http://samuel-warde.com/2017/02/snl-takes-trump-medley-skits-videos/
"Melissa McCarthy returned to perform the show’s cold-open with an encore performance of her role as White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer."
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Trump can be held accountable for violating the Constitution, even if Congress doesn’t care
https://thinkprogress.org/how-trump-can-be-held-accountable-for-violating-the-constitution-even-if-congress-doesnt-care-45677e6b85f7#.jx9idc7oj
"State attorneys general have the power to bring actions against corporations, something known as a “Quo Warranto” proceeding, to determine whether the corporations are a conduit for illegal activity. This is known as a corporation acting “ultra vires” or beyond its legal authority. In this case, the proceeding would determine whether Trump’s corporate entities are being used as a conduit for illegal emoluments to Trump. Importantly, the case would involve a public official (a state attorney general) suing a private entity (the Trump Organization). This means standing would be on much firmer ground. In many states, Quo Warranto authority has been explicitly provided to the state attorney general by statute. In New York, for example, the attorney general has the authority to bring such an action against a corporation under New York Business Corporation Law § 1101"
"State attorneys general have the power to bring actions against corporations, something known as a “Quo Warranto” proceeding, to determine whether the corporations are a conduit for illegal activity. This is known as a corporation acting “ultra vires” or beyond its legal authority. In this case, the proceeding would determine whether Trump’s corporate entities are being used as a conduit for illegal emoluments to Trump. Importantly, the case would involve a public official (a state attorney general) suing a private entity (the Trump Organization). This means standing would be on much firmer ground. In many states, Quo Warranto authority has been explicitly provided to the state attorney general by statute. In New York, for example, the attorney general has the authority to bring such an action against a corporation under New York Business Corporation Law § 1101"
Dark Essays By White House Staffer Are the Intellectual Source Code of Trumpism
https://theintercept.com/2017/02/12/dark-essays-by-white-house-staffer-are-the-intellectual-source-code-of-trumpism/
"The echoes between Schmitt’s ideas and Trump’s presidency have been the subject of academic murmurings for a number of months."
"The echoes between Schmitt’s ideas and Trump’s presidency have been the subject of academic murmurings for a number of months."
One Thing Is Certain: Republicans Won't Stand Up and Stop President* Trump
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a53099/republicans-wont-stop-trump/
"The only people with the actual power to rein in this president*, or to spare the country from further damage, are the Republicans in the Congress and, outside of a few tweets from Ben Sasse, and the perennial grumbling of John McCain, they're not ready to do that, at least not until they get their tax cuts through. Right now, if Trump were to show up on the Senate floor dressed like Julius Caesar and playing showtunes on the kazoo, Susan Collins might have second thoughts about handing the EPA over to Scott Pruitt, but that would be the extent of the Republican resistance."
"The only people with the actual power to rein in this president*, or to spare the country from further damage, are the Republicans in the Congress and, outside of a few tweets from Ben Sasse, and the perennial grumbling of John McCain, they're not ready to do that, at least not until they get their tax cuts through. Right now, if Trump were to show up on the Senate floor dressed like Julius Caesar and playing showtunes on the kazoo, Susan Collins might have second thoughts about handing the EPA over to Scott Pruitt, but that would be the extent of the Republican resistance."
5 Disturbing New Revelations About Trump's Dysfunctional National Security Council @alternet
5 Disturbing New Revelations About Trump's Dysfunctional National Security Council @alternet:
"The National Security Council was intended to help presidents make sense of the daunting world of foreign policy and security threats. Not so in the Trump administration, according to a frigthening inside look from the New York Times on Monday, it appears staff is concerned not only with threats from adversaries, but with those from within. The appointment of the incompetent white supremacist Steve Bannon to the Council was just the beginning. From a National Security advisor who doesn't know how to call the National Guard, but does know how to reach Putin, to botched executive orders and 'Make America Great' again mugs showing up at meetings with foreign leaders, it is, "so far a very dysfunctional N.S.C.,” Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence told the Times."
"The National Security Council was intended to help presidents make sense of the daunting world of foreign policy and security threats. Not so in the Trump administration, according to a frigthening inside look from the New York Times on Monday, it appears staff is concerned not only with threats from adversaries, but with those from within. The appointment of the incompetent white supremacist Steve Bannon to the Council was just the beginning. From a National Security advisor who doesn't know how to call the National Guard, but does know how to reach Putin, to botched executive orders and 'Make America Great' again mugs showing up at meetings with foreign leaders, it is, "so far a very dysfunctional N.S.C.,” Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence told the Times."
US spies withholding intel from White House because they know Russia is listening: report
US spies withholding intel from White House because they know Russia is listening: report
"Not only has Trump gone out of his way to discredit the nation’s spy agencies, his main national security guru, Gen. Mike Flynn either appears to by lying about his conversations with the Russian government about U.S. sanctions or can’t remember breaking the law."
"Not only has Trump gone out of his way to discredit the nation’s spy agencies, his main national security guru, Gen. Mike Flynn either appears to by lying about his conversations with the Russian government about U.S. sanctions or can’t remember breaking the law."
US intelligence community operating under presumption Russia has "ears" on the Trump team
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/12/1632962/-US-intelligence-community-operating-under-presumption-Russia-has-ears-on-the-Trump-team
"The American intelligence community is quite certain that the Donald Trump campaign was aided, whether knowingly or not, by a Russian government-sponsored espionage and propaganda effort aimed at boosting Trump's chances for the presidency. The Trump campaign was staffed with so many Russia-linked figures that newspapers took to designing charts to show them all, from Paul Manafort to Carter Page to Michael Flynn. The new Secretary of State comes to the role from a position orchestrating an oil deal between his company and Russia so massive that, if sanctions preventing it are lifted, it would reshape the Russian government's own finances for years to come. The intelligence community knows of contact between Trump staffers and the Russian government before the inauguration. The intelligence community verified that despite Trump adviser Michael Flynn insisting he did not discuss the hacking-related sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on the Russian government with a Russian official, he in fact did. The intelligence community has now verified parts of the infamous and salacious "dossier" on Trump-Russia ties, though not the most alarming and damning bits. And the American intelligence community is now operating under the suspicion that the new White House may include, somewhere within its top ranks a Russian mole."
"The American intelligence community is quite certain that the Donald Trump campaign was aided, whether knowingly or not, by a Russian government-sponsored espionage and propaganda effort aimed at boosting Trump's chances for the presidency. The Trump campaign was staffed with so many Russia-linked figures that newspapers took to designing charts to show them all, from Paul Manafort to Carter Page to Michael Flynn. The new Secretary of State comes to the role from a position orchestrating an oil deal between his company and Russia so massive that, if sanctions preventing it are lifted, it would reshape the Russian government's own finances for years to come. The intelligence community knows of contact between Trump staffers and the Russian government before the inauguration. The intelligence community verified that despite Trump adviser Michael Flynn insisting he did not discuss the hacking-related sanctions imposed by the Obama administration on the Russian government with a Russian official, he in fact did. The intelligence community has now verified parts of the infamous and salacious "dossier" on Trump-Russia ties, though not the most alarming and damning bits. And the American intelligence community is now operating under the suspicion that the new White House may include, somewhere within its top ranks a Russian mole."
Yale historian warns America only has a year — maybe less — to save the republic from Trump
Yale historian warns America only has a year — maybe less — to save the republic from Trump
"Snyder is not the only intellectual to draw connections between Trump’s actions as president and authoritarian regimes. Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen published a piece outlining rules for survival while living under autocracy in the days following Trump’s election victory. “Institutions will not save you,” Gessen wrote."
"Snyder is not the only intellectual to draw connections between Trump’s actions as president and authoritarian regimes. Russian-American journalist Masha Gessen published a piece outlining rules for survival while living under autocracy in the days following Trump’s election victory. “Institutions will not save you,” Gessen wrote."
The White House Is Gaslighting The Media (And The Entire Country)
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2017/02/10/white-house-gaslighting-media-and-entire-country/215302
"President Donald Trump’s administration is gaslighting America. He lies, reporters fact-check him, then he and his team spin the lies to blame the "biased" and "dishonest" media. Trump's team wants to create a world where no one knows what to believe, where facts and reality are irrelevant, and all that matters is what Trump says matters. Gaslighting reporters is one part of the administration’s war with the press -- just another way for his team to try to make the media's role as truth-tellers obsolete. And here’s the kicker: It’s not just the Trump administration. It’s also propaganda outlets tied to Trump. They rush to reinforce Trump’s false narratives with his base, which only puts mainstream outlets in a tougher position."
"President Donald Trump’s administration is gaslighting America. He lies, reporters fact-check him, then he and his team spin the lies to blame the "biased" and "dishonest" media. Trump's team wants to create a world where no one knows what to believe, where facts and reality are irrelevant, and all that matters is what Trump says matters. Gaslighting reporters is one part of the administration’s war with the press -- just another way for his team to try to make the media's role as truth-tellers obsolete. And here’s the kicker: It’s not just the Trump administration. It’s also propaganda outlets tied to Trump. They rush to reinforce Trump’s false narratives with his base, which only puts mainstream outlets in a tougher position."
Paul Krugman Issues a Warning About What We All Know Is Coming @alternet
Paul Krugman Issues a Warning About What We All Know Is Coming @alternet:
"when the terror attack comes—and Trump and Bannon are making damned sure that it does come—it will only be the common people, banding together, that will be able to stop him. If we let fear affect our judgments, an aftermath with rules imposed by people who have nothing but contempt for our institutions will be worse than anything terrorists could do to destroy us."
"when the terror attack comes—and Trump and Bannon are making damned sure that it does come—it will only be the common people, banding together, that will be able to stop him. If we let fear affect our judgments, an aftermath with rules imposed by people who have nothing but contempt for our institutions will be worse than anything terrorists could do to destroy us."
Jason Chaffetz has no response for a little girl who asked if he believes in science
https://thinkprogress.org/young-girl-burns-chaffetz-at-town-hall-do-you-believe-in-science-because-i-do-2c973cf8c23e#.t74kk3rqm
"Chaffetz’s weak and evasive responses were not well received by his constituents."
"Chaffetz’s weak and evasive responses were not well received by his constituents."
Veterans group booked ad time during Saturday Night Live in the hopes of reaching Donald Trump
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/10/1632283/-Veterans-group-booked-ad-time-during-Saturday-Night-Live-in-the-hopes-of-reaching-Donald-Trump
"They’ve been trying to meet with Donald Trump and have been repeatedly rebuffed. Not content to sit back and be ignored, they purchased ad time during Saturday Night Live this week, a show they know he loves/hates to watch."
"They’ve been trying to meet with Donald Trump and have been repeatedly rebuffed. Not content to sit back and be ignored, they purchased ad time during Saturday Night Live this week, a show they know he loves/hates to watch."
The Spy Revolt Against Trump Begins
http://observer.com/2017/02/donald-trump-administration-mike-flynn-russian-embassy/
"How things are heating up between the White House and the spooks is evidenced by a new report that the CIA has denied a security clearance to one of Flynn’s acolytes. Rob Townley, a former Marine intelligence officer selected to head up the NSC’s Africa desk, was denied a clearance to see Sensitive Compartmented Information (which is required to have access to SIGINT in particular). Why Townley’s SCI was turned down isn’t clear—it could be over personal problems or foreign ties—but the CIA’s stand has been privately denounced by the White House, which views this as a vendetta against Flynn. That the Townley SCI denial was reportedly endorsed by Mike Pompeo, the new CIA director selected by Trump himself, only adds to the pain. There is more consequential IC pushback happening, too. Our spies have never liked Trump’s lackadaisical attitude toward the President’s Daily Brief, the most sensitive of all IC documents, which the new commander-in-chief has received haphazardly. The president has frequently blown off the PDB altogether, tasking Flynn with condensing it into a one-page summary with no more than nine bullet-points. Some in the IC are relieved by this, but there are pervasive concerns that the president simply isn’t paying attention to intelligence. In light of this, and out of worries about the White House’s ability to keep secrets, some of our spy agencies have begun withholding intelligence from the Oval Office. Why risk your most sensitive information if the president may ignore it anyway? A senior National Security Agency official explained that NSA was systematically holding back some of the “good stuff” from the White House, in an unprecedented move. For decades, NSA has prepared special reports for the president’s eyes only, containing enormously sensitive intelligence. In the last three weeks, however, NSA has ceased doing this, fearing Trump and his staff cannot keep their best SIGINT secrets."
"How things are heating up between the White House and the spooks is evidenced by a new report that the CIA has denied a security clearance to one of Flynn’s acolytes. Rob Townley, a former Marine intelligence officer selected to head up the NSC’s Africa desk, was denied a clearance to see Sensitive Compartmented Information (which is required to have access to SIGINT in particular). Why Townley’s SCI was turned down isn’t clear—it could be over personal problems or foreign ties—but the CIA’s stand has been privately denounced by the White House, which views this as a vendetta against Flynn. That the Townley SCI denial was reportedly endorsed by Mike Pompeo, the new CIA director selected by Trump himself, only adds to the pain. There is more consequential IC pushback happening, too. Our spies have never liked Trump’s lackadaisical attitude toward the President’s Daily Brief, the most sensitive of all IC documents, which the new commander-in-chief has received haphazardly. The president has frequently blown off the PDB altogether, tasking Flynn with condensing it into a one-page summary with no more than nine bullet-points. Some in the IC are relieved by this, but there are pervasive concerns that the president simply isn’t paying attention to intelligence. In light of this, and out of worries about the White House’s ability to keep secrets, some of our spy agencies have begun withholding intelligence from the Oval Office. Why risk your most sensitive information if the president may ignore it anyway? A senior National Security Agency official explained that NSA was systematically holding back some of the “good stuff” from the White House, in an unprecedented move. For decades, NSA has prepared special reports for the president’s eyes only, containing enormously sensitive intelligence. In the last three weeks, however, NSA has ceased doing this, fearing Trump and his staff cannot keep their best SIGINT secrets."
How did Flynn think he could get away with lying about Russia conversations?
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/13/1633185/-How-did-Flynn-think-he-could-get-away-with-lying-about-Russia-conversations
"Here’s an excellent (and scary) point about how brazen the lies coming from the Trump regime, and specifically from National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, are. Remember how Flynn first flatly denied discussing sanctions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, then—right around the time reports came out that the two men had indeed discussed sanctions—walked it back to saying he couldn’t remember?"
"Here’s an excellent (and scary) point about how brazen the lies coming from the Trump regime, and specifically from National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, are. Remember how Flynn first flatly denied discussing sanctions with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, then—right around the time reports came out that the two men had indeed discussed sanctions—walked it back to saying he couldn’t remember?"
John Oliver Returns with a Brilliant Plan to Fight Donald Trump's Lies
http://www.motherjones.com/media/2017/02/john-oliver-educate-donald-trump-facts-lies
"To tackle Trump's reliance on "alternative facts," Oliver revealed he's launched a series of commercials to run during shows the president is known to regularly watch, such as Morning Joe and Fox & Friends, that sneak in useful pieces of information he might need over the next four years."
"To tackle Trump's reliance on "alternative facts," Oliver revealed he's launched a series of commercials to run during shows the president is known to regularly watch, such as Morning Joe and Fox & Friends, that sneak in useful pieces of information he might need over the next four years."
Stephen Miller: The Whole World Will Soon See - The Powers Of The President - 'Will Not Be Questioned' | Crooks and Liars
Stephen Miller: The Whole World Will Soon See - The Powers Of The President - 'Will Not Be Questioned' | Crooks and Liars
"Whenever the courts disagree with a conservative policy, this is the typical response we get from their surrogates."
"Whenever the courts disagree with a conservative policy, this is the typical response we get from their surrogates."
Trump’s Supporters Believe a False Narrative of White Victimhood—and the Data Proves It @alternet
Trump’s Supporters Believe a False Narrative of White Victimhood—and the Data Proves It @alternet:
"Trumpism is a movement built around the loss of privilege and perceived social status and a desire to re-create social hierarchy. It is one that requires its adherents to live in a state of constant fear and victimization. This mythology requires extensive ideological work and media filtering to remain true."
"Trumpism is a movement built around the loss of privilege and perceived social status and a desire to re-create social hierarchy. It is one that requires its adherents to live in a state of constant fear and victimization. This mythology requires extensive ideological work and media filtering to remain true."
Watch: Melissa McCarthy Slays It Again as Sean Spicer on SNL @alternet
Watch: Melissa McCarthy Slays It Again as Sean Spicer on SNL @alternet:
"Melissa McCarthy returned to "Saturday Night Live" this week to reprise her popular role as White House Press Secretary and gum-chewer supreme Sean Spicer. "
"Melissa McCarthy returned to "Saturday Night Live" this week to reprise her popular role as White House Press Secretary and gum-chewer supreme Sean Spicer. "
The First Amendment May Not Protect Us: Trump's FCC Intensifies Attack on Press
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/39440-the-first-amendment-may-not-protect-us-trump-s-fcc-intensifies-war-on-press
"Media advocates everywhere were alarmed, if not surprised, when Donald Trump recently appointed former Verizon lawyer Ajit Pai to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Central questions include what Pai's appointment will mean for freedom of the press and the future of the internet. Sources who have met Pai, who is active on social media, describe him as smart and affable, but with a militant, ideological opposition to regulating Big Media and Telecom. An FCC controlled by Trump and Pai, the latter of whom has "been on the wrong side of just about every major issue that has come before the FCC," according to the media reform group Free Press, poses a serious threat to democracy. Pai, an FCC commissioner since 2012, has constantly sided with the powerful media and telecom lobbies. He pledged to take a "weed whacker" to net neutrality, opposed lowering the cost of phone calls for families of people in prison, and enabled devastating media concentration with his opposition to ownership restrictions. His promotion to chairman was met with glee from free-market ideologues and executives at big media and telecom companies, such as AT&T, who promised to help Pai "support the president's agenda." Trump has already shown an extreme level of hostility toward the press. Now, he will have the Pai-led FCC to function as his own personal toolbox to undermine the free press. As Americans unite in resistance to Trump, it is vital that they take notice of what is going on at the FCC."
"Media advocates everywhere were alarmed, if not surprised, when Donald Trump recently appointed former Verizon lawyer Ajit Pai to be the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Central questions include what Pai's appointment will mean for freedom of the press and the future of the internet. Sources who have met Pai, who is active on social media, describe him as smart and affable, but with a militant, ideological opposition to regulating Big Media and Telecom. An FCC controlled by Trump and Pai, the latter of whom has "been on the wrong side of just about every major issue that has come before the FCC," according to the media reform group Free Press, poses a serious threat to democracy. Pai, an FCC commissioner since 2012, has constantly sided with the powerful media and telecom lobbies. He pledged to take a "weed whacker" to net neutrality, opposed lowering the cost of phone calls for families of people in prison, and enabled devastating media concentration with his opposition to ownership restrictions. His promotion to chairman was met with glee from free-market ideologues and executives at big media and telecom companies, such as AT&T, who promised to help Pai "support the president's agenda." Trump has already shown an extreme level of hostility toward the press. Now, he will have the Pai-led FCC to function as his own personal toolbox to undermine the free press. As Americans unite in resistance to Trump, it is vital that they take notice of what is going on at the FCC."
State elections chiefs warn against eliminating agency that protects elections from hacking
https://thinkprogress.org/state-elections-chiefs-warn-of-the-dangers-of-eliminating-the-agency-that-protects-elections-from-c8f26edf5251#.9hyfgsc6j
"House Republicans voted this week to eliminate the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the only federal agency specifically tasked with helping states protect elections from hacking. The vote split down party lines, with the three Democrats on the committee voting to save the commission and six Republicans voting to terminate it."
"House Republicans voted this week to eliminate the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), the only federal agency specifically tasked with helping states protect elections from hacking. The vote split down party lines, with the three Democrats on the committee voting to save the commission and six Republicans voting to terminate it."
Never Has It Been Easier to Get Secret Cash to a President
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/sure-fire-way-funnel-dark-money-donald-trump-book-his-hotels
"No president in American history has entered office as conflict-ridden as Trump. It's almost impossible to keep track of all the ways someone seeking to influence him and his administration could do so without a trace. A donation made through a shell corporation to Trump's inaugural committee. An undisclosed donation to America First Policies, the new outside group run by Ayers, Parscale, and other ex-Trump aides. A monthly retainer to Avenue Strategies, the consulting firm launched by former Trump aides Corey Lewandowski and Barry Bennett and conveniently located one block from the White House. But there is a simpler and more direct way to put money in the pocket of the new president and his family: spend money at a Trump hotel or resort. Lots of money. In many ways, the president's properties—which he refuses to divest or separate himself from in any serious way—serve as ideal conduits for directly influencing and even bribing the Trump administration."
"No president in American history has entered office as conflict-ridden as Trump. It's almost impossible to keep track of all the ways someone seeking to influence him and his administration could do so without a trace. A donation made through a shell corporation to Trump's inaugural committee. An undisclosed donation to America First Policies, the new outside group run by Ayers, Parscale, and other ex-Trump aides. A monthly retainer to Avenue Strategies, the consulting firm launched by former Trump aides Corey Lewandowski and Barry Bennett and conveniently located one block from the White House. But there is a simpler and more direct way to put money in the pocket of the new president and his family: spend money at a Trump hotel or resort. Lots of money. In many ways, the president's properties—which he refuses to divest or separate himself from in any serious way—serve as ideal conduits for directly influencing and even bribing the Trump administration."
Republican congressman meets the resistance at raucous Utah town hall
https://thinkprogress.org/republican-congressman-meets-the-resistance-at-raucous-utah-town-hall-63fa2af0f786#.3g4zdauo4
"As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is in a key position to decide how and whether the Trump administration will be held accountable for its unprecedented conflicts of interest. Chaffetz, however, has denied all calls to investigate President Trump."
"As Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) is in a key position to decide how and whether the Trump administration will be held accountable for its unprecedented conflicts of interest. Chaffetz, however, has denied all calls to investigate President Trump."
Michael Flynn Is Ollie North: Broke Law Talking To Russians | Crooks and Liars
Michael Flynn Is Ollie North: Broke Law Talking To Russians | Crooks and Liars
"What is it about Republicans that they just can't help themselves becoming traitors to the United States Government when it comes to foreign policy? In 1980, Ronald Reagan forced Iranian hostages to stay in captivity several extra MONTHS to ensure his election as President. Ollie North illegally sold Israeli weapons to Iran and funnelled the profits to the Contras in Nicaragua, all in direct violation of a law that said very specifically "DO NOT DO THAT." And don't get me started about the George W. Bush administration and torture and war profiteering and lying about WMD's. Are we supposed to be surprised that Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Flynn talked to the Russians about removing sanctions (which are supposed to punish them for interfering with our election on behalf of Trump) BEFORE he took office, in direct violation of statutes that say NO MIKE FLYNN you can't make foreign policy from your cellphone just because the Russians helped your boss win an election."
"What is it about Republicans that they just can't help themselves becoming traitors to the United States Government when it comes to foreign policy? In 1980, Ronald Reagan forced Iranian hostages to stay in captivity several extra MONTHS to ensure his election as President. Ollie North illegally sold Israeli weapons to Iran and funnelled the profits to the Contras in Nicaragua, all in direct violation of a law that said very specifically "DO NOT DO THAT." And don't get me started about the George W. Bush administration and torture and war profiteering and lying about WMD's. Are we supposed to be surprised that Trump's National Security Advisor Mike Flynn talked to the Russians about removing sanctions (which are supposed to punish them for interfering with our election on behalf of Trump) BEFORE he took office, in direct violation of statutes that say NO MIKE FLYNN you can't make foreign policy from your cellphone just because the Russians helped your boss win an election."
Meet the scary Italian fascist thinker approvingly cited by Steve Bannon
Meet the scary Italian fascist thinker approvingly cited by Steve Bannon
"What is it about Evola that so excites white nationalists? Per the Times, he was a leading influence on the government of Italian fascist Benito Mussolini, who was particularly attracted to Evola’s ideas about race. University of Montana Professor Richard Drake explains to the Times that Evola’s ideal society was organized by “hierarchy, caste, monarchy, race, myth, religion and ritual,” instead of the liberal order that valued diversity, tolerance and liberty. Most appealing to Bannon — who is a self-described “Leninist” who wants to “destroy” the state — is Evola’s belief that creating change is “not a question of contesting and polemicizing, but of blowing everything up.” While Evola was a key influence on Mussolini, the Times notes that he eventually found the Italian fascists to be too compromising, and he saw the ideal “traditionalist” regime to be the one found in Hitler’s Germany."
"What is it about Evola that so excites white nationalists? Per the Times, he was a leading influence on the government of Italian fascist Benito Mussolini, who was particularly attracted to Evola’s ideas about race. University of Montana Professor Richard Drake explains to the Times that Evola’s ideal society was organized by “hierarchy, caste, monarchy, race, myth, religion and ritual,” instead of the liberal order that valued diversity, tolerance and liberty. Most appealing to Bannon — who is a self-described “Leninist” who wants to “destroy” the state — is Evola’s belief that creating change is “not a question of contesting and polemicizing, but of blowing everything up.” While Evola was a key influence on Mussolini, the Times notes that he eventually found the Italian fascists to be too compromising, and he saw the ideal “traditionalist” regime to be the one found in Hitler’s Germany."
“Do your job”: Jason Chaffetz town hall overrun with constituents demanding he investigate Trump
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/10/do-your-job-jason-chaffetz-town-hall-overrun-with-constituents-demanding-he-investigate-trump/
"Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, is chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, yet he has been unwilling to perform oversight on President Trump’s numerous conflicts of interest. On Thursday night, his constituents appeared at a town hall meeting to demand that he start looking into them."
"Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, is chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, yet he has been unwilling to perform oversight on President Trump’s numerous conflicts of interest. On Thursday night, his constituents appeared at a town hall meeting to demand that he start looking into them."
Betsy DeVos Just Bought Herself a Trump Cabinet Position
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/betsy-devos-just-bought-herself-a-trump-cabinet-position-w465578
"And no one should expect her family's financial manipulation of Republican senators to stop there. In fact, if what the DeVoses have done in Michigan is any indication, she and her family are likely just getting started trying to buy Republican support for their radical agenda."
"And no one should expect her family's financial manipulation of Republican senators to stop there. In fact, if what the DeVoses have done in Michigan is any indication, she and her family are likely just getting started trying to buy Republican support for their radical agenda."
Bombshell Report Suggests Trump's National Security Adviser Is Dishonest and a Threat to US Policy
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/flynn-trump-washington-post-russia
"Yet now one piece of the Trump-Russia puzzle has been clearly depicted: Trump's national security adviser was in cahoots with Russia to undermine the US government's effort to punish Moscow for hacking the US election—and he apparently lied about it.
"Yet now one piece of the Trump-Russia puzzle has been clearly depicted: Trump's national security adviser was in cahoots with Russia to undermine the US government's effort to punish Moscow for hacking the US election—and he apparently lied about it.
5 Disturbing New Revelations About What's Really Going on Inside the Chaotic Trump White House @alternet
5 Disturbing New Revelations About What's Really Going on Inside the Chaotic Trump White House @alternet:
"the president is completely cowed by the complexities and responsibilities of managing a federal bureaucracy, his staffers bordering on mutinous: "[It's] a powder-keg of a workplace where job duties are unclear, morale among some is low, factionalism is rampant and exhaustion is running high"."
"the president is completely cowed by the complexities and responsibilities of managing a federal bureaucracy, his staffers bordering on mutinous: "[It's] a powder-keg of a workplace where job duties are unclear, morale among some is low, factionalism is rampant and exhaustion is running high"."
Hundreds chant “do your job!” at House Republican in charge of investigating Trump
http://www.vox.com/2017/2/9/14572394/jason-chaffetz-utah
"Hundreds of people shouted down Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) at a town hall he held in his home district on Thursday night, with many yelling “Do your job!” at the chair of the House Oversight Committee."
"Hundreds of people shouted down Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) at a town hall he held in his home district on Thursday night, with many yelling “Do your job!” at the chair of the House Oversight Committee."
Trump’s Presidency Is Officially A Dumpster Fire As Voters Trust SNL More Than Trump
http://www.politicususa.com/2017/02/10/trumps-presidency-dumpster-fire-voters-trust-snl-trust-trump.html
"Who knew that a White House that is led by a president who makes false statements on a daily basis would quickly lose credibility with the American people?"
"Who knew that a White House that is led by a president who makes false statements on a daily basis would quickly lose credibility with the American people?"
Of Course Trump's Health Secretary Is a Friend of Big Tobacco
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/02/tom-price-hhs-tobacco
"The man Donald Trump has chosen to direct health policy for the federal government has close ties to the tobacco industry he will be charged with regulating."
"The man Donald Trump has chosen to direct health policy for the federal government has close ties to the tobacco industry he will be charged with regulating."
Watch a GOP Congressman and supporters scatter when constituents find him at 'canceled' town hall
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/10/1632190/-Watch-a-GOP-Congressman-and-supporters-scatter-when-constituents-find-him-at-canceled-town-hall
"Congressman Mo Brooks returned to Alabama, where he planned to have a town hall meeting in Huntsville. But a funny thing happened to Brooks. Like all Republican (and most Democratic) members of Congress lately, he suddenly found his “open to the public” meeting was “sold out”—so he promptly canceled it altogether. Brooks and his tea party pals gave a variety of nonsensical excuses, including, they “didn’t want to meet until all the president’s nominees were confirmed.” So imagine the surprise of Huntsville-area constituents when they showed up at the “canceled” meeting last night and there was Congressman Mo Brooks, meeting with his conservative supporters."
"Congressman Mo Brooks returned to Alabama, where he planned to have a town hall meeting in Huntsville. But a funny thing happened to Brooks. Like all Republican (and most Democratic) members of Congress lately, he suddenly found his “open to the public” meeting was “sold out”—so he promptly canceled it altogether. Brooks and his tea party pals gave a variety of nonsensical excuses, including, they “didn’t want to meet until all the president’s nominees were confirmed.” So imagine the surprise of Huntsville-area constituents when they showed up at the “canceled” meeting last night and there was Congressman Mo Brooks, meeting with his conservative supporters."
‘He doesn’t like this sh*t’: Trump reportedly hates his job and his staff after less than a month
‘He doesn’t like this sh*t’: Trump reportedly hates his job and his staff after less than a month
"After just three weeks on the job, President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with the realities of trying to run the U.S. government the way he manages his family-owned business."
"After just three weeks on the job, President Donald Trump is reportedly frustrated with the realities of trying to run the U.S. government the way he manages his family-owned business."
Republicans on the run: Alabama congressman canceled town hall because the event sold out
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/9/1631812/-Republicans-on-the-run-Alabama-congressman-canceled-town-hall-because-the-event-sold-out
"Apparently Republicans can only meet with small subsets of constituents who fully agree with their agenda and buy their snake oil by the gallon."
"Apparently Republicans can only meet with small subsets of constituents who fully agree with their agenda and buy their snake oil by the gallon."
Donald Trump doesn't know what the START treaty is—but knows it's bad because ... Obama
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/2/9/1631874/-Donald-Trump-doesn-t-know-what-the-START-treaty-is-but-knows-it-s-bad-because-Obama
"The phone call with Putin has added to concerns that Trump is not adequately prepared for discussions with foreign leaders."
"The phone call with Putin has added to concerns that Trump is not adequately prepared for discussions with foreign leaders."
Trump paused a call with Putin to make an aide explain a nuclear arms treaty
http://www.vox.com/world/2017/2/9/14562014/trump-putin-call-new-start-what
"There’s only one reasonable conclusion to draw from all this: The president’s positions about the only weapon capable of destroying human civilization seem to be in constant flux — and sometimes change on the dime while the leader of the country with the world’s second-biggest nuclear arsenal is still on the phone."
"There’s only one reasonable conclusion to draw from all this: The president’s positions about the only weapon capable of destroying human civilization seem to be in constant flux — and sometimes change on the dime while the leader of the country with the world’s second-biggest nuclear arsenal is still on the phone."
Trump and terrorism: Why is the White House ignoring the real danger of homegrown extremism?
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/09/trump-and-terrorism-why-is-the-white-house-ignoring-the-real-danger-of-homegrown-extremism/
"But Trump showed throughout the campaign that the only violent extremism he finds threatening is Muslim extremism and he has gone to great lengths to gin up irrational fear of it among his followers. And that’s very telling since law enforcement officers have said they are even more concerned about a different ideology: right-wing, anti-government extremism, particularly the “sovereign citizen” movement that has evolved out of white supremacist groups. Unfortunately, the Trump administration plans to stop tracking such groups in order to concentrate on the alleged hordes of Islamic jihadis in our midst. No wonder neo-Nazis cheered wildly when Trump was elected."
"But Trump showed throughout the campaign that the only violent extremism he finds threatening is Muslim extremism and he has gone to great lengths to gin up irrational fear of it among his followers. And that’s very telling since law enforcement officers have said they are even more concerned about a different ideology: right-wing, anti-government extremism, particularly the “sovereign citizen” movement that has evolved out of white supremacist groups. Unfortunately, the Trump administration plans to stop tracking such groups in order to concentrate on the alleged hordes of Islamic jihadis in our midst. No wonder neo-Nazis cheered wildly when Trump was elected."
Kellyanne Conway Breaks The Law With 'Go Buy Ivanka's Stuff' | Crooks and Liars
Kellyanne Conway Breaks The Law With 'Go Buy Ivanka's Stuff' | Crooks and Liars
"That Conway did so from within the White House just exposes how dangerously ignorant this class of clowns really are about their functions and duties."
"That Conway did so from within the White House just exposes how dangerously ignorant this class of clowns really are about their functions and duties."
Trump’s Plan for Medicaid Would Decimate Services for People With Disabilities
http://www.commondreams.org/views/2017/02/08/trumps-plan-medicaid-would-decimate-services-people-disabilities
"As Congressional Republicans careen face-first towards the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, another threat is taking shape that promises to devastate the services that seniors and people with disabilities need."
"As Congressional Republicans careen face-first towards the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, another threat is taking shape that promises to devastate the services that seniors and people with disabilities need."
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Sunday, February 12, 2017
How Trump's Agenda Clashes With What Americans Want
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/how-trumps-agenda-clashes-with-what-americans-want-w465914
"The wide divergence of public opinion from the agenda of America's GOP-led government highlights a dark reality: Republicans are only in command in Washington because our republic is undemocratic. Every Hillary Clinton supporter knows that Trump won in the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by more than 2.8 million ballots. The undemocratic skew of the Senate is even more striking: Republicans now hold 52 seats in the majority – despite these senators having received 23 million fewer votes than the 48 Democrats who sit in the minority. These institutions privilege the votes of inland and rural voters above the populations of the coasts and America's urban centers."
"The wide divergence of public opinion from the agenda of America's GOP-led government highlights a dark reality: Republicans are only in command in Washington because our republic is undemocratic. Every Hillary Clinton supporter knows that Trump won in the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by more than 2.8 million ballots. The undemocratic skew of the Senate is even more striking: Republicans now hold 52 seats in the majority – despite these senators having received 23 million fewer votes than the 48 Democrats who sit in the minority. These institutions privilege the votes of inland and rural voters above the populations of the coasts and America's urban centers."
The Trump Administration’s Two-Pronged Assault on Public Health
https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2017/02/07/298183/the-trump-administrations-two-pronged-assault-on-public-health/
"The 115th Congress and the Trump administration have already set their sights on gutting the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other cornerstone protections that ensure that our air is safe to breathe and our water safe to drink. They have promised to get rid of pollution limits for power plants instead of shifting to clean energy and nullify pollution limits for oil and gas drilling—as they also promise to drill anywhere and everywhere. These actions alone would greatly endanger public health and environmental quality. If that was not enough, however, congressional Republicans and the administration are also set on eliminating health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. This extreme rollback of federal regulations and services would allow more pollution, affect public health, and, at the same time, remove health care options for treatment when people get sick."
"The 115th Congress and the Trump administration have already set their sights on gutting the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and other cornerstone protections that ensure that our air is safe to breathe and our water safe to drink. They have promised to get rid of pollution limits for power plants instead of shifting to clean energy and nullify pollution limits for oil and gas drilling—as they also promise to drill anywhere and everywhere. These actions alone would greatly endanger public health and environmental quality. If that was not enough, however, congressional Republicans and the administration are also set on eliminating health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. This extreme rollback of federal regulations and services would allow more pollution, affect public health, and, at the same time, remove health care options for treatment when people get sick."
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