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."
Friday, December 16, 2016
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"."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)