Wednesday, December 21, 2016
From Climate Change to Coal Mining, Donald Trump's Reality Is Pure Science Fiction @alternet
From Climate Change to Coal Mining, Donald Trump's Reality Is Pure Science Fiction @alternet: Since Trump announced his presidential bid, about 70 percent of his assertions have been lies.
Here’s how Paul Ryan plans to teach Scrooge a lesson
Here’s how Paul Ryan plans to teach Scrooge a lesson
"If Paul Ryan had written A Christmas Carol, Scrooge would have gotten a massive tax break, paid for by taking away Tiny Tim's health insurance. The obvious lesson of the tale would be that a small businessman had been rewarded for creating a job for Bob Crachit - who could enjoy working overtime on Christmas without the fear of additional compensation, as well as the freedom of knowing that he won't be able to retire until he's at least 70, if ever. Ryan's glorious vision of Christmas yet to come may sound like a nightmare to you - but if the Speaker of the House gets his way, that nightmare will become America's reality by the end of 2017."
"If Paul Ryan had written A Christmas Carol, Scrooge would have gotten a massive tax break, paid for by taking away Tiny Tim's health insurance. The obvious lesson of the tale would be that a small businessman had been rewarded for creating a job for Bob Crachit - who could enjoy working overtime on Christmas without the fear of additional compensation, as well as the freedom of knowing that he won't be able to retire until he's at least 70, if ever. Ryan's glorious vision of Christmas yet to come may sound like a nightmare to you - but if the Speaker of the House gets his way, that nightmare will become America's reality by the end of 2017."
Gingrich says Trump can’t be expected to follow ethics laws, so Congress should change them for him
https://thinkprogress.org/gingrich-trump-ethics-laws-conflicts-of-interest-kleoptocracy-17d500c1d6c6#.6c28toak2
"During a Monday appearance on NPR, Trump adviser Newt Gingrich argued that Congress should consider changing ethics laws so President-elect Donald Trump could freely mix his administration and his business interests. “We’ve never seen this kind of wealth in the White House, and so traditional rules don’t work,” Gingrich said during a panel discussion on “The Diane Rehm Show.” “We’re going to have to think up a whole new approach.” The “new approach” Gingrich has in mind also involves Trump liberally using his pardon powers to extract his advisers — including, at least during the presidential transition, three of his adult children — from whatever legal troubles they might find themselves in. “In the case of the president, he has a broad ability to organize the White House the way he wants to. He also has, frankly, the power of the pardon,” Gingrich said, in comments first covered by Politico. “It’s a totally open power. He could simply say, ‘Look, I want them to be my advisers. I pardon them if anyone finds them to have behaved against the rules. Period.’ Technically, under the Constitution, he has that level of authority.” Gingrich suggested Congress should consider changing ethics laws so Trump can freely intermingle his business interests and duties as president."
"During a Monday appearance on NPR, Trump adviser Newt Gingrich argued that Congress should consider changing ethics laws so President-elect Donald Trump could freely mix his administration and his business interests. “We’ve never seen this kind of wealth in the White House, and so traditional rules don’t work,” Gingrich said during a panel discussion on “The Diane Rehm Show.” “We’re going to have to think up a whole new approach.” The “new approach” Gingrich has in mind also involves Trump liberally using his pardon powers to extract his advisers — including, at least during the presidential transition, three of his adult children — from whatever legal troubles they might find themselves in. “In the case of the president, he has a broad ability to organize the White House the way he wants to. He also has, frankly, the power of the pardon,” Gingrich said, in comments first covered by Politico. “It’s a totally open power. He could simply say, ‘Look, I want them to be my advisers. I pardon them if anyone finds them to have behaved against the rules. Period.’ Technically, under the Constitution, he has that level of authority.” Gingrich suggested Congress should consider changing ethics laws so Trump can freely intermingle his business interests and duties as president."
Paul Krugman Uncovers Chilling Parallels Between Trump, Fascism and the Fall of the Roman Republic @alternet
Paul Krugman Uncovers Chilling Parallels Between Trump, Fascism and the Fall of the Roman Republic @alternet:
"The parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and the dawning of the Trump era are already frighteningly clear. So, Paul Krugman thought he'd do a little light reading about ancient Rome to take his mind off of the whole upsetting situation. Instead, he found some scary "contemporary resonances of some Roman history — specifically, the tale of how the Roman Republic fell," he writes in Monday's column. Here’s what I learned: Republican institutions don’t protect against tyranny when powerful people start defying political norms. And tyranny, when it comes, can flourish even while maintaining a republican facade. On the first point: Roman politics involved fierce competition among ambitious men. But for centuries that competition was constrained by some seemingly unbreakable rules. Here’s what Adrian Goldsworthy’s “In the Name of Rome” says: “However important it was for an individual to win fame and add to his and his family’s reputation, this should always be subordinated to the good of the Republic … no disappointed Roman politician sought the aid of a foreign power.” America used to be like that, with prominent senators declaring that we must stop “partisan politics at the water’s edge.” But now we have a president-elect who openly asked Russia to help smear his opponent, and all indications are that the bulk of his party was and is just fine with that. (A new poll shows that Republican approval of Vladimir Putin has surged even though — or, more likely, precisely because — it has become clear that Russian intervention played an important role in the U.S. election.) Winning domestic political struggles is all that matters, the good of the republic be damned. The republic technically survived, on paper anyway. The Senate lost all power and all decisions were made by the emperor. Krugman sees a similar destruction of the substance of our democracy and it is chilling. Trump is far from the only sign that democracy is being subverted."
"The parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and the dawning of the Trump era are already frighteningly clear. So, Paul Krugman thought he'd do a little light reading about ancient Rome to take his mind off of the whole upsetting situation. Instead, he found some scary "contemporary resonances of some Roman history — specifically, the tale of how the Roman Republic fell," he writes in Monday's column. Here’s what I learned: Republican institutions don’t protect against tyranny when powerful people start defying political norms. And tyranny, when it comes, can flourish even while maintaining a republican facade. On the first point: Roman politics involved fierce competition among ambitious men. But for centuries that competition was constrained by some seemingly unbreakable rules. Here’s what Adrian Goldsworthy’s “In the Name of Rome” says: “However important it was for an individual to win fame and add to his and his family’s reputation, this should always be subordinated to the good of the Republic … no disappointed Roman politician sought the aid of a foreign power.” America used to be like that, with prominent senators declaring that we must stop “partisan politics at the water’s edge.” But now we have a president-elect who openly asked Russia to help smear his opponent, and all indications are that the bulk of his party was and is just fine with that. (A new poll shows that Republican approval of Vladimir Putin has surged even though — or, more likely, precisely because — it has become clear that Russian intervention played an important role in the U.S. election.) Winning domestic political struggles is all that matters, the good of the republic be damned. The republic technically survived, on paper anyway. The Senate lost all power and all decisions were made by the emperor. Krugman sees a similar destruction of the substance of our democracy and it is chilling. Trump is far from the only sign that democracy is being subverted."
Seth Meyers Perfectly Breaks Down the Naked Power Grab by North Carolina's Legislature @alternet
Seth Meyers Perfectly Breaks Down the Naked Power Grab by North Carolina's Legislature @alternet: North Carolina is providing a stark example of just how dirty right-wing politics can be.
SNL Perfectly Sums Up Trump's Incompetence on Eve of Electors Vote (Video)
SNL Perfectly Sums Up Trump's Incompetence on Eve of Electors Vote (Video)
"Saturday Night Live delivered two amazing sketches aimed at emphasizing what an absolute joke Donald Trump actually is. They opened the show with a scene depicting Trump getting a visit from shirtless Vladimir “Santa Claus” Putin by way of the chimney. The entire sketch was centered around emphasizing the point that Putin sees Trump as an idiot he can manipulate like a naive child, easily distracted by complimenting him and feeding his ego. Putin even gave Trump a gift, an Elf on the Shelf, telling our president-elect that he should place it next to his Internet router. Disappointed, Trump informed Putin since he didn’t know he was coming by, he didn’t have a gift for him. “Please, Mr. Trump, you are the gift,” Putin said."
"Saturday Night Live delivered two amazing sketches aimed at emphasizing what an absolute joke Donald Trump actually is. They opened the show with a scene depicting Trump getting a visit from shirtless Vladimir “Santa Claus” Putin by way of the chimney. The entire sketch was centered around emphasizing the point that Putin sees Trump as an idiot he can manipulate like a naive child, easily distracted by complimenting him and feeding his ego. Putin even gave Trump a gift, an Elf on the Shelf, telling our president-elect that he should place it next to his Internet router. Disappointed, Trump informed Putin since he didn’t know he was coming by, he didn’t have a gift for him. “Please, Mr. Trump, you are the gift,” Putin said."
Brazenly crooked: Trump's team pressured Kuwaiti ambassador to move an event to Trump's own hotel
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/19/1612784/-Brazenly-crooked-Trump-s-team-pressured-Kuwaiti-ambassador-to-move-an-event-to-Trump-s-own-hotel
"This would be the precise arrangement drafters of the Constitution sought to preclude; a foreign power putting money in the hands of the soon-to-be president as easy means to gain the new administration's favor. You know: Crookedness. That the Trump Organization itself contacted the ambassador to request the change of venue means that it was not an out-of-the-blue decision by Kuwaiti officials; it was directly solicited by Trump’s own team. Yup. He’s that crooked. He just can’t help himself."
"This would be the precise arrangement drafters of the Constitution sought to preclude; a foreign power putting money in the hands of the soon-to-be president as easy means to gain the new administration's favor. You know: Crookedness. That the Trump Organization itself contacted the ambassador to request the change of venue means that it was not an out-of-the-blue decision by Kuwaiti officials; it was directly solicited by Trump’s own team. Yup. He’s that crooked. He just can’t help himself."
GOP Rep. Confirms It: Die And Die Quickly | Crooks and Liars
GOP Rep. Confirms It: Die And Die Quickly | Crooks and Liars
"Here's the scary part: Huizenga isn't alone, and these representatives have the best health care money can buy. He really believes what he's saying here, to the point where he'd let his 10-year old son be in pain until the next day instead of going to an Urgent Care facility to have it checked. These people are sadistic, murdering fools. And they're about to unleash their sadism on the rest of us."
"Here's the scary part: Huizenga isn't alone, and these representatives have the best health care money can buy. He really believes what he's saying here, to the point where he'd let his 10-year old son be in pain until the next day instead of going to an Urgent Care facility to have it checked. These people are sadistic, murdering fools. And they're about to unleash their sadism on the rest of us."
Under political pressure, Kuwait cancels major event at Four Seasons, switches to Trump’s D.C. hotel
https://thinkprogress.org/under-political-pressure-kuwait-cancels-major-event-at-four-seasons-switches-to-trumps-d-c-1f204315d513#.u8wwlhg9d
"The Embassy of Kuwait allegedly cancelled a contract with a Washington, D.C. hotel days after the presidential election, citing political pressure to hold its National Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel instead."
"The Embassy of Kuwait allegedly cancelled a contract with a Washington, D.C. hotel days after the presidential election, citing political pressure to hold its National Day celebration at the Trump International Hotel instead."
Trump Wins Electoral College And Becomes The Most Unpopular President-Elect In History
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/19/trump-wins-electoral-college-unpopular-president-elect-history.html
"On the same day that Trump won the electoral college, a new poll found that he will enter the White House as the first president with a negative approval rating."
"On the same day that Trump won the electoral college, a new poll found that he will enter the White House as the first president with a negative approval rating."
Nice job, Donald Trump voters! You became Vladimir Putin’s pawns
http://www.salon.com/2016/12/19/nice-job-donald-trump-voters-you-became-vladimir-putins-pawns/
"Just how misinformed are Trump’s people? According to Public Policy Polling research conducted Dec. 6 and 7, here’s what Trump voters think about a series of top-shelf stories, according to those surveyed: 40 percent of Trump voters insist that he won the national popular vote. 60 percent of Trump voters think that Hillary Clinton received millions of illegal votes. 73 percent of Trump voters believe that George Soros is paying anti-Trump protesters. 29 percent of Trump voters don’t think California votes should be allowed to count in the national popular vote. 67 percent of Trump voters think the unemployment rate went up under President Obama. Only 20 percent accurately believe it went down. 39 percent of Trump voters think the stock market went down under Obama. And 19 percent are unsure. 14 percent of Trump voters think Hillary Clinton is connected to a child sex ring run out of a Washington pizzeria. Another 32 percent aren’t sure one way or another. Only 54 percent are certain that Pizzagate is a myth. Every single one of these voters has been played for a sucker, ripe for Putin’s espionage."
"Just how misinformed are Trump’s people? According to Public Policy Polling research conducted Dec. 6 and 7, here’s what Trump voters think about a series of top-shelf stories, according to those surveyed: 40 percent of Trump voters insist that he won the national popular vote. 60 percent of Trump voters think that Hillary Clinton received millions of illegal votes. 73 percent of Trump voters believe that George Soros is paying anti-Trump protesters. 29 percent of Trump voters don’t think California votes should be allowed to count in the national popular vote. 67 percent of Trump voters think the unemployment rate went up under President Obama. Only 20 percent accurately believe it went down. 39 percent of Trump voters think the stock market went down under Obama. And 19 percent are unsure. 14 percent of Trump voters think Hillary Clinton is connected to a child sex ring run out of a Washington pizzeria. Another 32 percent aren’t sure one way or another. Only 54 percent are certain that Pizzagate is a myth. Every single one of these voters has been played for a sucker, ripe for Putin’s espionage."
Trump Is Maintaining His Own Scary Private Police Force, Alarming Security Experts @alternet
Trump Is Maintaining His Own Scary Private Police Force, Alarming Security Experts @alternet:
"The Secret Service is not enough for Donald Trump. That's the message our president-elect is sending to America with his decision to retain his private security and intelligence team into his presidency, a dangerous move that, according to security experts, "heightens risks for the president-elect and his team, as well as for protesters, dozens of whom have alleged racial profiling, undue force or aggression at the hands Trump’s security," as Politico reported Monday."
"The Secret Service is not enough for Donald Trump. That's the message our president-elect is sending to America with his decision to retain his private security and intelligence team into his presidency, a dangerous move that, according to security experts, "heightens risks for the president-elect and his team, as well as for protesters, dozens of whom have alleged racial profiling, undue force or aggression at the hands Trump’s security," as Politico reported Monday."
Explaining the Cult of Trump @alternet
Explaining the Cult of Trump @alternet:
"Trump is no social psychologist, but he has an instinctive sense for crowds: the purpose of this rhetoric is to tear down the listener to a point of malleability, at which point, he “alone” supplies the answer (as in his “I alone can fix it” speech at the Republican National Convention in the summer). He drowns the listener in fear and then reaches out a helping hand from the threat that he, himself, has conjured."
"Trump is no social psychologist, but he has an instinctive sense for crowds: the purpose of this rhetoric is to tear down the listener to a point of malleability, at which point, he “alone” supplies the answer (as in his “I alone can fix it” speech at the Republican National Convention in the summer). He drowns the listener in fear and then reaches out a helping hand from the threat that he, himself, has conjured."
REVEALED: How Hollywood moguls sat on shocking ‘Apprentice’ tapes — and helped Trump get elected
REVEALED: How Hollywood moguls sat on shocking ‘Apprentice’ tapes — and helped Trump get elected
"TV mogul Mark Burnett was reluctant to leak out damning footage of Trump shot during The Apprentice because he feared it could hinder his ability to get future stars to agree to work on his shows."
"TV mogul Mark Burnett was reluctant to leak out damning footage of Trump shot during The Apprentice because he feared it could hinder his ability to get future stars to agree to work on his shows."
Donald Trump’s questionable intelligence: All those false claims about his academic record and derision of others bespeak profound insecurity
http://www.salon.com/2016/12/18/donald-trumps-questionable-intelligence-all-those-false-claims-about-his-academic-record-and-derision-of-others-bespeak-profound-insecurity/
"Our president-elect loves to talk about his intellectual gifts and academic success. Shockingly, none of it's true"
"Our president-elect loves to talk about his intellectual gifts and academic success. Shockingly, none of it's true"
North Carolina Republicans’ shocking power grab, explained
http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2016/12/16/13971368/republican-power-grab-north-carolina-explained
"Both bills have passed (McCrory signed one on Friday) effectively crippling Cooper from exercising the powers of the office McCrory himself enjoyed. This is part of a longer history of state Republicans trying to change the rules in their favor. In 2011, after Republicans took control of both the state House and Senate, they passed a redistricting plan that would ensure Republican control in the state’s representation, and attempted to pass sweeping voting restrictions that disproportionally affected Democratic voters — measures that have thus far been successfully challenged in court as discriminatory. What’s happening in North Carolina is a microcosm of what Democrats fear nationwide. Trump lost the popular vote, but won sweeping control over government anyway."
"Both bills have passed (McCrory signed one on Friday) effectively crippling Cooper from exercising the powers of the office McCrory himself enjoyed. This is part of a longer history of state Republicans trying to change the rules in their favor. In 2011, after Republicans took control of both the state House and Senate, they passed a redistricting plan that would ensure Republican control in the state’s representation, and attempted to pass sweeping voting restrictions that disproportionally affected Democratic voters — measures that have thus far been successfully challenged in court as discriminatory. What’s happening in North Carolina is a microcosm of what Democrats fear nationwide. Trump lost the popular vote, but won sweeping control over government anyway."
Henry A. Giroux | White Nationalism in the Oval Office and the Suppression of Dissent
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/38768-white-nationalism-in-the-oval-office-and-the-suppression-of-dissent
"Under President Trump, Americans are entering a historical conjuncture in which intolerant and racist ideologues are ascending to top White House posts."
"Under President Trump, Americans are entering a historical conjuncture in which intolerant and racist ideologues are ascending to top White House posts."
Donald Trump's Newest Cabinet Member Has Ties to Neo-Confederate Group That Inspired Dylann Roof @alternet
Donald Trump's Newest Cabinet Member Has Ties to Neo-Confederate Group That Inspired Dylann Roof @alternet: Add another name to the growing list of white supremacist sympathizers in the president-elect's inner circle.
Why the Fur Industry Is Very Pleased With Trump in the White House @alternet
Why the Fur Industry Is Very Pleased With Trump in the White House @alternet: The Trump sons are trying to rebrand fur as 'animal agriculture,' but consumers aren't falling for it.
The Shape Of Things To Come: Republicans Seize Illegitimate Control Of North Carolina
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/12/north-carolina-republican-power-grab/
"If you haven't already heard about the horrifying power grab by the North Carolina Republican Party, don't worry, this is just the beginning. Republicans have been emboldened by Donald Trump's illegitimate win and are quickly shedding any pretense of upholding democracy on any level. North Carolina Republicans, unhappy that a Democrat won the gubernatorial election, are in the process of stripping incoming governor Roy Cooper of much of his lawful power: The proposed laws strip the incoming governor of powers his predecessor held, including the power to appoint his Cabinet without legislative approval, the power to appoint trustees for the University of North Carolina and the power to oversee the state's election board. That last part is key. Republicans, acutely aware that time and demographics are not on their side, have take increasingly bold steps to tamper with elections. North Carolina, a swing state with a sizable minority population, is particularly vulnerable to a blue shift. This explains why the state's Republicans tried to illegally purge thousands of voter registrations right before the elections after having their voter suppression law struck down for targeting "African-Americans with almost surgical precision". It shouldn't matter who oversees the election board if both sides are running an honest operation. But by denying Democrats their lawful oversight of the elections, Republicans are signaling their intent to continue tampering with the ballot box. And they'll get away with it, too. It's not like the GOP-controlled federal government or the soon-to-be right-wing Supreme Court will oppose them so why not go all the way?"
"If you haven't already heard about the horrifying power grab by the North Carolina Republican Party, don't worry, this is just the beginning. Republicans have been emboldened by Donald Trump's illegitimate win and are quickly shedding any pretense of upholding democracy on any level. North Carolina Republicans, unhappy that a Democrat won the gubernatorial election, are in the process of stripping incoming governor Roy Cooper of much of his lawful power: The proposed laws strip the incoming governor of powers his predecessor held, including the power to appoint his Cabinet without legislative approval, the power to appoint trustees for the University of North Carolina and the power to oversee the state's election board. That last part is key. Republicans, acutely aware that time and demographics are not on their side, have take increasingly bold steps to tamper with elections. North Carolina, a swing state with a sizable minority population, is particularly vulnerable to a blue shift. This explains why the state's Republicans tried to illegally purge thousands of voter registrations right before the elections after having their voter suppression law struck down for targeting "African-Americans with almost surgical precision". It shouldn't matter who oversees the election board if both sides are running an honest operation. But by denying Democrats their lawful oversight of the elections, Republicans are signaling their intent to continue tampering with the ballot box. And they'll get away with it, too. It's not like the GOP-controlled federal government or the soon-to-be right-wing Supreme Court will oppose them so why not go all the way?"
The Next President Can’t Spell And 2 More Trump Traits That Are A National Embarrassment
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/17/president-spell-2-trump-traits-national-embarrassment.html
"The man whose main method of communication with the American people is Twitter can’t tweet without humiliating himself and the country."
"The man whose main method of communication with the American people is Twitter can’t tweet without humiliating himself and the country."
Debunking This Ridiculous Myth About Donald Trump's "Big Victory"
Debunking This Ridiculous Myth About Donald Trump's "Big Victory"
"he’s on pace to be one of the biggest “losers” to ever become president in U.S. history. Once all is said and done, it’s very likely that Trump’s going to lose the overall popular vote by somewhere between 3-4 million votes (or just over 2% of the total number of people who voted), after getting voted against in some way or another by 54% of the American voting populace."
"he’s on pace to be one of the biggest “losers” to ever become president in U.S. history. Once all is said and done, it’s very likely that Trump’s going to lose the overall popular vote by somewhere between 3-4 million votes (or just over 2% of the total number of people who voted), after getting voted against in some way or another by 54% of the American voting populace."
Not just gaslighting: Trump using abuser playbook to manipulate the country
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/12/17/1612203/-Not-just-gaslighting-Trump-using-abuser-playbook-to-manipulate-the-country
"the Republican party in general has spent the last eight years deliberately tearing down political norms in order to gain power, and have now clearly reached the conclusion that in any choice between upholding norms and increasing their power, they choose power. How else can one understand a party that claims to be for greater national security, but is absolutely fine with Russia meddling with our election as long as it helped their candidate? How else to interpret the decision to make the debt ceiling a political football? Or to prevent, for the first time in our nation's history, a sitting president from making a Supreme Court appointment during his term? Or a party which is fighting in North Carolina to overturn every avenue for the exercise of power by the duly elected Democratic governor before he takes office?"
"the Republican party in general has spent the last eight years deliberately tearing down political norms in order to gain power, and have now clearly reached the conclusion that in any choice between upholding norms and increasing their power, they choose power. How else can one understand a party that claims to be for greater national security, but is absolutely fine with Russia meddling with our election as long as it helped their candidate? How else to interpret the decision to make the debt ceiling a political football? Or to prevent, for the first time in our nation's history, a sitting president from making a Supreme Court appointment during his term? Or a party which is fighting in North Carolina to overturn every avenue for the exercise of power by the duly elected Democratic governor before he takes office?"
It's Started: Paying Off the Trump Family for Access @alternet
It's Started: Paying Off the Trump Family for Access @alternet:
"Since the election, even maintaining an appearance of propriety has seemingly grown no more pressing. Trump has positively stuffed his cabinet with the campaign donors who wrote the biggest checks. Ivanka sat in on a meeting with her father and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as her own company was in the final stages of a deal with a major Japanese clothier. Donald Jr. and Eric—who as the inheritors of the private Trump Organization, should not be involved in executive office planning or decision-making—were among the attendees at PEOTUS’ meeting with tech leaders on Wednesday."
"Since the election, even maintaining an appearance of propriety has seemingly grown no more pressing. Trump has positively stuffed his cabinet with the campaign donors who wrote the biggest checks. Ivanka sat in on a meeting with her father and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as her own company was in the final stages of a deal with a major Japanese clothier. Donald Jr. and Eric—who as the inheritors of the private Trump Organization, should not be involved in executive office planning or decision-making—were among the attendees at PEOTUS’ meeting with tech leaders on Wednesday."
Congratulations, America: The Whole World Is Laughing | Crooks and Liars
Congratulations, America: The Whole World Is Laughing | Crooks and Liars
"too bad. We'd done a pretty good job in the past eight years of showing other nations that George W. Bush was a one-off."
"too bad. We'd done a pretty good job in the past eight years of showing other nations that George W. Bush was a one-off."
The Great Flip: Right-Wing Media Taught Trump Voters To Love Putin | Crooks and Liars
The Great Flip: Right-Wing Media Taught Trump Voters To Love Putin | Crooks and Liars
"Putin is an authoritarian "strongman" who has cracked down in Russia on freedom of speech and freedom of the press, signed into law draconian anti-gay legislation, and invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula, part of Ukraine. Nevertheless, for years, right-wing media have praised Vladimir Putin as a great leader, comparing him favorably against Obama."
"Putin is an authoritarian "strongman" who has cracked down in Russia on freedom of speech and freedom of the press, signed into law draconian anti-gay legislation, and invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula, part of Ukraine. Nevertheless, for years, right-wing media have praised Vladimir Putin as a great leader, comparing him favorably against Obama."
Trump campaign struck deal with media company for more favorable coverage
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-campaign-media-deal-for-favorable-coverage-d2a945c458c3#.3qtsvxaow
"President-elect Donald Trump has long positioned himself at odds with the media, lashing out at reporters and outlets that dared to criticize him or shine light on his numerous scandals. His vitriol toward the press became so intense on the campaign trail that reporters covering his rallies began to fear for their safety. The Trump campaign also sought out allies, like Fox News’ Sean Hannity, to counteract the media’s attempt at straightforward coverage with airtime unencumbered by tough questions (over $31 million in free airtime, in fact). Now it seems Hannity wasn’t the only one. The campaign struck a deal with Sinclair Broadcast Group for similarly uncritical coverage, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly told a group of business executives in Manhattan Friday."
"President-elect Donald Trump has long positioned himself at odds with the media, lashing out at reporters and outlets that dared to criticize him or shine light on his numerous scandals. His vitriol toward the press became so intense on the campaign trail that reporters covering his rallies began to fear for their safety. The Trump campaign also sought out allies, like Fox News’ Sean Hannity, to counteract the media’s attempt at straightforward coverage with airtime unencumbered by tough questions (over $31 million in free airtime, in fact). Now it seems Hannity wasn’t the only one. The campaign struck a deal with Sinclair Broadcast Group for similarly uncritical coverage, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly told a group of business executives in Manhattan Friday."
Trump Is In Total Control Of A Mob Of F*cking Morons
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/12/donald-trump-putin/
"But nowadays, right wingers are tripping over themselves to gaze adoringly at Putin's saggy abs. Why? Because Donald Trump has nothing but praise for the leader of a country that is openly hostile to the United States. Yes, Putin is still unpopular with a slim majority of Republican voters but a 56 point swing towards favorable in 2 years is a clear sign something is deeply wrong with the American right wing. Even after finding out Putin essentially hacked our election, these once-upon-a-time haters of all things Russian can't stop defending Putin. Think about that: Because it's in opposition to the Democrats, Republicans are taking the side of Russia over their own country."
"But nowadays, right wingers are tripping over themselves to gaze adoringly at Putin's saggy abs. Why? Because Donald Trump has nothing but praise for the leader of a country that is openly hostile to the United States. Yes, Putin is still unpopular with a slim majority of Republican voters but a 56 point swing towards favorable in 2 years is a clear sign something is deeply wrong with the American right wing. Even after finding out Putin essentially hacked our election, these once-upon-a-time haters of all things Russian can't stop defending Putin. Think about that: Because it's in opposition to the Democrats, Republicans are taking the side of Russia over their own country."
Trump’s Second Gilded Age: Overcoming the Rule of Billionaires and Militarists
http://billmoyers.com/story/trumps-second-gilded-age-overcoming-rule-billionaires-militarists/
"It is hard to believe that this gaggle of religious fundamentalists, conspiracy theory advocates, billionaires and retrograde anti-communists who uniformly lack the experience to take on the jobs for which they were nominated, could possibly be viewed as reasonable candidates for top government positions. As Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) cited in The Hill observed, “most of Trump’s appointees are ‘The greatest collection of stooges and cronies and misfits we have ever seen in a presidential administration….Some of these people’s only qualifications for the jobs they are being appointed for is that they have attempted to dismantle and undermine and destroy the very agencies they are now hoping to run.’”[8]"
"It is hard to believe that this gaggle of religious fundamentalists, conspiracy theory advocates, billionaires and retrograde anti-communists who uniformly lack the experience to take on the jobs for which they were nominated, could possibly be viewed as reasonable candidates for top government positions. As Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) cited in The Hill observed, “most of Trump’s appointees are ‘The greatest collection of stooges and cronies and misfits we have ever seen in a presidential administration….Some of these people’s only qualifications for the jobs they are being appointed for is that they have attempted to dismantle and undermine and destroy the very agencies they are now hoping to run.’”[8]"
Monday, December 19, 2016
The Vampire Squid Occupies Trump's White House
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/the-vampire-squid-occupies-trumps-white-house-w456225
"Goldman deserves its villainous reputation. The bank symbolizes all the worst aspects of the modern "financialized" economy. The crash era was the ultimate example. Banks like Goldman mostly didn't create anything of value during this time. Mostly what they did was engineer new ways to create credit that led to millions of people buying homes they couldn't afford, creating the mother of all financial bubbles. When it all went bust, as it necessarily had to, they scrambled by hook or crook to dump the damage on other people. Clients ate their losses and they ran weeping to the taxpayer for rescue – Goldman got $12.9 billion alone just from the AIG bailout, which of course was engineered by former Goldman chief Hank Paulson. In the middle of all of this, people like Blankfein and Cohn paid themselves record amounts of compensation. They are scum, and it's absolutely fitting that so many of them will end up serving the Trump administration. Donald Trump made a lot of political hay out of the iniquity of people like Cohn during his campaign. But his recent appointments are absolute proof that his "populist" message was a crock all along – not that we couldn't have guessed anyway."
"Goldman deserves its villainous reputation. The bank symbolizes all the worst aspects of the modern "financialized" economy. The crash era was the ultimate example. Banks like Goldman mostly didn't create anything of value during this time. Mostly what they did was engineer new ways to create credit that led to millions of people buying homes they couldn't afford, creating the mother of all financial bubbles. When it all went bust, as it necessarily had to, they scrambled by hook or crook to dump the damage on other people. Clients ate their losses and they ran weeping to the taxpayer for rescue – Goldman got $12.9 billion alone just from the AIG bailout, which of course was engineered by former Goldman chief Hank Paulson. In the middle of all of this, people like Blankfein and Cohn paid themselves record amounts of compensation. They are scum, and it's absolutely fitting that so many of them will end up serving the Trump administration. Donald Trump made a lot of political hay out of the iniquity of people like Cohn during his campaign. But his recent appointments are absolute proof that his "populist" message was a crock all along – not that we couldn't have guessed anyway."
Trump's Presidency Is Shaping Up to Be an American Tragedy
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/trumps-presidency-is-shaping-up-to-be-an-american-tragedy-w454640
"Add it all up, and what do you see? A child who reacts to the slightest perceived attack with vicious vitriol. A vengeful president who is willing to violate basic rights. A government run by incompetents, racists, bullies and conspiracy-mongers. It's a formula for tragedy."
"Add it all up, and what do you see? A child who reacts to the slightest perceived attack with vicious vitriol. A vengeful president who is willing to violate basic rights. A government run by incompetents, racists, bullies and conspiracy-mongers. It's a formula for tragedy."
Degeneration Nation: It Takes a Village of Idiots to Raise a Kakistocracy Like Donald Trump’s @alternet
Degeneration Nation: It Takes a Village of Idiots to Raise a Kakistocracy Like Donald Trump’s @alternet:
"A kakistocracy is a government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens. Trump plans to bring us the worst of both."
"A kakistocracy is a government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens. Trump plans to bring us the worst of both."
North Carolina GOP rams through bill giving itself more power in all election years
https://thinkprogress.org/north-carolina-gop-power-election-years-1a10437c8f8b#.q9q7dldij
"A still more controversial bill, which passed the State Senate Thursday night and goes before the House on Friday, could remake the state Board of Elections and all county elections boards so that Republicans control them in all even-numbered years — meaning every year there’s a major election."
"A still more controversial bill, which passed the State Senate Thursday night and goes before the House on Friday, could remake the state Board of Elections and all county elections boards so that Republicans control them in all even-numbered years — meaning every year there’s a major election."
A Dire Prediction for Trump's First 100 Days @alternet
A Dire Prediction for Trump's First 100 Days @alternet:
"So, to summarize: In 1999 the FSB, the same organization now suspected of tampering in the U.S. election to tip it in favor of Donald Trump, was caught in the act of planting bombs in civilian apartment buildings in Russia in order to sow chaos and consolidate power for its disputed leader of choice. Surely, we’d never accept such a blatant power grab or allow ourselves to be manipulated so easily here in the U.S. Surely there’s no way that the people complicit in bombing their own people would be left free to hold onto power, and even if they were, that we would let evidence of them tampering in our own presidential election slide? Right?"
"So, to summarize: In 1999 the FSB, the same organization now suspected of tampering in the U.S. election to tip it in favor of Donald Trump, was caught in the act of planting bombs in civilian apartment buildings in Russia in order to sow chaos and consolidate power for its disputed leader of choice. Surely, we’d never accept such a blatant power grab or allow ourselves to be manipulated so easily here in the U.S. Surely there’s no way that the people complicit in bombing their own people would be left free to hold onto power, and even if they were, that we would let evidence of them tampering in our own presidential election slide? Right?"
Rediscovering Obama’s Irish Roots
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/rediscovering-obamas-irish-roots
"Having been put on the map by Obama’s visit, Moneygall intended to remain there. The plaza is the most elaborate of the village’s monuments to its historic significance; for a while, there was talk of building a hundred-and-fifty-room Barack Obama Hotel. The Obama Café opened on Main Street, and the village’s official Web site began promoting an Obama-themed bike ride around the region. Visitors can attend the annual Obama Country Fest; stroll through the nearby cemetery, where the President’s ancestors are buried; or snap selfies outside the church they likely attended. And, of course, they can pop into Ollie Hayes Bar, itself a mini museum of Obama photos, memorabilia, and another bust of the President. The sign out front has been modified to incorporate a blown-up photo of Obama drinking Guinness."
"Having been put on the map by Obama’s visit, Moneygall intended to remain there. The plaza is the most elaborate of the village’s monuments to its historic significance; for a while, there was talk of building a hundred-and-fifty-room Barack Obama Hotel. The Obama Café opened on Main Street, and the village’s official Web site began promoting an Obama-themed bike ride around the region. Visitors can attend the annual Obama Country Fest; stroll through the nearby cemetery, where the President’s ancestors are buried; or snap selfies outside the church they likely attended. And, of course, they can pop into Ollie Hayes Bar, itself a mini museum of Obama photos, memorabilia, and another bust of the President. The sign out front has been modified to incorporate a blown-up photo of Obama drinking Guinness."
Barack Obama's remarks at his last White House Hanukkah party are just exceptional
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/14/1611219/-Barack-Obama-s-remarks-at-his-last-White-House-Hanukkah-party-are-just-exceptional
"In this harrowing moment, when religious minorities, especially Jews and Muslims, are the open targets of a campaign of hatred instigated by the president-elect, Obama’s message means so much to me, and I hope to you as well."
"In this harrowing moment, when religious minorities, especially Jews and Muslims, are the open targets of a campaign of hatred instigated by the president-elect, Obama’s message means so much to me, and I hope to you as well."
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future With Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future With Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet:
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
Donald Trump's Newest Cabinet Member Has Ties to Neo-Confederate Group That Inspired Dylann Roof @alternet
Donald Trump's Newest Cabinet Member Has Ties to Neo-Confederate Group That Inspired Dylann Roof @alternet:
"Add another name to the growing list of white supremacist sympathizers in the president-elect's inner circle."
"Add another name to the growing list of white supremacist sympathizers in the president-elect's inner circle."
Follow The Money, See Why Trump Is Putin's Useful Idiot | Crooks and Liars
Follow The Money, See Why Trump Is Putin's Useful Idiot | Crooks and Liars
"Vladimir Putin has proven to be nothing more than another brutal dictator. He will do anything—including murder—to maintain enormous power, thwart any and all perceived threats to him and Russia, while personally enriching himself with riches that no one covets more than Donald Trump. Trump's entanglements present another problem: blackmail. Just a few weeks before the election, not that it mattered, Slate's Franklin Foer broke this incredible story on Russia’s Alpha Bank server, which is installed in—yes, it’s true—Trump Tower! Funny how Corporate Media buried that story tout de suite."
"Vladimir Putin has proven to be nothing more than another brutal dictator. He will do anything—including murder—to maintain enormous power, thwart any and all perceived threats to him and Russia, while personally enriching himself with riches that no one covets more than Donald Trump. Trump's entanglements present another problem: blackmail. Just a few weeks before the election, not that it mattered, Slate's Franklin Foer broke this incredible story on Russia’s Alpha Bank server, which is installed in—yes, it’s true—Trump Tower! Funny how Corporate Media buried that story tout de suite."
15 Things Trump Apparently Does—and Does Not—Have Time For @alternet
15 Things Trump Apparently Does—and Does Not—Have Time For @alternet:
"13. Does have time to: Go on a 'victory tour' around the country. Just after Trump’s win, the New York Times ran a feature that included this: “[Trump’s] aides say he has also expressed interest in continuing to hold the large rallies that were a staple of his candidacy. He likes the instant gratification and adulation that the cheering crowds provide, and his aides are discussing how they might accommodate his demand." Staffers may have been concerned there wasn’t really much time for those rallies, considering Trump was so unprepared for his job Obama reportedly had to explain to him—this horrible orange nightmare who launched his political career by perpetuating a racist lie to undermine Obama's presidency—what be president entails. But like he has so many times before, Trump cobbled together the hours and minutes, and is currently in the midst of needless "thank you" tour around the country. He found the time the same way anyone might—by doing a half-assed job at something else. In this case, leading the country. 14. Does not have time to: Attend daily intelligence briefings. You do not have to make time for things you already know about, and Trump has said he already knows more than anyone else in the world about the U.S. military, ISIS and “the horror of nuclear.” This is why Trump doesn’t need to waste time with boring intelligence briefings every day—not when there are tweets to be sent and SNL to be rage-watched. Trump told Christopher Wallace recently that he doesn’t need to hear about the national security situation every day because he’s “like, a smart person.” Instead, his motto is, “Call me if something changes.” Which is just a really fantastic attitude for a president to have. Like, the best."
"13. Does have time to: Go on a 'victory tour' around the country. Just after Trump’s win, the New York Times ran a feature that included this: “[Trump’s] aides say he has also expressed interest in continuing to hold the large rallies that were a staple of his candidacy. He likes the instant gratification and adulation that the cheering crowds provide, and his aides are discussing how they might accommodate his demand." Staffers may have been concerned there wasn’t really much time for those rallies, considering Trump was so unprepared for his job Obama reportedly had to explain to him—this horrible orange nightmare who launched his political career by perpetuating a racist lie to undermine Obama's presidency—what be president entails. But like he has so many times before, Trump cobbled together the hours and minutes, and is currently in the midst of needless "thank you" tour around the country. He found the time the same way anyone might—by doing a half-assed job at something else. In this case, leading the country. 14. Does not have time to: Attend daily intelligence briefings. You do not have to make time for things you already know about, and Trump has said he already knows more than anyone else in the world about the U.S. military, ISIS and “the horror of nuclear.” This is why Trump doesn’t need to waste time with boring intelligence briefings every day—not when there are tweets to be sent and SNL to be rage-watched. Trump told Christopher Wallace recently that he doesn’t need to hear about the national security situation every day because he’s “like, a smart person.” Instead, his motto is, “Call me if something changes.” Which is just a really fantastic attitude for a president to have. Like, the best."
Why Donald Trump’s Electoral College win is the weakest victory in American history
Why Donald Trump’s Electoral College win is the weakest victory in American history
"The Presidential Election of 2016 is unique in many ways, with maybe the most fascinating being that Donald Trump not only lost the popular vote by the largest margin of any President in total votes (2.84 million votes and counting), he also could not blame that fact on the presence of a strong third party challenger. Not only did Donald Trump become the worst example of the Electoral College quandary that has now led to five Presidents losing the popular vote but being inaugurated President. Trump also became the 7th lowest popular percentage winner of the Presidency, with all six Presidents who had a lower popular vote percentage being part of an election in which a third or fourth party candidate had drawn substantial support. That wasn’t true in the election of 2016."
"The Presidential Election of 2016 is unique in many ways, with maybe the most fascinating being that Donald Trump not only lost the popular vote by the largest margin of any President in total votes (2.84 million votes and counting), he also could not blame that fact on the presence of a strong third party challenger. Not only did Donald Trump become the worst example of the Electoral College quandary that has now led to five Presidents losing the popular vote but being inaugurated President. Trump also became the 7th lowest popular percentage winner of the Presidency, with all six Presidents who had a lower popular vote percentage being part of an election in which a third or fourth party candidate had drawn substantial support. That wasn’t true in the election of 2016."
Watch Our Future Secretary Of State Joke About U.S. Sanctions | Crooks and Liars
Watch Our Future Secretary Of State Joke About U.S. Sanctions | Crooks and Liars
"This video an example of why Exxon-Mobil CEO is the absolute worst person on the planet to develop, negotiate and form foreign policy."
"This video an example of why Exxon-Mobil CEO is the absolute worst person on the planet to develop, negotiate and form foreign policy."
We Haven't Even Seen the Worst of Trump's Manic Behavior
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51584/trump-manic-behavior/
"there is a damn good political reason for the electors next Monday to fulfill the function laid out for them by Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 68. If the president-elect should be denied the 270 electoral votes necessary for his election to become official, the job of determining things will fall to Speaker Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver, and the rest of the House of Representatives. This finally could be the way to force Ryan and the rest of the Republicans to own the entirety of the disaster. For too long now, people like Ryan have been allowed to tap-dance around Trump's manifest unfitness for office. Hell, Ryan would certify the election of President-Elect Charlie Manson if it got Ryan his tax cuts and voucherized Medicare. He should be forced to demonstrate this in public. It would be a way to make the party own not only the president-elect, but also all the anti-democratic, paranoid forces that Stephen Miller exemplifies, and that the Republican party nurtured so assiduously down through the decades that someone like Donald Trump not only was possible, but inevitable."
"there is a damn good political reason for the electors next Monday to fulfill the function laid out for them by Alexander Hamilton in Federalist 68. If the president-elect should be denied the 270 electoral votes necessary for his election to become official, the job of determining things will fall to Speaker Paul Ryan, the zombie-eyed granny starver, and the rest of the House of Representatives. This finally could be the way to force Ryan and the rest of the Republicans to own the entirety of the disaster. For too long now, people like Ryan have been allowed to tap-dance around Trump's manifest unfitness for office. Hell, Ryan would certify the election of President-Elect Charlie Manson if it got Ryan his tax cuts and voucherized Medicare. He should be forced to demonstrate this in public. It would be a way to make the party own not only the president-elect, but also all the anti-democratic, paranoid forces that Stephen Miller exemplifies, and that the Republican party nurtured so assiduously down through the decades that someone like Donald Trump not only was possible, but inevitable."
Donald Trump and the Republican Party Need to be Investigated for Possible Acts of Treason
Donald Trump and the Republican Party Need to be Investigated for Possible Acts of Treason
"we need to investigate more than just Trump — we should include any member of the GOP who’s in a position to do something about this, yet refuses to do so. Not only does Trump’s behavior seem to imply that he’s hiding something, but the resistance by many members of the GOP to investigate a possible Russian cyber attack against the United States tells me that they’re: Either refusing to do their sworn duty to protect this country from enemies both foreign and domestic, putting party and their political careers over the best interests of this country, in an effort to help put a man into the White House who could have possibly betrayed the United States. – or – They know that if they open an investigation into all of this, what would be discovered would be an absolute disaster for their party. That would clearly implicate them as possible accomplices to treason for knowing Trump had potentially done something that would disqualify him from the White House, yet they did everything they could to protect him. Once again, putting party over country."
"we need to investigate more than just Trump — we should include any member of the GOP who’s in a position to do something about this, yet refuses to do so. Not only does Trump’s behavior seem to imply that he’s hiding something, but the resistance by many members of the GOP to investigate a possible Russian cyber attack against the United States tells me that they’re: Either refusing to do their sworn duty to protect this country from enemies both foreign and domestic, putting party and their political careers over the best interests of this country, in an effort to help put a man into the White House who could have possibly betrayed the United States. – or – They know that if they open an investigation into all of this, what would be discovered would be an absolute disaster for their party. That would clearly implicate them as possible accomplices to treason for knowing Trump had potentially done something that would disqualify him from the White House, yet they did everything they could to protect him. Once again, putting party over country."
Russia's Election Plot Never Would've Worked Without Stupid Voters and a Complicit Press
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/12/russias-election-plot-never-wouldve-worked/
"For the first time ever, 62 million Americans and a damaged press corps helped Vladimir Putin install a puppet of Moscow in the Oval Office -- a puppet that can be blackmailed and strong-armed to do Putin's bidding. Good job, Trump voters. And good luck."
"For the first time ever, 62 million Americans and a damaged press corps helped Vladimir Putin install a puppet of Moscow in the Oval Office -- a puppet that can be blackmailed and strong-armed to do Putin's bidding. Good job, Trump voters. And good luck."
The Republican Sabotage of the Vote Recounts in Michigan and Wisconsin
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/38767-the-republican-sabotage-of-the-vote-recounts-in-michigan-and-wisconsin
"Michigan officials declared in late November that Trump won the state's count by 10,704 votes. But hold on -- a record 75,355 ballots were not counted. The uncounted ballots came mostly from Detroit and Flint, majority-Black cities that vote Democratic. According to the machines that read their ballots, these voters waited in line, sometimes for hours, yet did not choose a president. Really?"
"Michigan officials declared in late November that Trump won the state's count by 10,704 votes. But hold on -- a record 75,355 ballots were not counted. The uncounted ballots came mostly from Detroit and Flint, majority-Black cities that vote Democratic. According to the machines that read their ballots, these voters waited in line, sometimes for hours, yet did not choose a president. Really?"
New Video: Watch Wisconsin Election Officials Reject Hand Counts After Electronic Scanners Make Big Mistake @alternet
New Video: Watch Wisconsin Election Officials Reject Hand Counts After Electronic Scanners Make Big Mistake @alternet: "This snapshot of the process is a microcosm of what occurs across America, where not only does the electronic voting machinery make mistakes but procedural decisions pre-empt evidence-based verification of the vote."
Trump's Cabinet Wealthier Than One-Third of US Households Combined
Trump's Cabinet Wealthier Than One-Third of US Households Combined
"Besides comprising the wealthiest administration in modern U.S. history, President-elect Donald Trump's 17 ultra-rich cabinet-level picks thus far have a combined wealth that surpasses that of the 43 million least wealthy American households combined."
"Besides comprising the wealthiest administration in modern U.S. history, President-elect Donald Trump's 17 ultra-rich cabinet-level picks thus far have a combined wealth that surpasses that of the 43 million least wealthy American households combined."
North Carolina Republicans Make Brazen Bid for Permanent Power After Losing Governor's Race
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/12/north-carolina-republicans-make-brazen-bid-permanent-power-after-losing-governors-r
"A month after losing control of the governorship, Republicans in North Carolina on Wednesday launched a brazen power grab to deprive the state's incoming Democratic governor of the ability to control much of the state government, from the election board to the governor's own Cabinet."
"A month after losing control of the governorship, Republicans in North Carolina on Wednesday launched a brazen power grab to deprive the state's incoming Democratic governor of the ability to control much of the state government, from the election board to the governor's own Cabinet."
Trump smears magazine editor who published a critical review of Trump Grill
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-keeps-smearing-all-critics-2daa0e18a82d#.df6xfpo28
"On Thursday morning, Trump once again took to Twitter to attack a business and an individual that had had the nerve to say something critical about the Trump empire. A day after Vanity Fair published a negative review of Trump Grill, the steakhouse at Trump Tower in New York City, Trump mocked the magazine for having a low circulation and personally attacked the publication’s editor by name as a “no talent"."
"On Thursday morning, Trump once again took to Twitter to attack a business and an individual that had had the nerve to say something critical about the Trump empire. A day after Vanity Fair published a negative review of Trump Grill, the steakhouse at Trump Tower in New York City, Trump mocked the magazine for having a low circulation and personally attacked the publication’s editor by name as a “no talent"."
North Carolina Republicans Lost An Election, So Now They’re Trying To Undermine The Results
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/roy-cooper-republicans-north-carolina_us_5852cadbe4b012849c05d4dc
"Fresh off losing control of the governor’s seat, North Carolina Republicans are now trying to undermine the election results through the state legislature by pushing bills that would limit the power of incoming Democratic Governor-elect Roy Cooper."
"Fresh off losing control of the governor’s seat, North Carolina Republicans are now trying to undermine the election results through the state legislature by pushing bills that would limit the power of incoming Democratic Governor-elect Roy Cooper."
1,200 historians warn Trump is poised to use ‘hysteria and untruths to trample people’s rights’
1,200 historians warn Trump is poised to use ‘hysteria and untruths to trample people’s rights’
"the scholars believe Trump’s rhetoric and demagoguery are similar to not only that of Joe McCarthy, but of the kind of rhetoric used to justify the mass internment of Japanese Americans during World War II."
"the scholars believe Trump’s rhetoric and demagoguery are similar to not only that of Joe McCarthy, but of the kind of rhetoric used to justify the mass internment of Japanese Americans during World War II."
Desperate, Trump Offers Ambassadorships to Anyone Who Can Bring Famous Musicians to His Inauguration @alternet
Desperate, Trump Offers Ambassadorships to Anyone Who Can Bring Famous Musicians to His Inauguration @alternet: Someone should just teach Scott Baio and Stephen Baldwin to dance and sing.
Wow, Trump Has Time To Read And Tweet About Restaurant Reviews | Crooks and Liars
Wow, Trump Has Time To Read And Tweet About Restaurant Reviews | Crooks and Liars
"Donald Trump's twitter feud with Vanity Fair. Over a restaurant review."
"Donald Trump's twitter feud with Vanity Fair. Over a restaurant review."
Republican FCC member can't wait to end net neutrality, sell the internet to highest bidders
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/13/1610698/-Republican-FCC-member-can-t-wait-to-end-net-neutrality-sell-the-internet-to-highest-bidders
"The Trump kleptocracy isn't going to stop at the internet—not if Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai has his way. He's ready to give it all over to big telecom."
"The Trump kleptocracy isn't going to stop at the internet—not if Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai has his way. He's ready to give it all over to big telecom."
These are the 10 dark conspiracy theories that consume the mind of Donald Trump
These are the 10 dark conspiracy theories that consume the mind of Donald Trump
"Trump seemingly can’t, or chooses not to, distinguish fact from fiction. He has a long history of adopting conspiracy theories."
"Trump seemingly can’t, or chooses not to, distinguish fact from fiction. He has a long history of adopting conspiracy theories."
Trump Considers FDA Chief Who Says People Should Use Medicines “At Their Own Risk”
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-considers-fda-chief-who-says-people-should-use-medicines-ldquo-at-their-own-risk-rdquo/
"President-elect Donald Trump is weighing naming as Food and Drug Administration commissioner a staunch libertarian who has called for eliminating the agency’s mandate to determine whether new medicines are effective before approving them for sale. “Let people start using them, at their own risk,” the candidate, Jim O’Neill, said in a 2014 speech to a biotech group. O’Neill, has also called for paying organ donors and setting up libertarian societies at sea—and has said he was surprised to discover that FDA regulators actually enjoy science and like working to fight disease. A source close to the Trump transition team told STAT that Peter Thiel, the billionaire Trump donor who is helping shape the new administration, is pushing for the FDA appointment for O’Neill, his managing director at Mithril Capital Management. Trump’s focus on O’Neill was first reported Wednesday morning by Bloomberg. O’Neill would be an unusual choice. He is not a physician, and lacks the strong science background that nearly all former commissioners have had in recent years."
"President-elect Donald Trump is weighing naming as Food and Drug Administration commissioner a staunch libertarian who has called for eliminating the agency’s mandate to determine whether new medicines are effective before approving them for sale. “Let people start using them, at their own risk,” the candidate, Jim O’Neill, said in a 2014 speech to a biotech group. O’Neill, has also called for paying organ donors and setting up libertarian societies at sea—and has said he was surprised to discover that FDA regulators actually enjoy science and like working to fight disease. A source close to the Trump transition team told STAT that Peter Thiel, the billionaire Trump donor who is helping shape the new administration, is pushing for the FDA appointment for O’Neill, his managing director at Mithril Capital Management. Trump’s focus on O’Neill was first reported Wednesday morning by Bloomberg. O’Neill would be an unusual choice. He is not a physician, and lacks the strong science background that nearly all former commissioners have had in recent years."
Jefferson Beauregard Sessions leaves unflattering resume lines off his attorney general application
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/14/1610957/-Sessions-is-leaving-unflattering-resume-lines-off-his-attorney-general-application
"You can’t even really slap this one with a sarcastic “nice try.” It would be a sarcastically nice try if it had a little hope of working and someone caught it. This is just ludicrous. The man is a senator today because the Senate Judiciary Committee, circa 1986, decided he was too racist to be a federal judge, and now he is trying to get the Senate Judiciary Committee to overlook that episode?"
"You can’t even really slap this one with a sarcastic “nice try.” It would be a sarcastically nice try if it had a little hope of working and someone caught it. This is just ludicrous. The man is a senator today because the Senate Judiciary Committee, circa 1986, decided he was too racist to be a federal judge, and now he is trying to get the Senate Judiciary Committee to overlook that episode?"
SNL’s cold open: Trump, John Goodman as Rex Tillerson, and a shirtless Putin celebrate Christmas
http://www.vox.com/2016/12/18/13997238/snl-russia-baldwin-trump-putin-tillerson-goodman-cold-open
"Putin arrives Santa Claus–style, emerging from Trump’s gilded chimney to express how happy he is that Trump won the election"
"Putin arrives Santa Claus–style, emerging from Trump’s gilded chimney to express how happy he is that Trump won the election"
Donald Trump Is Vladimir Putin's Christmas Gift in 'SNL' Sketch
http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/see-donald-trump-as-vladimir-putins-christmas-gift-on-snl-w456624
"John Goodman appears as Secretary of State pick Rex Tillerson in cold open that calls out mogul's refusal to acknowledge Russia's role in election"
"John Goodman appears as Secretary of State pick Rex Tillerson in cold open that calls out mogul's refusal to acknowledge Russia's role in election"
6 Reasons We Need to Be More Mindful Consumers as Trump Comes to the White House @alternet
6 Reasons We Need to Be More Mindful Consumers as Trump Comes to the White House @alternet: Trump has surrounded himself with pro-corporate advisers who would endanger public health, animals and the environment.
The Fact-Free White House: Donald Trump Assembles a Team of Conspiracy Theorists @alternet
The Fact-Free White House: Donald Trump Assembles a Team of Conspiracy Theorists @alternet: Trump is choosing to surround himself with people who similarly gravitate toward fake news and baseless propaganda.
Here are the hustlers, hucksters, hacks, and cowards who helped elect Donald Trump
Here are the hustlers, hucksters, hacks, and cowards who helped elect Donald Trump
"Now we have a president-elect who boasts of his immunity from prosecution for leveraging his office for personal gain"
"Now we have a president-elect who boasts of his immunity from prosecution for leveraging his office for personal gain"
Obama approval soars to 59 percent; most voters prefer Obama, not Trump, make next SCOTUS pick
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/12/1610268/-Obama-s-approval-soars-to-59-percent-most-voters-prefer-Obama-not-Trump-make-next-SCOTUS-pick
"My, oh my, Obama sure looks good now. So good, in fact, that more voters want him to pick the next Supreme Court justice—which he rightfully should have gotten to pick anyway."
"My, oh my, Obama sure looks good now. So good, in fact, that more voters want him to pick the next Supreme Court justice—which he rightfully should have gotten to pick anyway."
Bombshell Report Exposes How Trump's Vast Holdings Are Already 'Jeopardizing U.S. Interests' Around the World @alternet
Bombshell Report Exposes How Trump's Vast Holdings Are Already 'Jeopardizing U.S. Interests' Around the World @alternet: Trump is using his president-elect status to cozy up to dictators and benefit the family's business.
So Now We Know the Secret Sauce in Trump's Cabinet
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51502/trump-cabinet-plan/
"It has long been the habit of Republican presidents to put people who hate certain agencies and their functions in charge of those very agencies."
"It has long been the habit of Republican presidents to put people who hate certain agencies and their functions in charge of those very agencies."
Don't Certify Electors and Electoral College Vote Without Full Recount
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/38728-don-t-certify-electors-and-electoral-college-vote-without-full-recount
"In Michigan, the preliminary results of the recount before the court stopped it showed that there were 75,000 ballots where the scanning machines did not pick up a vote for president in Detroit and Flint Michigan. These votes need to be hand-counted."
"In Michigan, the preliminary results of the recount before the court stopped it showed that there were 75,000 ballots where the scanning machines did not pick up a vote for president in Detroit and Flint Michigan. These votes need to be hand-counted."
Reports: Trump Campaign Is Threatening Electors To Vote For Him Or Else | Crooks and Liars
Reports: Trump Campaign Is Threatening Electors To Vote For Him Or Else | Crooks and Liars
"Trump goons are contacting the GOP electors one by one and threatening them with "political reprisal" if they dare consider voting against the Fuhrer."
"Trump goons are contacting the GOP electors one by one and threatening them with "political reprisal" if they dare consider voting against the Fuhrer."
Robert Reich: Trump Has a Dark Cloud of Illegitimacy Hanging Over Him and It's Mostly Russia @alternet
Robert Reich: Trump Has a Dark Cloud of Illegitimacy Hanging Over Him and It's Mostly Russia @alternet: How can electors be expected to submit their ballots with this dark cloud hanging overhead?
Trump’s Second Gilded Age: Overcoming the Rule of Billionaires and Militarists
http://billmoyers.com/story/trumps-second-gilded-age-overcoming-rule-billionaires-militarists/
"Trump’s affirmation of an updated version of the Gilded Age and his attempts to accelerate America’s slide into authoritarianism is an assault on reason, compassion, morality and human dignity."
"Trump’s affirmation of an updated version of the Gilded Age and his attempts to accelerate America’s slide into authoritarianism is an assault on reason, compassion, morality and human dignity."
The Republican Party Has Abandoned Science for Temporary Profit
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51419/trump-epa/
"The Republican Party—the party of Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, of national parks and the EPA—has abandoned science for temporary profit. It has gone completely mad and we will pay that price for it."
"The Republican Party—the party of Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, of national parks and the EPA—has abandoned science for temporary profit. It has gone completely mad and we will pay that price for it."
The fact-deniers persist: Nearly a third of Trump voters don't know he got trounced in popular vote
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/9/1609153/-The-fact-deniars-persist-Nearly-a-third-of-Trump-voters-don-t-know-he-got-trounced-in-popular-vote
"As for Americans who are actually showing signs of conscious living (including an aptitude for critical thinking), PPP finds they don't like the idea of the "president" being a popular-vote loser. Voters don't think that Trump's Electoral College victory while losing the popular vote is really fair--50% think the candidate who receives the most votes nationally in the election should become President, to only 37% who disagree with that concept. Trump and his minions may not know it yet, but that's a huge problem for him. From the moment he's sworn in, a large swath of the population will immediately view him as illegitimate. Good luck with that."
"As for Americans who are actually showing signs of conscious living (including an aptitude for critical thinking), PPP finds they don't like the idea of the "president" being a popular-vote loser. Voters don't think that Trump's Electoral College victory while losing the popular vote is really fair--50% think the candidate who receives the most votes nationally in the election should become President, to only 37% who disagree with that concept. Trump and his minions may not know it yet, but that's a huge problem for him. From the moment he's sworn in, a large swath of the population will immediately view him as illegitimate. Good luck with that."
Friday, December 16, 2016
North Carolinians Revolt Over Republicans' Brazen Post-Election Coup
North Carolinians Revolt Over Republicans' Brazen Post-Election Coup
"Refusing to accept Republican lawmakers' brazen power grab, hundreds of North Carolinians flooded the halls of the General Assembly building in Raleigh Thursday evening to shame the officials as they passed a series of measures aimed at stripping power from Governor-elect Roy Cooper."
"Refusing to accept Republican lawmakers' brazen power grab, hundreds of North Carolinians flooded the halls of the General Assembly building in Raleigh Thursday evening to shame the officials as they passed a series of measures aimed at stripping power from Governor-elect Roy Cooper."
The Weather Channel to Breitbart: 'Earth Is Not Cooling, Climate Change Is Real' (Video) @alternet
The Weather Channel to Breitbart: 'Earth Is Not Cooling, Climate Change Is Real' (Video) @alternet: A bluntly titled blog post takes Breitbart to task for using a Weather.com video to deny global warming.
Trump's Secretary of State Pick Is Exxon CEO With Close Ties to Putin @alternet
Trump's Secretary of State Pick Is Exxon CEO With Close Ties to Putin @alternet:
"ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson has close personal and company ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin."
"ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson has close personal and company ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putin."
Sun Solution Rises as Solar Fast Becoming World's Cheapest Electricity Source
Sun Solution Rises as Solar Fast Becoming World's Cheapest Electricity Source
"For the first time, solar power is becoming the cheapest form of electricity production in the world, according to new statistics from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) released Thursday."
"For the first time, solar power is becoming the cheapest form of electricity production in the world, according to new statistics from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) released Thursday."
Rex Tillerson and Exxon Spent Big on Climate Change Denial while Misleading Public, Evidence Shows
http://prwatch.org/news/2016/12/13188/rex-tillerson-and-exxon-spent-big-climate-change-denial-while-misleading-public
"With Tillerson at the helm of Exxon, the company has paid ALEC to have a leadership role in its operations, both on the its corporate board and on its task forces, where corporations vote as equals with legislators on "model" bills that are then pushed into law in state legislatures and Congress."
"With Tillerson at the helm of Exxon, the company has paid ALEC to have a leadership role in its operations, both on the its corporate board and on its task forces, where corporations vote as equals with legislators on "model" bills that are then pushed into law in state legislatures and Congress."
NOAA Issues 'Jaw-Dropping' Assessment on 'Unprecedented' Arctic Warming
NOAA Issues 'Jaw-Dropping' Assessment on 'Unprecedented' Arctic Warming
"The annual assessment, released Wednesday, finds that "persistent warming" is driving "extensive changes" to the region. In fact, the average air temperatures were "unprecendented"—the highest on observational record—and "Arctic temperatures continue to increase at double the rate of the global temperature increase," NOAA states."
"The annual assessment, released Wednesday, finds that "persistent warming" is driving "extensive changes" to the region. In fact, the average air temperatures were "unprecendented"—the highest on observational record—and "Arctic temperatures continue to increase at double the rate of the global temperature increase," NOAA states."
Scientists Racing to Archive Climate Data Before Denier-in-Chief Trump Takes Office
Scientists Racing to Archive Climate Data Before Denier-in-Chief Trump Takes Office
"Anticipating the worst under the incoming administration, a group of scientists are frantically trying to archive government climate data before President-elect Donald Trump's "band of climate conspiracy theorists...storm the castle," as one put it."
"Anticipating the worst under the incoming administration, a group of scientists are frantically trying to archive government climate data before President-elect Donald Trump's "band of climate conspiracy theorists...storm the castle," as one put it."
Trump, aided by fake news, wages a war on science and your children’s future
https://thinkprogress.org/the-war-on-science-by-trump-86418d7d0d35#.z92x7d65w
"The stakes in the renewed war on science are existential and irreversible. So it’s time the media picked the side of facts — and not lies."
"The stakes in the renewed war on science are existential and irreversible. So it’s time the media picked the side of facts — and not lies."
Leaked Audio: Dakota Access Pipeline Executive Says "Election Night Changed Everything" and DAPL "Is Going Through"
Leaked Audio: Dakota Access Pipeline Executive Says "Election Night Changed Everything" and DAPL "Is Going Through"
"Energy Transfer Partners' Chief Operating Officer saying that “election night changed everything” for the company as it relates to its embattled Dakota Access Pipeline."
"Energy Transfer Partners' Chief Operating Officer saying that “election night changed everything” for the company as it relates to its embattled Dakota Access Pipeline."
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future with Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet
Trump's Energy Policy Will Darken the Future with Disastrous Pollution and Dirty Air @alternet:
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
"He seems firmly convinced that the accelerated extraction of oil and other carbon-based fuels will “make America great again.” This is delusional, but as president he will undoubtedly be able to make enough of his energy program happen to achieve both short term and long term energy mayhem. He won’t actually be able to reverse the global shift to renewable energy now under way or leverage increased American fossil fuel production to achieve significant foreign policy advantages. What his efforts are, however, likely to ensure is the surrender of American technological leadership in green energy to countries like China and Germany, already racing ahead in the development of renewable systems. And in the process, he will also guarantee that all of us are going to experience yet more extreme climate events. He will never recreate the dreamy America of his memory or return us to the steamy economic cauldron of the post-World War II period, but he may succeed in restoring the smoggy skies and poisoned rivers that so characterized that era and, as an added bonus, bring planetary climate disaster in his wake. His slogan should be: Make America Smoggy Again."
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Goldman Sachs alumni will have the 2 top Trump economic policy jobs
http://www.vox.com/2016/12/9/13898984/gary-cohn-goldman-sachs-trump
"And yet in many ways, the only surprise here should be that there is any surprise. Trump’s stated policy agenda during the 2016 campaign was and always has been a banker’s wish list, a plan to shower the financial services industry with deregulation and then help out hedge funds with a special tax cut. The divergence between the Trump show on Twitter and a hard-right governing agenda in the Cabinet was always visible in the gap between Trump’s wild rally rhetoric and his sober, conventionally conservative policy speeches. The problem is nobody paid attention."
"And yet in many ways, the only surprise here should be that there is any surprise. Trump’s stated policy agenda during the 2016 campaign was and always has been a banker’s wish list, a plan to shower the financial services industry with deregulation and then help out hedge funds with a special tax cut. The divergence between the Trump show on Twitter and a hard-right governing agenda in the Cabinet was always visible in the gap between Trump’s wild rally rhetoric and his sober, conventionally conservative policy speeches. The problem is nobody paid attention."
Trump Against the American Worker
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/trump-against-the-american-worker
"This has become a pattern among Trump’s appointments—naming bitter foes of federal agencies to head them, or behead them. It’s happening with health, education, environmental protection, civil rights, even at the State Department, according to reports about Trump’s appointment there. But Trump ran for President as the unlikely defender of the forgotten American worker, which makes his nominating a wealthy, anti-labor C.E.O. from an industry notorious for wage theft and labor-law violations to be his Secretary of Labor incongruous, even for him."
"This has become a pattern among Trump’s appointments—naming bitter foes of federal agencies to head them, or behead them. It’s happening with health, education, environmental protection, civil rights, even at the State Department, according to reports about Trump’s appointment there. But Trump ran for President as the unlikely defender of the forgotten American worker, which makes his nominating a wealthy, anti-labor C.E.O. from an industry notorious for wage theft and labor-law violations to be his Secretary of Labor incongruous, even for him."
Trump Makes America Goldman’s Again! #MAGA
https://theintercept.com/2016/12/09/trump-makes-america-goldmans-again-maga/
"IT’S NOW TIME for us, as a nation, to come together and congratulate the winner of the 2016 presidential election: Goldman Sachs. Many Donald Trump voters likely believed his victory would be a loss for Goldman. At the Republican convention, a man who seemed to take Trump’s twitter attacks on Goldman seriously screamed “Goldman Sachs!” at Ted Cruz’s banker wife as she fled the convention floor. Trump’s own final campaign video declared that he would do battle against the “global power structure that is responsible for the economic decisions that have robbed our working class, stripped our country of its wealth and put that money into the pockets of a handful of large corporations” — as personified on screen by Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein. But that was then. As Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund manager and top adviser to Trump, as well as a former Goldman Sachs banker himself, put it Thursday: “I think the cabal against the bankers is over"."
"IT’S NOW TIME for us, as a nation, to come together and congratulate the winner of the 2016 presidential election: Goldman Sachs. Many Donald Trump voters likely believed his victory would be a loss for Goldman. At the Republican convention, a man who seemed to take Trump’s twitter attacks on Goldman seriously screamed “Goldman Sachs!” at Ted Cruz’s banker wife as she fled the convention floor. Trump’s own final campaign video declared that he would do battle against the “global power structure that is responsible for the economic decisions that have robbed our working class, stripped our country of its wealth and put that money into the pockets of a handful of large corporations” — as personified on screen by Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein. But that was then. As Anthony Scaramucci, a hedge fund manager and top adviser to Trump, as well as a former Goldman Sachs banker himself, put it Thursday: “I think the cabal against the bankers is over"."
The War on the Poor Is Already Underway
http://billmoyers.com/story/war-poor-already-underway/
"When Obama took office, the economy was hemorrhaging 700,000 to 800,000 jobs a month. Since 2010, the economy has grown by nearly 200,000 jobs a month. Twenty million more Americans have health insurance coverage as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Hillary Clinton may have lost Michigan in the presidential election, but if not for Obama and a willing Congress, America would have lost the automobile industry. Try to imagine the impact of that on Michigan and the rest of the country. Sure, there are plenty of people who are still hurting. But the way to address the concerns of those who are struggling is not to demolish the policies that have already helped millions. We should build upon those policies, improve them and make every effort to expand the economy and raise the living standards of those who continue to struggle. What is difficult for so many people of goodwill to comprehend is that improving the lives of poor and low-income Americans is not the objective of conservative politicians. The overriding goals of Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are the same as the goals of the conservative movement throughout the modern era: to expand the wealth, status and power of the privileged few at the expense of everyone else. That’s why big tax cuts for the rich are the top priority."
"When Obama took office, the economy was hemorrhaging 700,000 to 800,000 jobs a month. Since 2010, the economy has grown by nearly 200,000 jobs a month. Twenty million more Americans have health insurance coverage as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Hillary Clinton may have lost Michigan in the presidential election, but if not for Obama and a willing Congress, America would have lost the automobile industry. Try to imagine the impact of that on Michigan and the rest of the country. Sure, there are plenty of people who are still hurting. But the way to address the concerns of those who are struggling is not to demolish the policies that have already helped millions. We should build upon those policies, improve them and make every effort to expand the economy and raise the living standards of those who continue to struggle. What is difficult for so many people of goodwill to comprehend is that improving the lives of poor and low-income Americans is not the objective of conservative politicians. The overriding goals of Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are the same as the goals of the conservative movement throughout the modern era: to expand the wealth, status and power of the privileged few at the expense of everyone else. That’s why big tax cuts for the rich are the top priority."
Gingrich brags that Republicans are coming for everything FDR accomplished
https://thinkprogress.org/gingrich-brags-that-republicans-are-coming-for-everything-fdr-accomplished-28a1b1d46224#.lfz7bxme1
"Early signs suggest that Gingrich’s predictions that Roosevelt’s legacy could be undone should be taken seriously. Republicans in the House hope to cut Social Security benefits by 20–50 percent. Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan to voucherize Medicare would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by about 40 percent. Then he’d cut Medicaid by between a third and a half."
"Early signs suggest that Gingrich’s predictions that Roosevelt’s legacy could be undone should be taken seriously. Republicans in the House hope to cut Social Security benefits by 20–50 percent. Speaker Paul Ryan’s plan to voucherize Medicare would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by about 40 percent. Then he’d cut Medicaid by between a third and a half."
Rex Tillerson: An Oligarch’s Dream at the State Department @alternet
Rex Tillerson: An Oligarch’s Dream at the State Department @alternet:
"To succeed in setting up your U.S. oligarchy, you’re going to need to be friendly with oligarchs in other major powers, since what you’re really aiming for is a global oligarchy run from the White House. Why wouldn’t you want a guy like Rex Tillerson as your secretary of state? While Exxon Mobil—unlike Betsy DeVos’s Amway or Seth Mnuchin’s Dune Capital or Andy Puzder’s CKE Restaurants—is a is a publicly-traded company, it is a company like no other, and one whose executives see it, according to Coll, as “an independent, transnational corporate sovereign in the world, a power independent of the American government, one devoted firmly to shareholder interests and possessed of its own foreign policy.” If you’re looking to build an oligarchy of your own, how cool would it be to have a guy running your foreign policy who’s accustomed to doing so in the interest of generating profits? And how much better for you would it be if that same guy knew “all the key players” in the oligarchies of the world, and had operational knowledge of the ways of successful oligarchies?"
"To succeed in setting up your U.S. oligarchy, you’re going to need to be friendly with oligarchs in other major powers, since what you’re really aiming for is a global oligarchy run from the White House. Why wouldn’t you want a guy like Rex Tillerson as your secretary of state? While Exxon Mobil—unlike Betsy DeVos’s Amway or Seth Mnuchin’s Dune Capital or Andy Puzder’s CKE Restaurants—is a is a publicly-traded company, it is a company like no other, and one whose executives see it, according to Coll, as “an independent, transnational corporate sovereign in the world, a power independent of the American government, one devoted firmly to shareholder interests and possessed of its own foreign policy.” If you’re looking to build an oligarchy of your own, how cool would it be to have a guy running your foreign policy who’s accustomed to doing so in the interest of generating profits? And how much better for you would it be if that same guy knew “all the key players” in the oligarchies of the world, and had operational knowledge of the ways of successful oligarchies?"
Rex Tillerson: 'A Christmas gift to the Russian people'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/14/1610998/-Rex-Tillerson-A-Christmas-gift-to-the-Russian-people
"Rex Tillerson is facing a massive conflict of interest that he can't avoid. That conflict has to do with with the Scrooge McDuck-ish pile of Exxon stock options that he has accumulated in his 41 years at the fossil fuel giant. While Tillerson could sell off about half his $345 million haul, the other half isn’t quite so easy. 1.9 million shares held by Tillerson, worth over $177 million, were not vested at the end of 2015. And they’re not scheduled to vest for years. As a result, Tillerson will have his future tied irrevocably to that of ExxonMobil while serving as secretary of state. Which might be considered a cause for concern, and is certainly a unprecedented conflict of interest. But in some quarters, it’s also a cause for celebration. The incoming secretary of state will have his own wealth connected directly to the future of ExxonMobil. A future that, in turn, is strongly connected to whether or not the US continues sanctions on Russia."
"Rex Tillerson is facing a massive conflict of interest that he can't avoid. That conflict has to do with with the Scrooge McDuck-ish pile of Exxon stock options that he has accumulated in his 41 years at the fossil fuel giant. While Tillerson could sell off about half his $345 million haul, the other half isn’t quite so easy. 1.9 million shares held by Tillerson, worth over $177 million, were not vested at the end of 2015. And they’re not scheduled to vest for years. As a result, Tillerson will have his future tied irrevocably to that of ExxonMobil while serving as secretary of state. Which might be considered a cause for concern, and is certainly a unprecedented conflict of interest. But in some quarters, it’s also a cause for celebration. The incoming secretary of state will have his own wealth connected directly to the future of ExxonMobil. A future that, in turn, is strongly connected to whether or not the US continues sanctions on Russia."
None Dare Call it Treason
http://billmoyers.com/story/none-dare-call-treason/
"It’s entirely conceivable that Russia has something on Trump. They may hold hundreds of millions of dollars of Trump debt. They may have spousally unsettling video of him — a KGB specialty, and a plausible Trump susceptibility. Surely the Kremlin has mapped his character disorder. In the third debate, when Trump said Putin had no respect for Clinton, and she shot back, “Well, that’s because he’d rather have a puppet as president,” Trump’s interruption — “No puppet, no puppet, you’re the puppet, no, you’re the puppet” — sounded like a third-grader. Actually, it was a confession, what clinicians call projective identification. Putin’s psy ops must know every such string on him to play."
"It’s entirely conceivable that Russia has something on Trump. They may hold hundreds of millions of dollars of Trump debt. They may have spousally unsettling video of him — a KGB specialty, and a plausible Trump susceptibility. Surely the Kremlin has mapped his character disorder. In the third debate, when Trump said Putin had no respect for Clinton, and she shot back, “Well, that’s because he’d rather have a puppet as president,” Trump’s interruption — “No puppet, no puppet, you’re the puppet, no, you’re the puppet” — sounded like a third-grader. Actually, it was a confession, what clinicians call projective identification. Putin’s psy ops must know every such string on him to play."
So Now We Know the Secret Sauce in Trump's Cabinet
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51502/trump-cabinet-plan/
"It has long been the habit of Republican presidents to put people who hate certain agencies and their functions in charge of those very agencies."
"It has long been the habit of Republican presidents to put people who hate certain agencies and their functions in charge of those very agencies."
Keith Olbermann Blasts 'Traitors' Protecting Trump: 'We Are the Victims of a Bloodless Coup' @alternet
Keith Olbermann Blasts 'Traitors' Protecting Trump: 'We Are the Victims of a Bloodless Coup' @alternet:
"Americans have conceded defeat to Russia’s apparent meddling in the presidential election, Olbermann said — and Trump himself has mocked the CIA’s findings but hasn’t denied them."
"Americans have conceded defeat to Russia’s apparent meddling in the presidential election, Olbermann said — and Trump himself has mocked the CIA’s findings but hasn’t denied them."
Here’s What’s At Stake For The Russia Sanctions Under President Donald Trump
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/russia-sanctions-donald-trump_us_58503829e4b04c8e2bb221b7?pczraz3gtn9afw29
"Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, has expressed skepticism over the United States’ sanctions against Russia, as his company stands to reap enormous profits if they are lifted."
"Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, has expressed skepticism over the United States’ sanctions against Russia, as his company stands to reap enormous profits if they are lifted."
It’s the Russian arctic shelf, stupid.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/11/1609989/-It-s-the-Russian-arctic-shelf-stupid
"And surprise of all surprises (not really) trump owns stock in Exxon Mobil, and evidently a lot of it. According to Politico: “To do business in Russia—both for Exxon Mobil and for Tillerson’s own massive retirement fund, whose fortunes would rise significantly if a Trump White House lifted sanctions—you have to dance to Putin’s tune, and take whatever favors and humiliations he sends your way.” Lifting OFAC sanctions against Russia would obviously result in a net gain for trump’s fortunes, Tillerson’s fortunes and Exxon Mobil’s fortunes at the risk of national security and our American democracy. If trump sells any of his stocks in Exxon Mobil and affiliates; Kinder Morgan and the Canadian oil sands project, we won’t know about it until his next Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing in May 2017 or unless he announces it to the public in general, which is unlikely given that he shuns the American people unless it’s to endanger private individual citizens via twitter."
"And surprise of all surprises (not really) trump owns stock in Exxon Mobil, and evidently a lot of it. According to Politico: “To do business in Russia—both for Exxon Mobil and for Tillerson’s own massive retirement fund, whose fortunes would rise significantly if a Trump White House lifted sanctions—you have to dance to Putin’s tune, and take whatever favors and humiliations he sends your way.” Lifting OFAC sanctions against Russia would obviously result in a net gain for trump’s fortunes, Tillerson’s fortunes and Exxon Mobil’s fortunes at the risk of national security and our American democracy. If trump sells any of his stocks in Exxon Mobil and affiliates; Kinder Morgan and the Canadian oil sands project, we won’t know about it until his next Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing in May 2017 or unless he announces it to the public in general, which is unlikely given that he shuns the American people unless it’s to endanger private individual citizens via twitter."
Tillerson has never worked anywhere but Exxon, how did he get on the list for secretary of state?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/12/1610177/-Tillerson-has-never-worked-anywhere-but-Exxon-how-did-he-get-on-the-list-for-Secretary-of-State
"Trump's cabinet picks have been uniformly awful and patently ridiculous, with many of his selections made for no other reason than to offend as many as possible and continue Trump’s Gish Galloping campaign. Tillerson certainly meets that criteria. Among the worst, the most preposterous, contenders is ExxonMobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson. How did he even get on Trump’s list? That’s an excellent question, actually. There doesn’t seem to be any history between Trump and Tillerson. He’s a man who has worked at exactly one company in his entire life and who has zero experience with either diplomacy or even with any business other than oil. Where did Tillerson come from, and why is he suddenly the only name on Trump’s short list? There’s a clear enough theory behind the choice: Friends and associates said few U.S. citizens are closer to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin than Mr. Tillerson, who has known Mr. Putin since he represented Exxon’s interests in Russia during the regime of Boris Yeltsin. “He has had more interactive time with Vladimir Putin than probably any other American with the exception of Henry Kissinger,” said John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary during the Clinton administration and president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank where Mr. Tillerson is a board member. Trump keeps insisting that Tillerson’s experience with Russia is a good thing. Except … what is Tillerson’s experience in dealing with China? Or Israel? How’s his deal making on anything but oil and gas? Tillerson is a piano with exactly one note. Big. Oil. Deal. With. Putin. And his consideration as secretary of state isn’t simply the kind of “$!@k you, rationality!” statement that Trump has issued with other choices."
"Trump's cabinet picks have been uniformly awful and patently ridiculous, with many of his selections made for no other reason than to offend as many as possible and continue Trump’s Gish Galloping campaign. Tillerson certainly meets that criteria. Among the worst, the most preposterous, contenders is ExxonMobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson. How did he even get on Trump’s list? That’s an excellent question, actually. There doesn’t seem to be any history between Trump and Tillerson. He’s a man who has worked at exactly one company in his entire life and who has zero experience with either diplomacy or even with any business other than oil. Where did Tillerson come from, and why is he suddenly the only name on Trump’s short list? There’s a clear enough theory behind the choice: Friends and associates said few U.S. citizens are closer to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin than Mr. Tillerson, who has known Mr. Putin since he represented Exxon’s interests in Russia during the regime of Boris Yeltsin. “He has had more interactive time with Vladimir Putin than probably any other American with the exception of Henry Kissinger,” said John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary during the Clinton administration and president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank where Mr. Tillerson is a board member. Trump keeps insisting that Tillerson’s experience with Russia is a good thing. Except … what is Tillerson’s experience in dealing with China? Or Israel? How’s his deal making on anything but oil and gas? Tillerson is a piano with exactly one note. Big. Oil. Deal. With. Putin. And his consideration as secretary of state isn’t simply the kind of “$!@k you, rationality!” statement that Trump has issued with other choices."
Evan McMullin: Trump Is Not A Loyal American | Crooks and Liars
Evan McMullin: Trump Is Not A Loyal American | Crooks and Liars
"Former conservative independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin on Saturday accused President-elect Donald Trump of not being "a loyal American." McMullin, a former CIA operative and House GOP aide, made the comment while slamming Trump's reported pick of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of State."
"Former conservative independent presidential candidate Evan McMullin on Saturday accused President-elect Donald Trump of not being "a loyal American." McMullin, a former CIA operative and House GOP aide, made the comment while slamming Trump's reported pick of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of State."
Trump, Putin, and ExxonMobil team up to destroy the planet
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-putin-and-exxonmobil-team-up-to-destroy-the-planet-fb88650acfa1#.ml94oobzh
"Pick of Exxon CEO for Secretary of State clarifies why Putin wanted Trump elected: a $500 billion oil deal killed by sanctions"
"Pick of Exxon CEO for Secretary of State clarifies why Putin wanted Trump elected: a $500 billion oil deal killed by sanctions"
Why does Russia want Trump? It's all about oil. Why does Trump want Russia? It's all about money
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/12/1609948/-Why-does-Russia-want-Trump-It-s-all-about-oil-Why-does-Trump-want-Russia-It-s-all-about-money
"Trump’s leading Secretary of State candidate, Rex Tillerson, has worked for just one company his whole life: Exxon. That doesn’t make Tillerson an expert in foreign affairs. It doesn’t make him an expert in business. It makes him an expert in a very limited subset of the oil and gas business. For Trump’s purposes,Tillerson has very specific skills. Aleksey Pushkov, the head of Russia's Foreign Affairs Committee, tweeted high praises of Donald Trump's reported pick for secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, who has very close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Exxon has been working directly with Russia to secure drilling rights in previously virgin areas of the high Arctic. It’s a deal that earned Tillerson the “Order of Friendship” medal in 2012—the highest award Russia gives to non-citizens. Mr. Trump called it “a great advantage” that Mr. Tillerson already knows “many of the players,” noting that he does “massive deals in Russia.” Massive doesn’t even do them justice. Those deals, valued at between $500 billion and $1 trillion, are at risk because of US sanctions against Russian officials that were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Crimea and other areas in Ukraine. Tillerson already lobbied Congress successfully to stop a more extensive sanction bill from becoming law. Now he wants the rest of it put away."
"Trump’s leading Secretary of State candidate, Rex Tillerson, has worked for just one company his whole life: Exxon. That doesn’t make Tillerson an expert in foreign affairs. It doesn’t make him an expert in business. It makes him an expert in a very limited subset of the oil and gas business. For Trump’s purposes,Tillerson has very specific skills. Aleksey Pushkov, the head of Russia's Foreign Affairs Committee, tweeted high praises of Donald Trump's reported pick for secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, who has very close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Exxon has been working directly with Russia to secure drilling rights in previously virgin areas of the high Arctic. It’s a deal that earned Tillerson the “Order of Friendship” medal in 2012—the highest award Russia gives to non-citizens. Mr. Trump called it “a great advantage” that Mr. Tillerson already knows “many of the players,” noting that he does “massive deals in Russia.” Massive doesn’t even do them justice. Those deals, valued at between $500 billion and $1 trillion, are at risk because of US sanctions against Russian officials that were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Crimea and other areas in Ukraine. Tillerson already lobbied Congress successfully to stop a more extensive sanction bill from becoming law. Now he wants the rest of it put away."
With Wrestling Pick, Trump Treats Voters Like 'A Bunch Of Jabronies' | Crooks and Liars
With Wrestling Pick, Trump Treats Voters Like 'A Bunch Of Jabronies' | Crooks and Liars
"These nominations are Trump’s “piledriver” move against the American middle class. But then, Trump knows his wrestling. He famously squared off against Vince McMahon in a staged event called “the Battle of Billionaires.” Trump “won,” but there were clearly no hard feelings."
"These nominations are Trump’s “piledriver” move against the American middle class. But then, Trump knows his wrestling. He famously squared off against Vince McMahon in a staged event called “the Battle of Billionaires.” Trump “won,” but there were clearly no hard feelings."
Secretary of State? How About an Exxon Mobil CEO with Ties to Putin.
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51421/rex-tillerson-putin/
"What's really disturbing is that, according to The Wall Street Journal, Rex and the president-elect have a mutual pal. Friends and associates said few U.S. citizens are closer to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin than Mr. Tillerson, who has known Mr. Putin since he represented Exxon's interests in Russia during the regime of Boris Yeltsin. "He has had more interactive time with Vladimir Putin than probably any other American with the exception of Henry Kissinger," said John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary during the Clinton administration and president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank where Mr. Tillerson is a board member."
"What's really disturbing is that, according to The Wall Street Journal, Rex and the president-elect have a mutual pal. Friends and associates said few U.S. citizens are closer to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin than Mr. Tillerson, who has known Mr. Putin since he represented Exxon's interests in Russia during the regime of Boris Yeltsin. "He has had more interactive time with Vladimir Putin than probably any other American with the exception of Henry Kissinger," said John Hamre, a former deputy defense secretary during the Clinton administration and president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank where Mr. Tillerson is a board member."
Trump’s High Speed Corruption: Rich Donors Get Unprecedented Access to Policy Making
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/09/draining-swamp-meant-elevating-ultra-wealthy-dredges.html
"It's fitting that President-elect Donald Trump ran on "draining the swamp" and is now filling his cabinet with ultra wealthy donors to his campaign. This is the Donald Trump we saw on the campaign trail, the Orwellian speaker who uses showmanship to label things the opposite of what they are."
"It's fitting that President-elect Donald Trump ran on "draining the swamp" and is now filling his cabinet with ultra wealthy donors to his campaign. This is the Donald Trump we saw on the campaign trail, the Orwellian speaker who uses showmanship to label things the opposite of what they are."
The Swamp May Be the Swampiest It's Ever Been Under President Trump
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51417/donald-trump-swamp/
"His appointees all have been comfortable oligarchs; his Secretary of Labor believes in cheap hiring until he's sure the robots are ready to take the jobs. His Secretary of the Treasury is a foreclosure baron, and his Secretary of Commerce made his boodle running a corporate chop-shop courtesy of this country's ludicrous bankruptcy laws. This, naturally, has led to some interesting speculation as to who's really running the store down at Camp Runamuck while the president-elect is stroking the suckers out in the boondocks. It is being described as a power struggle between the old-school loyalists like Steve Bannon and Establishment infiltrators like obvious anagram Reince Priebus, soon to be the White House chief-of-staff, with Priebus at the moment being said to be winning. (And can we declare a year's moratorium on both the phrase "Team of Rivals" and any analogy involving Game of Thrones? Thank you. Sincerely, America.) Since I don't think Priebus could lead kindergartners across the street, the question I have is who's pulling Priebus' strings. If I had to guess, I'd point to Jim DeMint and his now completely radicalized Heritage Foundation. While Trump's stump rhetoric is wildly dissonant from the recruitment policy that's burped up all of those recruits, one thing all of them—including egregious thooleramawns like Scott Pruitt at EPA and Betsy DeVos at Education—have in common in that they have records and policy positions perfectly in tune with what DeMint and Heritage have been pushing for years. If you're looking for the dark lord behind the events of the next few years, you could do worse than look on Massachusetts Avenue NE in Washington, not too far from both the Capitol and the chambers of the Supreme Court."
"His appointees all have been comfortable oligarchs; his Secretary of Labor believes in cheap hiring until he's sure the robots are ready to take the jobs. His Secretary of the Treasury is a foreclosure baron, and his Secretary of Commerce made his boodle running a corporate chop-shop courtesy of this country's ludicrous bankruptcy laws. This, naturally, has led to some interesting speculation as to who's really running the store down at Camp Runamuck while the president-elect is stroking the suckers out in the boondocks. It is being described as a power struggle between the old-school loyalists like Steve Bannon and Establishment infiltrators like obvious anagram Reince Priebus, soon to be the White House chief-of-staff, with Priebus at the moment being said to be winning. (And can we declare a year's moratorium on both the phrase "Team of Rivals" and any analogy involving Game of Thrones? Thank you. Sincerely, America.) Since I don't think Priebus could lead kindergartners across the street, the question I have is who's pulling Priebus' strings. If I had to guess, I'd point to Jim DeMint and his now completely radicalized Heritage Foundation. While Trump's stump rhetoric is wildly dissonant from the recruitment policy that's burped up all of those recruits, one thing all of them—including egregious thooleramawns like Scott Pruitt at EPA and Betsy DeVos at Education—have in common in that they have records and policy positions perfectly in tune with what DeMint and Heritage have been pushing for years. If you're looking for the dark lord behind the events of the next few years, you could do worse than look on Massachusetts Avenue NE in Washington, not too far from both the Capitol and the chambers of the Supreme Court."
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Trump shuns scientists, taps 'Dancing with the Stars' contestant to oversee nuclear weapons
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/13/1610587/-Trump-shuns-scientists-taps-Dancing-with-the-Stars-contestant-to-oversee-nuclear-weapons
"The current head of the Department of Energy is Dr. Ernest Moniz, a former Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In fact, four out of the last five heads of the Department of Energy were world-renowned and/or Nobel Prize-winning scientists with a deep understanding of physics and nuclear weapons. Rick Perry’s last job was as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars."
"The current head of the Department of Energy is Dr. Ernest Moniz, a former Professor of Physics and Engineering Systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In fact, four out of the last five heads of the Department of Energy were world-renowned and/or Nobel Prize-winning scientists with a deep understanding of physics and nuclear weapons. Rick Perry’s last job was as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars."
‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant nominated to oversee the U.S. nuclear program
https://thinkprogress.org/rick-perry-dances-into-the-trump-cabinet-f583f118f0a0#.9ihfae702
"The major role of the Energy Department is to oversee the country’s nuclear arsenals. For next year, the department has requested $12.9 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Another $6.8 billion was requested for “departmental management and performance programs, including environmental cleanup programs to meet the nation’s Manhattan Project and Cold War legacy responsibilities.” That means that well over half of the agency’s $32.5 billion budget will go to nuclear safety, management, and clean up. As governor and later as a candidate, Perry has been closely tied to a Texas-based radioactive waste disposal company. He was criticized for allowing the company to go forward with plans without a full environmental review. The current head of the department, Ernest Moniz, is a theoretical physicist. (In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has said Perry “wears glasses to seem smart.”)"
"The major role of the Energy Department is to oversee the country’s nuclear arsenals. For next year, the department has requested $12.9 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration. Another $6.8 billion was requested for “departmental management and performance programs, including environmental cleanup programs to meet the nation’s Manhattan Project and Cold War legacy responsibilities.” That means that well over half of the agency’s $32.5 billion budget will go to nuclear safety, management, and clean up. As governor and later as a candidate, Perry has been closely tied to a Texas-based radioactive waste disposal company. He was criticized for allowing the company to go forward with plans without a full environmental review. The current head of the department, Ernest Moniz, is a theoretical physicist. (In contrast, President-elect Donald Trump has said Perry “wears glasses to seem smart.”)"
How Donald Trump's business ties are already jeopardizing U.S. interests
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/12/23/donald-trump-foreign-business-deals-jeopardize-us-531140.html
"The conflicts between the commercial interests of the Trump family and U.S. foreign policy extend beyond the many financial benefits for the next president and his children. Already, there is a situation in which the president of the United States could be blackmailed by a foreign power through pressure related to his family’s business entanglements."
"The conflicts between the commercial interests of the Trump family and U.S. foreign policy extend beyond the many financial benefits for the next president and his children. Already, there is a situation in which the president of the United States could be blackmailed by a foreign power through pressure related to his family’s business entanglements."
Dangerous Americans: The Trump Nominees in Full
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/38697-dangerous-americans-the-trump-nominees-in-full
"People in this country become obsessed with the individuals running for president, and always manage to forget that some 4,500 other people follow the election's winner into the White House. Far more than any president, these are the people who make and set real policy, and who have the most real impact on everyday lives. This rogue's gallery is, far and away, the worst, most unsuitable, most unprepared, most dangerous rack of nominees ever assembled. Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, Cheney and Rice collapsed the economy and got millions of people killed. These people could very well leave that pestilent record in deep shade. They are only nominees for now, but given that the Senate is owned by the Republicans and the Republicans are owned by Trump, the possibility of thwarting any of them -- much less all of them -- is murderously slim. Bannon wants to tear everything down, and Trump enjoys making people suffer. They will both get their wish ere long."
"People in this country become obsessed with the individuals running for president, and always manage to forget that some 4,500 other people follow the election's winner into the White House. Far more than any president, these are the people who make and set real policy, and who have the most real impact on everyday lives. This rogue's gallery is, far and away, the worst, most unsuitable, most unprepared, most dangerous rack of nominees ever assembled. Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, Cheney and Rice collapsed the economy and got millions of people killed. These people could very well leave that pestilent record in deep shade. They are only nominees for now, but given that the Senate is owned by the Republicans and the Republicans are owned by Trump, the possibility of thwarting any of them -- much less all of them -- is murderously slim. Bannon wants to tear everything down, and Trump enjoys making people suffer. They will both get their wish ere long."
A Guide to Donald Trump's Huge Debts—and the Conflicts They Present
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/12/guide-donald-trump-debt
"Trump, as of May, was on the hook for 16 loans worth at least $713 million. This list does not include an estimated $2 billion in debt amassed by real estate partnerships that include Trump. One of those loans is a $950 million deal that was cobbled together by Goldman Sachs and the state-owned Bank of China—an arrangement that ethics experts believe violates the Constitution's emolument clause, which prohibits foreign governments from providing financial benefits to federal officials."
"Trump, as of May, was on the hook for 16 loans worth at least $713 million. This list does not include an estimated $2 billion in debt amassed by real estate partnerships that include Trump. One of those loans is a $950 million deal that was cobbled together by Goldman Sachs and the state-owned Bank of China—an arrangement that ethics experts believe violates the Constitution's emolument clause, which prohibits foreign governments from providing financial benefits to federal officials."
What Trumponomics Means for Women
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/38715-what-trumponomics-means-for-women
"he's busy padding his cabinet with Wall Street rogues and off-the-chart conservatives from the fringes. If you read their resumes, it's not hard to figure out they're planning an umpteenth refrain of well‑worn Republican policies that don't work: cutting taxes across the board, especially for corporations and the wealthy; privatizing health care, education, Medicare, and Social Security; and getting rid of any government regulations that survive the onslaught. It's trickle‑down economics redux. The working-class populism of the campaign is long gone."
"he's busy padding his cabinet with Wall Street rogues and off-the-chart conservatives from the fringes. If you read their resumes, it's not hard to figure out they're planning an umpteenth refrain of well‑worn Republican policies that don't work: cutting taxes across the board, especially for corporations and the wealthy; privatizing health care, education, Medicare, and Social Security; and getting rid of any government regulations that survive the onslaught. It's trickle‑down economics redux. The working-class populism of the campaign is long gone."
Goldman Sachs alumni will have the 2 top Trump economic policy jobs
http://www.vox.com/2016/12/9/13898984/gary-cohn-goldman-sachs-trump
"And yet in many ways, the only surprise here should be that there is any surprise. Trump’s stated policy agenda during the 2016 campaign was and always has been a banker’s wish list, a plan to shower the financial services industry with deregulation and then help out hedge funds with a special tax cut. The divergence between the Trump show on Twitter and a hard-right governing agenda in the Cabinet was always visible in the gap between Trump’s wild rally rhetoric and his sober, conventionally conservative policy speeches. The problem is nobody paid attention."
"And yet in many ways, the only surprise here should be that there is any surprise. Trump’s stated policy agenda during the 2016 campaign was and always has been a banker’s wish list, a plan to shower the financial services industry with deregulation and then help out hedge funds with a special tax cut. The divergence between the Trump show on Twitter and a hard-right governing agenda in the Cabinet was always visible in the gap between Trump’s wild rally rhetoric and his sober, conventionally conservative policy speeches. The problem is nobody paid attention."
'You Know, I'm, Like, A Smart Person' | Crooks and Liars
'You Know, I'm, Like, A Smart Person' | Crooks and Liars
"Trump's disinterest in keeping up-to-date on important security information is the most profound abrogation of responsibility ever exhibited by a person about to take command of our nuclear codes and the combined might of our military. Pence being given the PDB is not a sufficient replacement. No President has ever turned over their Commander-in-Chief responsibilities to their Vice President—not without being dead or completely incapacitated."
"Trump's disinterest in keeping up-to-date on important security information is the most profound abrogation of responsibility ever exhibited by a person about to take command of our nuclear codes and the combined might of our military. Pence being given the PDB is not a sufficient replacement. No President has ever turned over their Commander-in-Chief responsibilities to their Vice President—not without being dead or completely incapacitated."
After Darkness Fell, Republicans Unveiled Their Sinister Plan To Dismantle Social Security
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/09/darkness-fell-republicans-unveiled-sinister-plan-dismantle-social-security.html
"There is a reason why this bill was put forward on Thursday night, instead of in the light of day. Republicans are trying to stealthily gut Social Security. They are hoping that the American people won’t notice that the program has been hollowed out until it is too late. The Republican course of action is both sinister and dishonest. If Trump and the Republican Congressional majority want to cut Social Security, they should look the American people in the eyes and own it. Republicans in Congress are setting themselves up to dismantle Social Security, and they are hoping that the American people will be too distracted by Trump’s Twitter account to catch on. Social Security will only be saved if the public is informed and ready to fight."
"There is a reason why this bill was put forward on Thursday night, instead of in the light of day. Republicans are trying to stealthily gut Social Security. They are hoping that the American people won’t notice that the program has been hollowed out until it is too late. The Republican course of action is both sinister and dishonest. If Trump and the Republican Congressional majority want to cut Social Security, they should look the American people in the eyes and own it. Republicans in Congress are setting themselves up to dismantle Social Security, and they are hoping that the American people will be too distracted by Trump’s Twitter account to catch on. Social Security will only be saved if the public is informed and ready to fight."
Trump’s pick for Interior Secretary wants to sell off public lands
https://thinkprogress.org/cathy-mcmorris-interior-111c30319780#.b31qmzbmd
"McMorris Rodgers is the author of a bill that would have directed the Department of the Interior to sell off federal lands in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. The selection is not surprising, in what is shaping up to be the most anti-environmental administration — Republican or Democrat — in modern times."
"McMorris Rodgers is the author of a bill that would have directed the Department of the Interior to sell off federal lands in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. The selection is not surprising, in what is shaping up to be the most anti-environmental administration — Republican or Democrat — in modern times."
Carrier says it will spend millions automating Indiana plant, plans to lay off workers Trump ‘saved’
https://thinkprogress.org/carrier-automation-trump-deal-more-layoffs-db2554f46297#.kx1s3p8n7
"As part of the deal President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence struck with Carrier, the company has promised to make a $16 million investment in its Indianapolis facility — an investment management plans to use on developing technology that will allow them to replace human workers with robots."
"As part of the deal President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence struck with Carrier, the company has promised to make a $16 million investment in its Indianapolis facility — an investment management plans to use on developing technology that will allow them to replace human workers with robots."
Hey, White Working Class, Donald Trump Is Already Screwing You Over
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/12/09/hey-white-working-class-donald-trump-is-already-screwing-you-over.html
"You voted for Donald Trump, thinking that he was on your side; that he will save your jobs and your way of life, whatever you imagine that is. Well, you got played. Over the course of his decades in business, Donald Trump has never given a damn about people like you."
"You voted for Donald Trump, thinking that he was on your side; that he will save your jobs and your way of life, whatever you imagine that is. Well, you got played. Over the course of his decades in business, Donald Trump has never given a damn about people like you."
Seth Meyers Nails "Baby" Trump For All The Times He "Lied His Ass Off"
http://thedailybanter.com/2016/12/seth-meyers-trump-lies/
"Trump lied 91% of the time in 2015 and it looks like he doesn't plan on becoming an honest man any time soon. Why would he? He was able to win the Electoral College (while badly losing the popular vote) and become arguably the most powerful man in the world this way so he has no reason to morph into Honest Trump now. This is what we have to look forward to for the next four years. And while his supporters may think it is perfectly fine that he is hoodwinking them, world leaders will not take to kindly to his behavior. The only thing we can do now is work our butts off to make him a one-term president and hope like hell he doesn't start World War III with his bullsh*t."
"Trump lied 91% of the time in 2015 and it looks like he doesn't plan on becoming an honest man any time soon. Why would he? He was able to win the Electoral College (while badly losing the popular vote) and become arguably the most powerful man in the world this way so he has no reason to morph into Honest Trump now. This is what we have to look forward to for the next four years. And while his supporters may think it is perfectly fine that he is hoodwinking them, world leaders will not take to kindly to his behavior. The only thing we can do now is work our butts off to make him a one-term president and hope like hell he doesn't start World War III with his bullsh*t."
Trump to be part-time president, keep lucrative job with ‘Celebrity Apprentice’
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-to-be-part-time-president-keep-lucrative-job-with-celebrity-apprentice-74bbb4c47e8a#.oyce8wdqv
"The unusual arrangement also raises questions about the role Mark Burnett, the creator of The Apprentice, played in bottling up footage that could have damaged Trump’s presidential campaign. BuzzFeed News reported that Burnett “threatened staffers who could release potentially damaging outtakes of the show.” A source told BuzzFeed that Burnett “is pro-Trump and has made clear to his teams that he will sue anyone who leaks"."
"The unusual arrangement also raises questions about the role Mark Burnett, the creator of The Apprentice, played in bottling up footage that could have damaged Trump’s presidential campaign. BuzzFeed News reported that Burnett “threatened staffers who could release potentially damaging outtakes of the show.” A source told BuzzFeed that Burnett “is pro-Trump and has made clear to his teams that he will sue anyone who leaks"."
Grab Popcorn: Trump’s About To Have A Twitter Fit Over His ‘Record’ Approval Rating (TWEETS)
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/12/08/grab-popcorn-trumps-about-to-have-a-twitter-fit-over-his-record-approval-rating-tweets/
"Trump is really going to hate the fact that he has a lower approval rating than any of his predecessors for the past 27 or so years."
"Trump is really going to hate the fact that he has a lower approval rating than any of his predecessors for the past 27 or so years."
Trump’s Labor Secretary Pick Is Declaration Of War On America’s Workers
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/08/trumps-labor-secretary-pick-declaration-war-americas-workers.html
"Trump was very careful during the campaign. He spoke about creating more jobs and good paying jobs, but he never specified what he meant by “good paying jobs.” The incoming administration also points to the labor participation rate as something that needs to be improved. In Republican eyes, the way to “increase the labor participation rate” is to cut benefits and programs that assist the unemployed and displaced workers while at the same time lowering wages so that people have to work more hours to make the same amount of money. All of these policies are great for corporations, but they will send the wages and real incomes of American workers to new lows. Trump pretended to be a populist billionaire during the campaign, but now that he is president, America should prepare for the powers of the Executive Branch to be used to hold down the nation’s working class."
"Trump was very careful during the campaign. He spoke about creating more jobs and good paying jobs, but he never specified what he meant by “good paying jobs.” The incoming administration also points to the labor participation rate as something that needs to be improved. In Republican eyes, the way to “increase the labor participation rate” is to cut benefits and programs that assist the unemployed and displaced workers while at the same time lowering wages so that people have to work more hours to make the same amount of money. All of these policies are great for corporations, but they will send the wages and real incomes of American workers to new lows. Trump pretended to be a populist billionaire during the campaign, but now that he is president, America should prepare for the powers of the Executive Branch to be used to hold down the nation’s working class."
One Month Later: Here's a List of Embarrassing Crap Trump Has Already Done
One Month Later: Here's a List of Embarrassing Crap Trump Has Already Done
"He’s not even officially president, yet he’s already managed to prove that he’s nothing but a con man who has absolutely no idea what he’s doing, who fueled a presidential campaign off empty promises, propaganda and outright conspiracies."
"He’s not even officially president, yet he’s already managed to prove that he’s nothing but a con man who has absolutely no idea what he’s doing, who fueled a presidential campaign off empty promises, propaganda and outright conspiracies."
Jeff Sessions may bring his war on the media to the Department of Justice
https://thinkprogress.org/jeff-sessions-may-bring-his-war-on-the-media-to-the-department-of-justice-374a5e0a72c6#.r8h3tm5wp
"Many groups are sounding the alarm about President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to be Attorney General, citing his history of opposing voting rights, immigration, LGBT rights, racial justice, and marijuana legalization. Now, advocates for press freedom are voicing concerns that Sessions has a history of supporting policies that put reporters at risk and prevent government transparency."
"Many groups are sounding the alarm about President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) to be Attorney General, citing his history of opposing voting rights, immigration, LGBT rights, racial justice, and marijuana legalization. Now, advocates for press freedom are voicing concerns that Sessions has a history of supporting policies that put reporters at risk and prevent government transparency."
Trump EPA Pick: States Have a Right to Spew Pollution but Not to Legalize Pot
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/12/08/trump_epa_pick_states_can_spew_pollution_but_not_legalize_marijuana.html
"Thus, for all of Pruitt’s bluster about states’ rights, his real goals remain glaringly political: to minimize EPA regulation (as his coal and gas donors desire) while quashing the pro-marijuana movement (as his alcohol industry donors desire). Like much of Trump’s Cabinet, Pruitt is not so much outwardly corrupt as openly unprincipled—a politician who stands only for the things that lobbyists pay him to stand for."
"Thus, for all of Pruitt’s bluster about states’ rights, his real goals remain glaringly political: to minimize EPA regulation (as his coal and gas donors desire) while quashing the pro-marijuana movement (as his alcohol industry donors desire). Like much of Trump’s Cabinet, Pruitt is not so much outwardly corrupt as openly unprincipled—a politician who stands only for the things that lobbyists pay him to stand for."
Trump's Fast-Food CEO Labor Pick: 'Anti-Family, Anti-Worker, Anti-Jobs'
Trump's Fast-Food CEO Labor Pick: 'Anti-Family, Anti-Worker, Anti-Jobs'
"Fast-food executive Andrew Puzder, who opposes raising the federal minimum wage and "has championed every aspect of right-wing trickle-down economics," is expected to be President-elect Donald Trump's pick for labor secretary, news outlets reported Thursday. Puzder is the chief executive of CKE Restaurants, which includes the burger chains Hardee's and Carl's Jr. among its brands. He advised and fundraised for Trump during his presidential campaign, and reportedly told a Fox Business news anchor shortly before the election that serving in a Trump administration would be "the most fun you could have with your clothes on." In fact, Patriotic Millionaire Fred Rotondaro wrote in a recent blog post: "Puzder is a minor league version of Trump: the stereotype of a loud talking business leader convinced he has done everything on his own and knows what he knows with absolute certitude. There are no shades in his business style." His appointment to head the Department of Labor, The American Prospect warned on Thursday, "will give the regulation-averse corporate lobby yet another fierce ally in Trump's White House." As such, the reaction from organized labor and worker advocacy groups was swift—and fierce. SEIU International president Mary Kay Henry said Puzder's intended nomination exposes Trump as "out-of-touch...with what working Americans need." "Throughout his career, Andrew Puzder has shown he does not believe in the dignity of all work and has used his position to line his own pockets at the expense of workers," Henry said."
"Fast-food executive Andrew Puzder, who opposes raising the federal minimum wage and "has championed every aspect of right-wing trickle-down economics," is expected to be President-elect Donald Trump's pick for labor secretary, news outlets reported Thursday. Puzder is the chief executive of CKE Restaurants, which includes the burger chains Hardee's and Carl's Jr. among its brands. He advised and fundraised for Trump during his presidential campaign, and reportedly told a Fox Business news anchor shortly before the election that serving in a Trump administration would be "the most fun you could have with your clothes on." In fact, Patriotic Millionaire Fred Rotondaro wrote in a recent blog post: "Puzder is a minor league version of Trump: the stereotype of a loud talking business leader convinced he has done everything on his own and knows what he knows with absolute certitude. There are no shades in his business style." His appointment to head the Department of Labor, The American Prospect warned on Thursday, "will give the regulation-averse corporate lobby yet another fierce ally in Trump's White House." As such, the reaction from organized labor and worker advocacy groups was swift—and fierce. SEIU International president Mary Kay Henry said Puzder's intended nomination exposes Trump as "out-of-touch...with what working Americans need." "Throughout his career, Andrew Puzder has shown he does not believe in the dignity of all work and has used his position to line his own pockets at the expense of workers," Henry said."
Trump's 'America-First' Plan Is Already Going Up in Flames
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51379/donald-trump-america-first/
"Folks, you're being sold down the river. I feel for you because selling you down the river is not good for the country. It never was. It is not immigrants who are selling you down the river. It is not minorities who are selling you down the river. It is not LGBTQ folks who are selling you down the river. Please remember all of that when you wake up pissed that you're, you know, down the river. If you look around the table and can't figure out who the mark is…"
"Folks, you're being sold down the river. I feel for you because selling you down the river is not good for the country. It never was. It is not immigrants who are selling you down the river. It is not minorities who are selling you down the river. It is not LGBTQ folks who are selling you down the river. Please remember all of that when you wake up pissed that you're, you know, down the river. If you look around the table and can't figure out who the mark is…"
Scott Pruitt, Trump’s Industry Pick for the E.P.A.
http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/scott-pruitt-trumps-industry-pick-for-the-e-p-a
"Trump promised to take on corrupt special interests in Washington, and, as he put it, “drain the swamp.” With the choice of Pruitt, though, Trump appears to have once again chosen the plutocrats over the populists."
"Trump promised to take on corrupt special interests in Washington, and, as he put it, “drain the swamp.” With the choice of Pruitt, though, Trump appears to have once again chosen the plutocrats over the populists."
Trump picks anti-labor Andrew Puzder as Secretary of Labor. He'll be in charge of impoverishing you.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/8/1608780/-Trump-picks-anti-labor-Andrew-Puzder-as-Secretary-of-Labor-He-ll-be-in-charge-of-impoverishing-you
"For today's entry into Trump appointments so ridiculous that they would have been considered satirical a scant few months ago, we bring you Donald J. Trump's new Secretary of Labor: Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of Hardee's and Carl’s Jr and, as can be expected from that resume, a longtime opponent of any labor protections you might name."
"For today's entry into Trump appointments so ridiculous that they would have been considered satirical a scant few months ago, we bring you Donald J. Trump's new Secretary of Labor: Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of Hardee's and Carl’s Jr and, as can be expected from that resume, a longtime opponent of any labor protections you might name."
Betraying Pro-Worker Facade, 'Vindictive' Trump Attacks Union Leader
Betraying Pro-Worker Facade, 'Vindictive' Trump Attacks Union Leader
"The Washington Post reports that after Trump's tweets, Jones began receiving threatening phone calls from unknown numbers. The newspaper writes that "[h]alf an hour after Trump tweeted about Jones on Wednesday, the union leader's phone began to ring and kept ringing, he said. One voice asked: What kind of car do you drive? Another said: We're coming for you"."
"The Washington Post reports that after Trump's tweets, Jones began receiving threatening phone calls from unknown numbers. The newspaper writes that "[h]alf an hour after Trump tweeted about Jones on Wednesday, the union leader's phone began to ring and kept ringing, he said. One voice asked: What kind of car do you drive? Another said: We're coming for you"."
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