masculinity As President. Here’s Why It Matters Toxic masculinity is killing men, 2020 isn’t the 1950’s where the aggression, sexual promiscuity, and closing off emotionally were rampant.
The Repercussions of Misogyny in Society This interview of the author Laura Bates addresses the toxic masculinity among extremist groups echoing worse and worse ideas.
The Miseducation of the American Boy This is a necessary read at this point. I reflects the toxic masculinity environment that leads to this administration before the 2020 election. My past love interest described he first time which fits into some of what is written in this article, he boasted of the conquest at school the next Monday while she was denying it due to the embarrasment of the circumstances since it wasn’t about two people connecting but made into a bragging point. The evangelicals have ignored or denied the conquests of Trump, even dismissing the audio of him bragging that he can just grab a woman by the pussy because he’s rich. We shouldn’t have to deal with this toxic masculinity. This even affects how women view themselves and their long lasting perspectives on men, even falling into the trap that this is the right way to behave. The article does acknowledge that there is a lack of education on the consequences of toxic masculinity, while people may be taught a few things that are wrong this is one area kids are left to figure out things on their own.
October 28 2020 (Wednesday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Coronavirus: Angela Merkel defends lockdown, warns of ‘difficult winter’ in Germany I wanted to quote Merkel here: “Freedom isn’t being able to do whatever you want,” she said. “Freedom is taking responsibility.” In the US there are still people resisting wearing a mask saying it’s about freedom, while not accepting responsibility. On a side note, food workers should have been required to wear masks or face shields along with gloves long ago.
How the pandemic has shifted U.S. labor from services to goods The numbers are fascinating but tell a the story you are looking for rather than what is occurring. People of the US are resilient. The Great Depression had similar economics stats at times while millions were out of work and in soup lines. Presently, millions are still out of work and desparate for jobs and relief. 22 million are on unemployment serves, that doesn’t even count the jobless who are not on unemployment.
October 29 2020 (Thursday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Turkish Bank Case Showed Erdogan’s Influence With Trump This is actual corruption.
The painful simplicity of Trump’s new Turkey scandal This is even more impeachable than the last impeachment.
Quake strikes Turkish coast and Greek island, killing 19
Pence absent from Covid-19 planning calls for more than a month This administration is just ignoring the pandemic. The son of the president boasted that the coronavirus death numbers were near nothing while a 1063 people was reported dead that day. And these incompetent people are in key roles…
Covid: Clive Myrie visits the Navajo Nation
October 30 2020 (Friday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Internal Documents Reveal COVID-19 Hospitalization Data The Government Keeps Hidden Remember that the Trump administration had ordered this information hidden, it’s very important information to help curve the spread of Covid-19 from hotspots.
AP FACT CHECK: Trump baselessly cites fraud in virus toll
‘A Huge Attack’: Critics Decry Trump Order That Makes Firing Federal Workers Easier
Fact check: Trump’s policies for Black Americans
Trump admin funds plasma company based in owner’s condo This is a problem that would lead to legal issues.
FBI probing Trump caravan confrontation with Biden campaign bus in Texas Trump supporters in trucks with Trump flags surrounded this campaign bus trying to force it off the road. Scare tactics and intimidation, why would you want to join such actions to force people to do anything?
November 1 2020 (Sunday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Trump Hints He Might Fire Fauci After Election As Coronavirus Cases Rise I find it ironic that evangelicals support Trump while the bible is full of stories of bad/evil rulers rejecting or not listening to advisors when they didn’t like what they heard. Replacing sound advise with yes men will not change reality.
Trump talks legal action, Biden on offense as campaign ends
Republicans, Not Biden, Are About to Raise Your Taxes This comes from a professor of economics. The tax cut bill Trump raved about has details that also raise taxes every 2 years starting in 2021 through 2027. The author brings up the point that while it passed 2017, the raises wouldn’t happen until years later when people would forget who did this. At Trump rallies he’s been saying Democrats will raise taxes, when in reality hes has already signed the law into place. This will be used to say the Democrats raised taxes even though it is not true. It might be scary to go back and see what gets added into bills that undo or don’t actually deliver on promises. The crime bill of 1994 that both sides praised back then while crime was on a decline had a clause that let states exploit to imprison people of color since they would get Federal funds for those imprisonments. I think the intent was to help states who have to balance budgets and ths was a safety net incase crime levels out matched state budgets, in reality it became a way to get Federal money without out having to raise budgets and people of color were disproportionately incarcerated. There are things that need to be adjusted with the Affordable Care Act, Obama Care, to fix problems that developed as the law came into use. Thanks to budget cuts Congress members don’t have staff to write laws, they have to rely heavily on lobbyists to do the writing, and yes you can guess who’s going to be self serving in their bill writing. After 2 Years, Trump Tax Cuts Have Failed To Deliver On GOP’s Promises It’s hard to speculate what the plan is, they just hope the people forget who actually did pass the law under a Republican congress and president.
November 2 2020 (Monday) Historian Heather Cox Richardson
Biden wins White House, vowing new direction for divided US The math has been adding up. Note: Trump is on his 209th golf outing while in office. With a Covid-19 outbreak among White House staff and his courses are on brand for Trump it’s fitting he would be at his golf course and angry…
Daniel Whitaker's Blog 
[…] 2016 Presidential Election […]
[…] 2016 Presidential Election […]
[…] 2016 Presidential Election […]
[…] 2016 Presidential Election Here’s a reminder of 45’s time as president. There was a racist white supremacist reaction to Obama being elected, the back-lash can refered to a black-lash. The racism and white supremacy was already there, quiet in the background but anti-democracy anti-government neo-nazis white-supremacist white-nationalist misogynist hatemongers were brought out of hiding to openly support 45 as the MAGA movement. The use of racist nationalist dog whistles became obvious. 45 and the MAGA far-right extremists attacked groups of people that can’t defend themselves. 45 and the MAGA attacked transgender people and immigrants with false narratives. The evangelicals went all in with the MAGA, the MAGA ideologies are in opposition to what Jesus taught, the words of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount are considered ‘woke’ by MAGA followers. Far-right extremist ideologies among the evangelicals has been pushing out people. The far-right extremist ideologies have been forcing people out of the Republicans who don’t bend the knee, the ideologies are not popular, and the Republicans have been relying more and more on gerrymandering and voter suppression to win elections. Republicans expect everyone to accept it when they win but refuse to accept it when a Democrat wins. […]
[…] 2016 Presidential Election Here’s a reminder of 45’s time as president. There was a racist white supremacist reaction to Obama being elected, the back-lash can refered to a black-lash. The racism and white supremacy was already there, quiet in the background but anti-democracy anti-government neo-nazis white-supremacist white-nationalist misogynist hatemongers were brought out of hiding to openly support 45 as the MAGA movement. The use of racist nationalist dog whistles became obvious. 45 and the MAGA far-right extremists attacked groups of people that can’t defend themselves. 45 and the MAGA attacked transgender people and immigrants with false narratives. The evangelicals went all in with the MAGA, the MAGA ideologies are in opposition to what Jesus taught, the words of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount are considered ‘woke’ by MAGA followers. Far-right extremist ideologies among the evangelicals has been pushing out people. The far-right extremist ideologies have been forcing people out of the Republicans who don’t bend the knee, the ideologies are not popular, and the Republicans have been relying more and more on gerrymandering and voter suppression to win elections. Republicans expect everyone to accept it when they win but refuse to accept it when a Democrat wins. […]