http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/9/1618589/-Now-Trump-s-lying-about-dress-shops-because-there-s-nothing-he-doesn-t-lie-about
"The important thing is that Donald Trump apparently cannot stop lying about everything, all the time, about anything that he sees as even remotely challenging to his unhinged evaluations of his own grandeur. And he's stepping into the most visible, most critiqued job in the nation. He's going to be insane by April, you know. They'll have to wheel him in and out of the Oval Office in a gilded wheelbarrow."
Saturday, January 14, 2017
You Have Been Warned: 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' Will Be a Cudgel Used to Silence His Critics @alternet
You Have Been Warned: 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' Will Be a Cudgel Used to Silence His Critics @alternet:
"They are an exercise in projection. It is not Trump who has been greeted with almost deranged, crazed, unhinged, unfounded, unreasonable and maddened opposition, but rather Barack Obama. Republicans and the broader right-wing news disinformation-entertainment complex created racist conspiracy theories such as “Birtherism” (whose lead advocates included Donald Trump) in an effort to delegitimize the country’s first black president. Republicans also used the language of the American Civil War in their threats of “nullification,” “secession” and invocations of “states’ rights” against Barack Obama. This was part of a broader pattern of reckless, extreme and irresponsible behavior by Republicans with the goal of undermining Obama’s presidency. Republican leaders went so far as to develop a strategy of opposing every one of Obama’s potential initiatives, regardless of what he proposed. Basic facts should encourage people of conscience to resist Donald Trump. This is not derangement but rational and reasonable behavior. As I have explained numerous times, Donald Trump is a fascist authoritarian. He has promised to undermine basic tenets of American democracy, such as freedom of the press. Trump has also encouraged violence against his political foes. He has surrounded himself with political advisors who are affiliated with the most extreme and dangerous right-wing elements in American politics (and, increasingly, global politics), such as white supremacists and white nationalists. The American intelligence community has concluded that Russian spies and other agents, acting in support of Donald Trump’s candidacy, actively interfered with the 2016 presidential election. Ironically, efforts to pathologize or psychologize those who oppose Donald Trump actually reflect deeper problems with both him as a candidate and now president-elect, as well as his supporters. Psychologists and other observers have concluded that Donald Trump may suffer from narcissistic personality disorder."
"They are an exercise in projection. It is not Trump who has been greeted with almost deranged, crazed, unhinged, unfounded, unreasonable and maddened opposition, but rather Barack Obama. Republicans and the broader right-wing news disinformation-entertainment complex created racist conspiracy theories such as “Birtherism” (whose lead advocates included Donald Trump) in an effort to delegitimize the country’s first black president. Republicans also used the language of the American Civil War in their threats of “nullification,” “secession” and invocations of “states’ rights” against Barack Obama. This was part of a broader pattern of reckless, extreme and irresponsible behavior by Republicans with the goal of undermining Obama’s presidency. Republican leaders went so far as to develop a strategy of opposing every one of Obama’s potential initiatives, regardless of what he proposed. Basic facts should encourage people of conscience to resist Donald Trump. This is not derangement but rational and reasonable behavior. As I have explained numerous times, Donald Trump is a fascist authoritarian. He has promised to undermine basic tenets of American democracy, such as freedom of the press. Trump has also encouraged violence against his political foes. He has surrounded himself with political advisors who are affiliated with the most extreme and dangerous right-wing elements in American politics (and, increasingly, global politics), such as white supremacists and white nationalists. The American intelligence community has concluded that Russian spies and other agents, acting in support of Donald Trump’s candidacy, actively interfered with the 2016 presidential election. Ironically, efforts to pathologize or psychologize those who oppose Donald Trump actually reflect deeper problems with both him as a candidate and now president-elect, as well as his supporters. Psychologists and other observers have concluded that Donald Trump may suffer from narcissistic personality disorder."
If Trump Is Talking, He’s Lying: Fact Checkers Find 96% Of Trump Statements Some Degree Of False
http://www.politicususa.com/2017/01/09/trump-talking-lying-fact-checkers-find-96-trump-statements-degree-false.html
"When Donald Trump becomes president, Americans would be wise to take virtually every statement that comes out of his White House with a huge grain of salt. Trump won the White House by not being honest with the American people. There is absolutely no reason to expect that this behavior will change after he takes the oath of office. The president-elect seems incapable of speaking without making some form of a false statement. The future of the country may depend on the unwillingness of the American people to believe their commander in chief."
"When Donald Trump becomes president, Americans would be wise to take virtually every statement that comes out of his White House with a huge grain of salt. Trump won the White House by not being honest with the American people. There is absolutely no reason to expect that this behavior will change after he takes the oath of office. The president-elect seems incapable of speaking without making some form of a false statement. The future of the country may depend on the unwillingness of the American people to believe their commander in chief."
Union workers, not Donald Trump, pushed Fiat Chrysler into creating 2,000 jobs
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/9/1618527/-Union-workers-not-Donald-Trump-pushed-Fiat-Chrysler-into-creating-2-000-jobs
"Great news: Fiat Chrysler has announced a $1 billion, 2,000-job investment in plants in Michigan and Ohio. Donald Trump didn’t quite claim credit in his predictable tweet about the news, but Reuters, for instance, reported the story with the headline “Fiat Chrysler ups the ante as automakers respond to Trump.” Except that’s not what happened at all. In 2015 contract negotiations, the UAW pushed Fiat Chrysler to invest in American manufacturing, and got promises on that front. That led to what we’re seeing now, the Detroit News reports: The announcement is the final phase of an industrialization plan announced in January 2016, which was a significant part of the automaker's contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers in 2015. The plan called for the realignment of the company's U.S. manufacturing operations to move away from cars to more-profitable Jeep and Ram products. [...] [CEO Sergio] Marchionne appeared to try and distance the announced moves from having anything to do with President-elect Donald Trump, saying they "have been under discussion with Dennis Williams and the rest of the UAW leadership for some time." Working people fought for this. Don’t let Donald Trump get the credit that goes to those union workers."
"Great news: Fiat Chrysler has announced a $1 billion, 2,000-job investment in plants in Michigan and Ohio. Donald Trump didn’t quite claim credit in his predictable tweet about the news, but Reuters, for instance, reported the story with the headline “Fiat Chrysler ups the ante as automakers respond to Trump.” Except that’s not what happened at all. In 2015 contract negotiations, the UAW pushed Fiat Chrysler to invest in American manufacturing, and got promises on that front. That led to what we’re seeing now, the Detroit News reports: The announcement is the final phase of an industrialization plan announced in January 2016, which was a significant part of the automaker's contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers in 2015. The plan called for the realignment of the company's U.S. manufacturing operations to move away from cars to more-profitable Jeep and Ram products. [...] [CEO Sergio] Marchionne appeared to try and distance the announced moves from having anything to do with President-elect Donald Trump, saying they "have been under discussion with Dennis Williams and the rest of the UAW leadership for some time." Working people fought for this. Don’t let Donald Trump get the credit that goes to those union workers."
Repealing Federal Health Reform: Economic and Employment Consequences for States
http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2017/jan/repealing-federal-health-reform
"Recent analyses have indicated that ACA repeal could double the number of uninsured Americans, reduce access to health services, and increase burdens for health care facilities.17,18 This analysis demonstrates that the consequences could extend well beyond the health care system, triggering major reductions in employment and substantial losses in state economic activity and reduced state and local revenues. And these repercussions are likely to reverberate across all states and most sectors of the economy."
"Recent analyses have indicated that ACA repeal could double the number of uninsured Americans, reduce access to health services, and increase burdens for health care facilities.17,18 This analysis demonstrates that the consequences could extend well beyond the health care system, triggering major reductions in employment and substantial losses in state economic activity and reduced state and local revenues. And these repercussions are likely to reverberate across all states and most sectors of the economy."
The War on Public Schools @alternet
The War on Public Schools @alternet:
"Donald Trump neither prioritized education on the campaign trail, nor unveiled detailed policy proposals, but the ideas he did put forth, in addition to his selection of Betsy DeVos, make clear where public education may be headed on his watch. And with a GOP Congress freed from a Democratic presidential veto, conservative lawmakers have already begun eyeing new legislation that just a few months ago seemed like political pipedreams."
"Donald Trump neither prioritized education on the campaign trail, nor unveiled detailed policy proposals, but the ideas he did put forth, in addition to his selection of Betsy DeVos, make clear where public education may be headed on his watch. And with a GOP Congress freed from a Democratic presidential veto, conservative lawmakers have already begun eyeing new legislation that just a few months ago seemed like political pipedreams."
Did Putin help elect Trump to restore $500 billion Exxon oil deal killed by sanctions
https://thinkprogress.org/putin-helped-trump-exxon-oil-deal-sanctions-6f169c4a4cd0#.ohl4vn3mu
"it appears our democracy and our children have a new axis to worry about: Putin, Trump, and ExxonMobil, whose CEO Rex Tillerson — an extreme Russophile and long-time director of a US-Russian oil company — is Trump’s puzzling choice for Secretary of State. I say “puzzling” because the long-serving Exxon employee (from age 23!) has no qualifications to be secretary of state — other than a history negotiating major oil deals with countries like Putin’s Russia, which in any sane world would actually disqualify him or at least force a recusal from all State Department dealings with Russia. But that puzzle disappears if we follow the famous dictum from the Watergate era for uncovering a tangled web of covert campaign acts: “Follow the money"."
"it appears our democracy and our children have a new axis to worry about: Putin, Trump, and ExxonMobil, whose CEO Rex Tillerson — an extreme Russophile and long-time director of a US-Russian oil company — is Trump’s puzzling choice for Secretary of State. I say “puzzling” because the long-serving Exxon employee (from age 23!) has no qualifications to be secretary of state — other than a history negotiating major oil deals with countries like Putin’s Russia, which in any sane world would actually disqualify him or at least force a recusal from all State Department dealings with Russia. But that puzzle disappears if we follow the famous dictum from the Watergate era for uncovering a tangled web of covert campaign acts: “Follow the money"."
3 Lessons from the House Ethics Committee Showdown We Can't Afford to Forget @alternet
3 Lessons from the House Ethics Committee Showdown We Can't Afford to Forget @alternet:
"All indications are that our incoming president regards the White House as a pirate galleon built to increase his family’s trove of plunder many fold, and the notion seems to be rubbing off on Congress."
"All indications are that our incoming president regards the White House as a pirate galleon built to increase his family’s trove of plunder many fold, and the notion seems to be rubbing off on Congress."
Here’s how archivists and coders plan to stop censorship under Trump
Here’s how archivists and coders plan to stop censorship under Trump
"Archivists, coders and other volunteers will gather on the sixth floor of the library at the University of Pennsylvania on Jan. 13 and 14 to preserve federal data that they believe could be at risk after Donald Trump is sworn in."
"Archivists, coders and other volunteers will gather on the sixth floor of the library at the University of Pennsylvania on Jan. 13 and 14 to preserve federal data that they believe could be at risk after Donald Trump is sworn in."
‘There’s no reason’: Reince Priebus claims background checks on Trump’s cabinet are a waste of time
‘There’s no reason’: Reince Priebus claims background checks on Trump’s cabinet are a waste of time
"Reince Priebus, chief of staff to Donald Trump, argued on Sunday that there was “no reason” to complete background checks on the president-elect’s cabinet appointments. The Office of Government Ethics warned last week that background checks for Trump’s nominees would not be completed iin times for confirmation hearing next week because the nominees have refused to provide financial disclosures."
"Reince Priebus, chief of staff to Donald Trump, argued on Sunday that there was “no reason” to complete background checks on the president-elect’s cabinet appointments. The Office of Government Ethics warned last week that background checks for Trump’s nominees would not be completed iin times for confirmation hearing next week because the nominees have refused to provide financial disclosures."
Government ethics office says Trump keeps ignoring warnings to sell his assets
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-business-ethics-129d508178c9#.the2byktj
"New emails reveal that the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) reportedly “lost contact” with President-elect Donald Trump’s team during the ongoing transition to power, despite efforts to warn officials about ethical issues posed by nominees and “blind trusts"."
"New emails reveal that the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) reportedly “lost contact” with President-elect Donald Trump’s team during the ongoing transition to power, despite efforts to warn officials about ethical issues posed by nominees and “blind trusts"."
‘Follow the money’: Robert Reich explains exactly why Trump won’t condemn Russia
‘Follow the money’: Robert Reich explains exactly why Trump won’t condemn Russia
"Trump’s deep financial ties to the country — along with those of his close aides — will dictate how his administration deals with Russia no matter what it may cost the U.S."
"Trump’s deep financial ties to the country — along with those of his close aides — will dictate how his administration deals with Russia no matter what it may cost the U.S."
Mitch McConnell is ignoring the cabinet confirmation procedure he demanded in 2009
https://thinkprogress.org/mitch-mcconnell-confirmation-ethics-hypocrisy-2c75b671d694#.2ttk92ufv
"This is not the first time since Trump’s November victory that McConnell has completely reversed himself on the senate’s “advise and consent” process. After refusing to even allow a confirmation hearing for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for nearly a year — the longest delay in American history — and refusing to commit to allowing a confirmation vote even if Hillary Clinton won, McConnell said on Wednesday that “the American people simply will not tolerate” it if Democrats refuse to confirm a Trump Supreme Court nominee."
"This is not the first time since Trump’s November victory that McConnell has completely reversed himself on the senate’s “advise and consent” process. After refusing to even allow a confirmation hearing for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for nearly a year — the longest delay in American history — and refusing to commit to allowing a confirmation vote even if Hillary Clinton won, McConnell said on Wednesday that “the American people simply will not tolerate” it if Democrats refuse to confirm a Trump Supreme Court nominee."
Blue State Voters Subsidize Southern Red State Voters, Not the Other Way Around
Blue State Voters Subsidize Southern Red State Voters, Not the Other Way Around:
"In essence, the notion that "the government" favors urban areas and poor people of color over rural areas is debunked by statistical analysis. Nonetheless, the continued support for conservatives who advocate cutting safety net programs and other government funding (that actually benefits the denizens of red-state rural areas) remains a conundrum. In 2013, I wrote about Kentucky Republican Congressman Hal Rodgers, who continues to get re-elected in his district by landslide margins even though he is an ardent advocate of drastically reducing government programs such as food stamps -- despite the fact that more than 50 percent of his 98 percent white district is made up of food stamp recipients. The Root reveals that in 2012, "of the 254 counties where the number of food stamp recipients doubled between 2007 and 2011, Republican candidate Mitt Romney won 213." Anybody who still believes that rural white voters are in fact subsidizing people of color in urban areas, I have a Trump Tower to sell you."
"In essence, the notion that "the government" favors urban areas and poor people of color over rural areas is debunked by statistical analysis. Nonetheless, the continued support for conservatives who advocate cutting safety net programs and other government funding (that actually benefits the denizens of red-state rural areas) remains a conundrum. In 2013, I wrote about Kentucky Republican Congressman Hal Rodgers, who continues to get re-elected in his district by landslide margins even though he is an ardent advocate of drastically reducing government programs such as food stamps -- despite the fact that more than 50 percent of his 98 percent white district is made up of food stamp recipients. The Root reveals that in 2012, "of the 254 counties where the number of food stamp recipients doubled between 2007 and 2011, Republican candidate Mitt Romney won 213." Anybody who still believes that rural white voters are in fact subsidizing people of color in urban areas, I have a Trump Tower to sell you."
GOP Doesn't Want Public To Know How Much Obamacare Repeal Will Cost. Study Shows It Could Be Trillions.
GOP Doesn't Want Public To Know How Much Obamacare Repeal Will Cost. Study Shows It Could Be Trillions.
"Try as they may to conceal the cost of the repeal, an independent study published Thursday estimated that it could cost the states trillions in lost revenue and output."
"Try as they may to conceal the cost of the repeal, an independent study published Thursday estimated that it could cost the states trillions in lost revenue and output."
We're the popular party: Senate Democrats won over 23 million more votes than Republicans
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/5/1617584/-We-re-the-popular-party-Senate-Democrats-won-over-23-million-more-votes-than-Republicans
"As any grade-schooler who’s studied the Constitution can tell you, the United States Senate is an abysmally unrepresentative body. California, the largest state, has 66 times the population of Wyoming, our smallest, yet both are entitled to the same number of senators: two. It’s a statistic that you’re already familiar with, on an intuitive level. But here’s another way of thinking about the same problem that illustrates it even more vividly. The 48 members of the Democratic caucus in the Senate, in their most recent respective elections dating back to 2012, collectively earned 78.4 million votes on their way to victory. Republicans, by contrast, won just 54.8 million votes—even though there are 52 of them. In other words, Senate Democrats have gotten more than 23.5 million more votes than Republicans. In a head-to-head election, that would amount to a crushing 59-41 margin in percentage terms. But due to a grave injustice designed to perpetuate the power of slave-holders that’s been perpetrated down the generations, the party that’s earned a massive majority of support from the American public is in the minority in the Senate. Yes, the Constitution was designed this way, but it’s a bad design—one that leaves the country hostage to the views of a tyrannical minority. Combined with the similarly unrepresentative Electoral College and a House that’s been gerrymandered beyond recognition by Republicans, the GOP has an undemocratic hammerlock on America. But, as you dig deep for the strength to fight this inequity each and every day, remember these numbers. For one thing, they drive Republicans absolutely nuts. Just as Donald Trump hates hearing about how he lost the popular vote, Republicans can’t stand being reminded that their hold on the Senate is due to a series of historical accidents that’s left them with a fraction of the public support Democrats enjoy."
"As any grade-schooler who’s studied the Constitution can tell you, the United States Senate is an abysmally unrepresentative body. California, the largest state, has 66 times the population of Wyoming, our smallest, yet both are entitled to the same number of senators: two. It’s a statistic that you’re already familiar with, on an intuitive level. But here’s another way of thinking about the same problem that illustrates it even more vividly. The 48 members of the Democratic caucus in the Senate, in their most recent respective elections dating back to 2012, collectively earned 78.4 million votes on their way to victory. Republicans, by contrast, won just 54.8 million votes—even though there are 52 of them. In other words, Senate Democrats have gotten more than 23.5 million more votes than Republicans. In a head-to-head election, that would amount to a crushing 59-41 margin in percentage terms. But due to a grave injustice designed to perpetuate the power of slave-holders that’s been perpetrated down the generations, the party that’s earned a massive majority of support from the American public is in the minority in the Senate. Yes, the Constitution was designed this way, but it’s a bad design—one that leaves the country hostage to the views of a tyrannical minority. Combined with the similarly unrepresentative Electoral College and a House that’s been gerrymandered beyond recognition by Republicans, the GOP has an undemocratic hammerlock on America. But, as you dig deep for the strength to fight this inequity each and every day, remember these numbers. For one thing, they drive Republicans absolutely nuts. Just as Donald Trump hates hearing about how he lost the popular vote, Republicans can’t stand being reminded that their hold on the Senate is due to a series of historical accidents that’s left them with a fraction of the public support Democrats enjoy."
Kochs, House, and Trump gut voting rights, internet freedom, and clean air with a single bill
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/6/1617638/-House-Republicans-move-to-strip-regulatory-power-from-the-executive-branch
"What horrors have the Koch’s “Americans for Prosperity” specifically identified as targets of the REINS Act? Net Neutrality, the Clean Power Plan, and voting rights. Why these three? Because if the Koch brothers can regulate what Americans see on the Internet, and make it hard enough for people to express their will at the polls, it helps them make their money the old-fashioned way—burning the dirtiest fuel available."
"What horrors have the Koch’s “Americans for Prosperity” specifically identified as targets of the REINS Act? Net Neutrality, the Clean Power Plan, and voting rights. Why these three? Because if the Koch brothers can regulate what Americans see on the Internet, and make it hard enough for people to express their will at the polls, it helps them make their money the old-fashioned way—burning the dirtiest fuel available."
Trump to cede millions of high-wage jobs to China
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-to-abandon-millions-of-high-wage-jobs-to-china-3554a04796b1#.31nm4uq98
"China is preparing to go big on the only major new source of sustainable high-wage employment in the coming decades. Beijing’s newest 5-year energy development plan invests a stunning 2.5 trillion yuan ($360 billion) in renewable generation by 2020. Of that, $144 billion will go to solar, about $100 billion to wind, $70 billion to hydropower, and the rest to sources like tidal and geothermal power."
"China is preparing to go big on the only major new source of sustainable high-wage employment in the coming decades. Beijing’s newest 5-year energy development plan invests a stunning 2.5 trillion yuan ($360 billion) in renewable generation by 2020. Of that, $144 billion will go to solar, about $100 billion to wind, $70 billion to hydropower, and the rest to sources like tidal and geothermal power."
Koch Astroturf Army Cheers Union Busting in Kentucky
http://prwatch.org/news/2017/01/13195/koch-astroturf-army-cheers-union-busting-ky
"This week, the Speaker of the House Jeff Hoover rammed through the legislature three bills to break the back of unions and lower wages for highly-skilled construction workers."
"This week, the Speaker of the House Jeff Hoover rammed through the legislature three bills to break the back of unions and lower wages for highly-skilled construction workers."
Conservatives Plot Their Course on the Rising 'Sea of Red' in State Capitals
Conservatives Plot Their Course on the Rising 'Sea of Red' in State Capitals
"Meeting in private, enthused activists promise that the growing Republican dominance in state government will unleash a wave of laws to cut business taxes, restrict unions and expand school privatization."
"Meeting in private, enthused activists promise that the growing Republican dominance in state government will unleash a wave of laws to cut business taxes, restrict unions and expand school privatization."
Donald Trump Avoids Intelligence Briefings Because He’s an Idiot
http://thedailybanter.com/2017/01/trump-avoids-intelligence-briefings-hes-an-idiot/
"Donald Trump avoids intelligence briefings because he’s intellectually limited and he knows it. For most of his life Trump has tried to hide his compromised brain capacity through false bravado, insults, verbal and emotional abuse of others and the marketing of his name. Trump has mastered the art of deflection of his business incompetence, along with his personal insecurities and fears. He took this model and ran for president, winning by convincing enough Americans to find fellowship in the dark message of his own narcissism. After his presidential win, Donald Trump is starting to realize the gravity of the office he is about to hold. The presidential intelligence briefings prior to him being sworn is clearly scaring the sh*t out of him. The complexity of it must be frightening to a man who lacks rudimentary intellectual capability, so Trump is simply avoiding intelligence briefings. Trump is afraid to ask questions because it will reveal the depth of his ignorance. In the intelligence world, some of his deficiencies could be mitigated by the likes of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency that could devise simplistic ways to present Trump with information. NPR indicated in a column that presidents have the presidential daily briefings (PDB’s) modified to the intellectual level and preference of that particular president. Given Donald Trump is arguably the lowest intellectually functioning president we’ve ever had, intelligence agencies may need to get creative in how they present information to him (and if you add Trump’s short attention span, the CIA may have to resort to 3 X 5 cards and coloring books). There are millions of Americans with varying intellectual abilities who manage to navigate their lives by harnessing their strengths and weaknesses in a way that allows them to contribute greatly to society. However, what makes Trump particularly dangerous is his refusal to acknowledge his limitations."
"Donald Trump avoids intelligence briefings because he’s intellectually limited and he knows it. For most of his life Trump has tried to hide his compromised brain capacity through false bravado, insults, verbal and emotional abuse of others and the marketing of his name. Trump has mastered the art of deflection of his business incompetence, along with his personal insecurities and fears. He took this model and ran for president, winning by convincing enough Americans to find fellowship in the dark message of his own narcissism. After his presidential win, Donald Trump is starting to realize the gravity of the office he is about to hold. The presidential intelligence briefings prior to him being sworn is clearly scaring the sh*t out of him. The complexity of it must be frightening to a man who lacks rudimentary intellectual capability, so Trump is simply avoiding intelligence briefings. Trump is afraid to ask questions because it will reveal the depth of his ignorance. In the intelligence world, some of his deficiencies could be mitigated by the likes of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Security Agency that could devise simplistic ways to present Trump with information. NPR indicated in a column that presidents have the presidential daily briefings (PDB’s) modified to the intellectual level and preference of that particular president. Given Donald Trump is arguably the lowest intellectually functioning president we’ve ever had, intelligence agencies may need to get creative in how they present information to him (and if you add Trump’s short attention span, the CIA may have to resort to 3 X 5 cards and coloring books). There are millions of Americans with varying intellectual abilities who manage to navigate their lives by harnessing their strengths and weaknesses in a way that allows them to contribute greatly to society. However, what makes Trump particularly dangerous is his refusal to acknowledge his limitations."
Obamacare Repeal Threatens Rural Hospitals | Crooks and Liars
Obamacare Repeal Threatens Rural Hospitals | Crooks and Liars
"Nationally, the Medicaid expansion under Obamacare offered a bit of stability for some rural hospitals at risk. Researchers say it disproportionately benefited such facilities, particularly in Pennsylvania and other states with large rural populations, such as Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan. In Pennsylvania, 625,000 people enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program; close to 300,000 came from rural areas, says Andy Carter, president of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. As of October, about 42,700 of Fayette’s residents had Medicaid. That’s close to one-third of the county’s population."
"Nationally, the Medicaid expansion under Obamacare offered a bit of stability for some rural hospitals at risk. Researchers say it disproportionately benefited such facilities, particularly in Pennsylvania and other states with large rural populations, such as Illinois, Kentucky and Michigan. In Pennsylvania, 625,000 people enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program; close to 300,000 came from rural areas, says Andy Carter, president of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. As of October, about 42,700 of Fayette’s residents had Medicaid. That’s close to one-third of the county’s population."
Weeks Before Trump Takes Office, the Pain Is Getting Real
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/weeks-before-trump-takes-office-the-pain-is-getting-real-w458960
"Amid the can't-look-away spectacle of the Trump campaign and now transition, the rottenness of everyday GOP politics hasn't had a moment in the spotlight in months. Republicans in Congress evidently thought they could take advantage of Trump's command of center stage to pull a fast one, stage right. In a secret vote on a national holiday, conducted after weeks of shadowy meetings, House Republicans voted to hogtie and gag the independent ethics office that has worked to uncover congressional corruption in the decade since the Jack Abramoff scandal. In the first act of the new Congress, a GOP majority voted for an amendment to strip the Office of Congressional Ethics of its independence, ban it from taking anonymous tips, prohibit it from taking its findings to law enforcement and stop it from communicating to the American people. The author, Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, then dishonestly tweeted that the amendment "does nothing to impede OCE's work." The Monday night vote to gut congressional ethics was a bad look for a party that swept to power in November on promises to "drain the swamp." Amid constituent uproar – congressional phone lines reportedly blew up – and a bit of eye-rolling from the president-elect on Twitter ("do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog... their number one act and priority," Trump snarked), Republicans in Congress abruptly axed Goodlatte's amendment. The episode exposed anew the weak leadership of House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan reportedly opposed the initial vote, then issued a Tuesday morning press release defending the amendment before flip-flopping again just hours later."
"Amid the can't-look-away spectacle of the Trump campaign and now transition, the rottenness of everyday GOP politics hasn't had a moment in the spotlight in months. Republicans in Congress evidently thought they could take advantage of Trump's command of center stage to pull a fast one, stage right. In a secret vote on a national holiday, conducted after weeks of shadowy meetings, House Republicans voted to hogtie and gag the independent ethics office that has worked to uncover congressional corruption in the decade since the Jack Abramoff scandal. In the first act of the new Congress, a GOP majority voted for an amendment to strip the Office of Congressional Ethics of its independence, ban it from taking anonymous tips, prohibit it from taking its findings to law enforcement and stop it from communicating to the American people. The author, Rep. Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, then dishonestly tweeted that the amendment "does nothing to impede OCE's work." The Monday night vote to gut congressional ethics was a bad look for a party that swept to power in November on promises to "drain the swamp." Amid constituent uproar – congressional phone lines reportedly blew up – and a bit of eye-rolling from the president-elect on Twitter ("do they really have to make the weakening of the Independent Ethics Watchdog... their number one act and priority," Trump snarked), Republicans in Congress abruptly axed Goodlatte's amendment. The episode exposed anew the weak leadership of House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan reportedly opposed the initial vote, then issued a Tuesday morning press release defending the amendment before flip-flopping again just hours later."
It Was the Racism, Stupid: Explaining Trump's Win Using White Working-Class 'Economic Anxiety' Is Just Wrong @alternet
It Was the Racism, Stupid: Explaining Trump's Win Using White Working-Class 'Economic Anxiety' Is Just Wrong @alternet:
"With the election of Donald Trump, the United States has fully entered its twilight years. In this tumultuous time, the American news media should be providing citizens with light and clarity. Instead, the media has largely chosen to normalize Trump’s election by peddling the fiction that it was primarily white working-class economic insecurity, rather than white racism and white identity politics, that propelled him to victory. As such, the pundit classes will treat the misery and pain that Trump’s racial demagoguery will inflict on many millions of Americans as a surprise instead of the wholly predictable actions of a man who ran a campaign fueled by racism, authoritarianism and bigotry. Much of the American corporate media has literally chosen profits (or at least numbers) over people, civic virtue and the truth. For this betrayal of the public good, the media should be shamed and condemned."
"With the election of Donald Trump, the United States has fully entered its twilight years. In this tumultuous time, the American news media should be providing citizens with light and clarity. Instead, the media has largely chosen to normalize Trump’s election by peddling the fiction that it was primarily white working-class economic insecurity, rather than white racism and white identity politics, that propelled him to victory. As such, the pundit classes will treat the misery and pain that Trump’s racial demagoguery will inflict on many millions of Americans as a surprise instead of the wholly predictable actions of a man who ran a campaign fueled by racism, authoritarianism and bigotry. Much of the American corporate media has literally chosen profits (or at least numbers) over people, civic virtue and the truth. For this betrayal of the public good, the media should be shamed and condemned."
Florida Attorney General Who Took Illegal Trump Cash Gets White House Job
http://www.politicususa.com/2017/01/05/florida-attorney-general-illegal-trump-cash-white-house.html
"Donald Trump is filling his administration with the sort of corrupt low character individuals that should concern every American. Trump isn’t draining the swamp. He is boldly expanding it."
"Donald Trump is filling his administration with the sort of corrupt low character individuals that should concern every American. Trump isn’t draining the swamp. He is boldly expanding it."
James Clapper: Russia Definitely Guilty Of Hacking, Fake News | Crooks and Liars
James Clapper: Russia Definitely Guilty Of Hacking, Fake News | Crooks and Liars
"Those seventeen intelligence agencies that usually hate each other -- but in the case of Russian interference in our election -- agreed unanimously? James Clapper is the overseer for all of them. And that "unanimous" part impressed even him."
"Those seventeen intelligence agencies that usually hate each other -- but in the case of Russian interference in our election -- agreed unanimously? James Clapper is the overseer for all of them. And that "unanimous" part impressed even him."
Study: racism and sexism predict support for Trump much more than economic dissatisfaction
http://www.vox.com/identities/2017/1/4/14160956/trump-racism-sexism-economy-study
"analysis also shows that a bulk of support for Trump — perhaps what made him a contender to begin with — came from beliefs rooted in racism and sexism."
"analysis also shows that a bulk of support for Trump — perhaps what made him a contender to begin with — came from beliefs rooted in racism and sexism."
House GOP Can Now Fire Any Government Employee Who Opposes Trump
http://thedailybanter.com/2017/01/house-republicans-can-fire-anyone-who-angers-trump/
"But the far greater danger is it will allow the president and his party, both fans of revenge politics, to play out their revenge on people who are simply trying to do their jobs."
"But the far greater danger is it will allow the president and his party, both fans of revenge politics, to play out their revenge on people who are simply trying to do their jobs."
Democrats can no longer bail out Republican voters. They're up sh--t's creek.
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/5/1617356/-Democrats-can-no-longer-bail-out-Republican-voters-They-re-up-sh-t-s-creek
"It f*cking sucks for those of us in the American majority who voted for Democrats. Three million more of us voted for Hillary Clinton than Trump. In the Senate, the 48 Democratic senators received a combined 78.4 million votes, to the 54.9 million votes earned by the 52 Republican senators. We don’t live in a real democracy, and Republicans have been able to game the system to their advantage. My compassion, and sympathy, and fears all rest with people who voted for a kinder, gentler, more compassionate and inclusive America. But the a**holes who voted for the other team? They finally are getting what they voted for, unambiguously. Democrats no longer have the ability to bail them out. And now, over the next two to four years, they’ll get to decide: is this what they really wanted? If it is? So be it. But Democrats need to remind those Republican voters, time and time again, that all the shit coming down the pike is their fault, it was their choice, it was their vote. Those of us on the left had their interests at heart, and they didn’t give a damn. Instead, they built their own hate-filled bubble and stocked it with fake news. (Remember, the people who are really in bubbles are the ones who need to create a fake reality to support it!) But maybe, as these Republican voters start losing their health care, losing their jobs, losing their wage protections, losing their children to war and conflict, and losing their shorelines and crops to climate change—perhaps then they’ll reassess their electoral choices. Perhaps. Really, that’s a choice they’ll have to make, and they’ll have to make it on their own. Either they’ll get it or they won’t. We don’t have a say in the matter, particularly in this era of fake news. Their bubble is impenetrable."
"It f*cking sucks for those of us in the American majority who voted for Democrats. Three million more of us voted for Hillary Clinton than Trump. In the Senate, the 48 Democratic senators received a combined 78.4 million votes, to the 54.9 million votes earned by the 52 Republican senators. We don’t live in a real democracy, and Republicans have been able to game the system to their advantage. My compassion, and sympathy, and fears all rest with people who voted for a kinder, gentler, more compassionate and inclusive America. But the a**holes who voted for the other team? They finally are getting what they voted for, unambiguously. Democrats no longer have the ability to bail them out. And now, over the next two to four years, they’ll get to decide: is this what they really wanted? If it is? So be it. But Democrats need to remind those Republican voters, time and time again, that all the shit coming down the pike is their fault, it was their choice, it was their vote. Those of us on the left had their interests at heart, and they didn’t give a damn. Instead, they built their own hate-filled bubble and stocked it with fake news. (Remember, the people who are really in bubbles are the ones who need to create a fake reality to support it!) But maybe, as these Republican voters start losing their health care, losing their jobs, losing their wage protections, losing their children to war and conflict, and losing their shorelines and crops to climate change—perhaps then they’ll reassess their electoral choices. Perhaps. Really, that’s a choice they’ll have to make, and they’ll have to make it on their own. Either they’ll get it or they won’t. We don’t have a say in the matter, particularly in this era of fake news. Their bubble is impenetrable."
Watch CNN's Double Standard: GOP 'Opposes'; Dems 'Obstruct' | Crooks and Liars
Watch CNN's Double Standard: GOP 'Opposes'; Dems 'Obstruct' | Crooks and Liars
"Let's start with a couple of premises. First, Republicans shamelessly blocked Judge Merrick Garland's confirmation to the Supreme Court for no other reason than the political advantage it gave them during the election. They held Scalia's seat open to Republican voters like the golden egg waiting to be claimed. Most importantly, they paid no political price for doing so. None whatsoever. In fact, their strategy to obstruct everything for eight years generally paid off for them. They recovered the House, the Senate and now the White House, all in the name of "taking their country back" by refusing to govern for eight full years. Watch what happens in this segment on CNN. There is no mention of the reward to Republicans for their obstruction, but God forbid Democrats should do the same thing and for stronger reasons, like not putting a hard-right ideologue on the Supreme Court."
"Let's start with a couple of premises. First, Republicans shamelessly blocked Judge Merrick Garland's confirmation to the Supreme Court for no other reason than the political advantage it gave them during the election. They held Scalia's seat open to Republican voters like the golden egg waiting to be claimed. Most importantly, they paid no political price for doing so. None whatsoever. In fact, their strategy to obstruct everything for eight years generally paid off for them. They recovered the House, the Senate and now the White House, all in the name of "taking their country back" by refusing to govern for eight full years. Watch what happens in this segment on CNN. There is no mention of the reward to Republicans for their obstruction, but God forbid Democrats should do the same thing and for stronger reasons, like not putting a hard-right ideologue on the Supreme Court."
Trump's choice for the SEC is a Wall Street lawyer who defended clients against ... the SEC
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/4/1617043/-Trump-s-choice-for-the-SEC-is-a-Wall-Street-lawyer-who-defended-clients-against-the-SEC
"What’s Clayton’s background? As a defense attorney, he’s worked to get big banks out of trouble when they break the rules. Among others, Clayton has worked for JPMorgan Chase, big Trump lender Deutsche Bank, and, of course, Goldman Sachs—because a Goldman connection seems to be a Trump cabinet prerequisite. Clayton also worked for Bear Stearns, the failed company whose massive stack of toxic loans helped trigger the fiscal crisis. Clayton’s bio shows just how often he worked to arrange a settlement for banks found violating mortgage regulations by DOJ, HUD, FHFA and states. His previous experience with the SEC involves representing oil companies involved in a decade long bribery scandal that ended in a $365 million fine. There’s little doubt that Trump appointed Clayton because he wants to deregulate investment banking. That gave him a big edge over the competition. Clayton beat out former federal prosecutor Debra Wong Yang for the SEC job. While Yang is a star corporate lawyer like Clayton, she earned a reputation for toughness as a prosecutor by taking down a violent drug-dealing gang and investigating financial fraud. Toughness? Investigating financial fraud? Definitely not on the Trump check list."
"What’s Clayton’s background? As a defense attorney, he’s worked to get big banks out of trouble when they break the rules. Among others, Clayton has worked for JPMorgan Chase, big Trump lender Deutsche Bank, and, of course, Goldman Sachs—because a Goldman connection seems to be a Trump cabinet prerequisite. Clayton also worked for Bear Stearns, the failed company whose massive stack of toxic loans helped trigger the fiscal crisis. Clayton’s bio shows just how often he worked to arrange a settlement for banks found violating mortgage regulations by DOJ, HUD, FHFA and states. His previous experience with the SEC involves representing oil companies involved in a decade long bribery scandal that ended in a $365 million fine. There’s little doubt that Trump appointed Clayton because he wants to deregulate investment banking. That gave him a big edge over the competition. Clayton beat out former federal prosecutor Debra Wong Yang for the SEC job. While Yang is a star corporate lawyer like Clayton, she earned a reputation for toughness as a prosecutor by taking down a violent drug-dealing gang and investigating financial fraud. Toughness? Investigating financial fraud? Definitely not on the Trump check list."
The CEO of a chain that underpays and mistreats workers is about to lead the Labor Department
https://thinkprogress.org/puzder-labor-abuses-f235d772bc8c#.6e45x9pxp
"The official mission of the Labor Department is to “improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.” But if Puzder is confirmed to run the agency, he will be in charge of enforcing a host of laws his own company has broken, in addition to other policies he has publicly opposed."
"The official mission of the Labor Department is to “improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.” But if Puzder is confirmed to run the agency, he will be in charge of enforcing a host of laws his own company has broken, in addition to other policies he has publicly opposed."
Betsy DeVos is Bad For Education
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/1/4/1616983/-Betsy-DeVos-is-Bad-For-Education
"Betsy DeVos is the worst possible choice for Secretary of Education. She is not an educator, she never attended public schools, and she does not send her own children to public schools. She has no formal education in instruction or curriculum. She is a very powerful, rich, lobbyist."
"Betsy DeVos is the worst possible choice for Secretary of Education. She is not an educator, she never attended public schools, and she does not send her own children to public schools. She has no formal education in instruction or curriculum. She is a very powerful, rich, lobbyist."
Arkansas Republicans See Christ In Kickbacks | Crooks and Liars
Arkansas Republicans See Christ In Kickbacks | Crooks and Liars
"It seems that some Republican members of the State House and the State Senate conspired to dump a ton of money on rightwing Christian colleges in the state. For about $600,000 of taxpayer money to tiny Ecclesia College in Springdale, Arkansas, the Republican politicians got about $38,000 each in kickbacks."
"It seems that some Republican members of the State House and the State Senate conspired to dump a ton of money on rightwing Christian colleges in the state. For about $600,000 of taxpayer money to tiny Ecclesia College in Springdale, Arkansas, the Republican politicians got about $38,000 each in kickbacks."
Did Donald Trump Cheat on Social Security and Medicare Taxes, Paying Less Than Minimum Wage Workers? @alternet
Did Donald Trump Cheat on Social Security and Medicare Taxes, Paying Less Than Minimum Wage Workers? @alternet:
"The only way to know for sure is to see his federal income tax returns. But there is indeed evidence already in the public domain that suggests that, on top of being a racist, a misogynist, and a xenophobe, Donald Trump is a tax cheat."
"The only way to know for sure is to see his federal income tax returns. But there is indeed evidence already in the public domain that suggests that, on top of being a racist, a misogynist, and a xenophobe, Donald Trump is a tax cheat."
Monday, January 9, 2017
Americans Can't Afford to Lose Richard Cordray or the CFPB
Americans Can't Afford to Lose Richard Cordray or the CFPB
"At the height of the financial crisis in 2008, an estimated one out of every 54 homeowners lost their homes. Workers and seniors lost lifetimes’ worth of savings or retirement accounts, small businesses went under, and vulnerable consumers fell victim to toxic and manipulative financial products offered by Wall Street and the big banks. It was the deepest recession our country had faced since the Great Depression, and it was spurred by splintered, ineffective consumer financial protection practices. In a meaningful step to protect hardworking Americans and to stop the next crisis before it started, Congress passed a pragmatic law in 2010 that created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB’s sole purpose was—and continues to be—to make financial markets work better for consumers and responsible financial services providers. At the helm of the bureau is Director Richard Cordray, who has proven to be a tireless and effective leader. Under his watch, the CFPB has cracked down on the tricks and traps of payday lenders, credit cards companies, debt collectors and bad actors in the industry from taking advantage of unsuspecting Americans. In its five years as an agency, the CFPB has recovered more than $11 billion for 27 million consumers harmed by illegal practices of financial institutions. The bureau has secured relief in more than 100 cases, directly putting money back in the pockets of American consumers who have been victimized by companies that refuse to follow the law. In just the last three months, the CFPB has stopped Wells Fargo from opening fraudulent accounts without customers’ knowledge, halted three companies from taking advantage of seniors through reverse mortgages sales, and shut down a scam ripping off lead poisoning victims who were being tricked into signing away their legal settlements."
"At the height of the financial crisis in 2008, an estimated one out of every 54 homeowners lost their homes. Workers and seniors lost lifetimes’ worth of savings or retirement accounts, small businesses went under, and vulnerable consumers fell victim to toxic and manipulative financial products offered by Wall Street and the big banks. It was the deepest recession our country had faced since the Great Depression, and it was spurred by splintered, ineffective consumer financial protection practices. In a meaningful step to protect hardworking Americans and to stop the next crisis before it started, Congress passed a pragmatic law in 2010 that created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB’s sole purpose was—and continues to be—to make financial markets work better for consumers and responsible financial services providers. At the helm of the bureau is Director Richard Cordray, who has proven to be a tireless and effective leader. Under his watch, the CFPB has cracked down on the tricks and traps of payday lenders, credit cards companies, debt collectors and bad actors in the industry from taking advantage of unsuspecting Americans. In its five years as an agency, the CFPB has recovered more than $11 billion for 27 million consumers harmed by illegal practices of financial institutions. The bureau has secured relief in more than 100 cases, directly putting money back in the pockets of American consumers who have been victimized by companies that refuse to follow the law. In just the last three months, the CFPB has stopped Wells Fargo from opening fraudulent accounts without customers’ knowledge, halted three companies from taking advantage of seniors through reverse mortgages sales, and shut down a scam ripping off lead poisoning victims who were being tricked into signing away their legal settlements."
Kentucky GOP Supermajority Just Gutted Women's, Workers' Rights
Kentucky GOP Supermajority Just Gutted Women's, Workers' Rights
"Republicans, now wielding total control of the Kentucky state legislature for the first time in nearly a century, exerted their power this weekend to pass a slew of measures that weaken workers' and women's rights."
"Republicans, now wielding total control of the Kentucky state legislature for the first time in nearly a century, exerted their power this weekend to pass a slew of measures that weaken workers' and women's rights."
Warren Joins Nation's Teachers in Denouncing Trump's "Horrifying" Education Pick
Warren Joins Nation's Teachers in Denouncing Trump's "Horrifying" Education Pick
"In a scathing memo sent Monday to Donald Trump's pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined a growing chorus of opposition to the nominee, probing her past support for "privatizing and defunding K-12 education" as well as her "paper-thin record on higher education and student debt"."
"In a scathing memo sent Monday to Donald Trump's pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined a growing chorus of opposition to the nominee, probing her past support for "privatizing and defunding K-12 education" as well as her "paper-thin record on higher education and student debt"."
#DayAgainstDenial Calls on Senate to Reject Trump's Anti-Science Cabinet
#DayAgainstDenial Calls on Senate to Reject Trump's Anti-Science Cabinet
"More than 70 rallies and other events are slated to take place at lawmakers' offices around the country on Monday."
"More than 70 rallies and other events are slated to take place at lawmakers' offices around the country on Monday."
Here's How the Trump Administration Will Make Your Internet Service Suck Even Worse Than It Does Now @alternet
Here's How the Trump Administration Will Make Your Internet Service Suck Even Worse Than It Does Now @alternet: "there’s another key aspect of Trump tech policy that shouldn’t be overlooked: Net neutrality."
More Than 1,300 Law Professors Oppose Jeff Sessions For AG
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jeff-sessions-attorney-general_us_586e85e4e4b099cdb0fbed27?jxo8pzbyegbvs4i
"His civil rights record is awful and he was rejected as a federal judge for being too racist"
"His civil rights record is awful and he was rejected as a federal judge for being too racist"
HHS Nominee's Stock Trading Warrants Further Investigation, Watchdogs Say
HHS Nominee's Stock Trading Warrants Further Investigation, Watchdogs Say
"The Democrats' call came on the heels of a letter (pdf) from Public Citizen that makes a similar demand. The advocacy group asks the Office of Congressional Ethics and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Price as well as Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) "for conflicts of interest and possible insider trading"."
"The Democrats' call came on the heels of a letter (pdf) from Public Citizen that makes a similar demand. The advocacy group asks the Office of Congressional Ethics and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Price as well as Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) "for conflicts of interest and possible insider trading"."
Trump said he had $315 million in debt. He left out $1.5 billion.
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-said-he-had-315-million-in-debt-he-left-out-1-5-billion-73577d392896#.71rgdhb4y
"That debt has been securitized and is owed to at least 150 financial entities. These financial institutions include many firms that are under the scrutiny of the federal agencies that Trump will soon control. Wells Fargo, for example, which services over $900 million in loans connected to Trump, “is currently facing scrutiny from federal regulators surrounding its fraudulent sales practices and other issues.” Trump will soon appoint the top regulators who will be responsible for scrutinizing the bank’s conduct."
"That debt has been securitized and is owed to at least 150 financial entities. These financial institutions include many firms that are under the scrutiny of the federal agencies that Trump will soon control. Wells Fargo, for example, which services over $900 million in loans connected to Trump, “is currently facing scrutiny from federal regulators surrounding its fraudulent sales practices and other issues.” Trump will soon appoint the top regulators who will be responsible for scrutinizing the bank’s conduct."
The GOP's Brilliant Plan to Distract from Critical Confirmation Hearings
The GOP's Brilliant Plan to Distract from Critical Confirmation Hearings
"The Republican party appears to be employing a strategy wherein the public—and even lawmakers—will be too distracted to place much needed scrutiny on President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees. Not only are six major confirmation hearings now scheduled for the same day (see below)—"preventing any one nominee from dominating a news cycle," as the Washington Post put it—but Trump himself rescheduled a long-awaited press conference for that very day: January 11. And that same Wednesday also happens to be when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) plans to begin a so-called vote-o-rama, "in which senators take dozens and dozens of votes on amendments with no clear end," Politico explains. Indeed, as Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told NPR of secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson's hearing in particular: "It may well happen on a day where we are literally voting continuously for 24 hours. I don't think that's the right day to hold a hearing where the members of the Foreign Relations Committee who have real concerns—both Republicans and Democrats—want to hear his full answers, not just race in and out." But that could be just what some Republicans are hoping for. "The GOP leadership's approach will minimize unflattering process stories and prevent Trump's nominees from receiving the kind of full airing and scrutiny that they would otherwise," James Hohmann wrote for the Post."
"The Republican party appears to be employing a strategy wherein the public—and even lawmakers—will be too distracted to place much needed scrutiny on President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet nominees. Not only are six major confirmation hearings now scheduled for the same day (see below)—"preventing any one nominee from dominating a news cycle," as the Washington Post put it—but Trump himself rescheduled a long-awaited press conference for that very day: January 11. And that same Wednesday also happens to be when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) plans to begin a so-called vote-o-rama, "in which senators take dozens and dozens of votes on amendments with no clear end," Politico explains. Indeed, as Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told NPR of secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson's hearing in particular: "It may well happen on a day where we are literally voting continuously for 24 hours. I don't think that's the right day to hold a hearing where the members of the Foreign Relations Committee who have real concerns—both Republicans and Democrats—want to hear his full answers, not just race in and out." But that could be just what some Republicans are hoping for. "The GOP leadership's approach will minimize unflattering process stories and prevent Trump's nominees from receiving the kind of full airing and scrutiny that they would otherwise," James Hohmann wrote for the Post."
Mitch McConnell ignoring cabinet confirmation procedure he demanded in 2009
https://thinkprogress.org/mitch-mcconnell-confirmation-ethics-hypocrisy-2c75b671d694#.5u6a2v4ht
"This is not the first time since Trump’s November victory that McConnell has completely reversed himself on the senate’s “advise and consent” process. After refusing to even allow a confirmation hearing for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for nearly a year — the longest delay in American history — and refusing to commit to allowing a confirmation vote even if Hillary Clinton won, McConnell said on Wednesday that “the American people simply will not tolerate” it if Democrats refuse to confirm a Trump Supreme Court nominee."
"This is not the first time since Trump’s November victory that McConnell has completely reversed himself on the senate’s “advise and consent” process. After refusing to even allow a confirmation hearing for President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland for nearly a year — the longest delay in American history — and refusing to commit to allowing a confirmation vote even if Hillary Clinton won, McConnell said on Wednesday that “the American people simply will not tolerate” it if Democrats refuse to confirm a Trump Supreme Court nominee."
‘There’s no reason’: Reince Priebus claims background checks on Trump’s cabinet are a waste of time
‘There’s no reason’: Reince Priebus claims background checks on Trump’s cabinet are a waste of time
"Reince Priebus, chief of staff to Donald Trump, argued on Sunday that there was “no reason” to complete background checks on the president-elect’s cabinet appointments. The Office of Government Ethics warned last week that background checks for Trump’s nominees would not be completed iin times for confirmation hearing next week because the nominees have refused to provide financial disclosures."
"Reince Priebus, chief of staff to Donald Trump, argued on Sunday that there was “no reason” to complete background checks on the president-elect’s cabinet appointments. The Office of Government Ethics warned last week that background checks for Trump’s nominees would not be completed iin times for confirmation hearing next week because the nominees have refused to provide financial disclosures."
Donald Trump and His Cabinet of Criminals
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/39018-donald-trump-and-his-cabinet-of-criminals
"Not surprisingly, the lack of concern for ethics in his own dealings has spilled over into his picks for top administration positions. While his cabinet is filled with the incredibly rich who, thanks to Trump's proposed tax breaks, will be newly incentivized to steal, there are two individuals who stand out: Steven Mnuchin, Trump's pick for Treasury secretary, and Andrew Puzder, Trump's choice for Labor secretary."
"Not surprisingly, the lack of concern for ethics in his own dealings has spilled over into his picks for top administration positions. While his cabinet is filled with the incredibly rich who, thanks to Trump's proposed tax breaks, will be newly incentivized to steal, there are two individuals who stand out: Steven Mnuchin, Trump's pick for Treasury secretary, and Andrew Puzder, Trump's choice for Labor secretary."
GOP Tries to 'Jam' Through Nominees Not Yet Vetted, Ethics Office Warns
GOP Tries to 'Jam' Through Nominees Not Yet Vetted, Ethics Office Warns
"Trump's cabinet, slated to be by far the wealthiest in modern history, include numerous billionaires, corporate CEOs, and business people with deep financial ties to the industries they are appointed to govern."
"Trump's cabinet, slated to be by far the wealthiest in modern history, include numerous billionaires, corporate CEOs, and business people with deep financial ties to the industries they are appointed to govern."
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