Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Does Donald Trump Believe Nuclear War Is Inevitable?
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/12/donald-trump-nuclear-war-weapons-inevitable
"In just seven weeks, a man known for being ill-tempered, thin-skinned, narcissistic, and erratic will take control of the US nuclear arsenal. Donald Trump will have the authority and power to launch any combination of the country's 4,500 nuclear weapons. At any time and for any reason he deems fit, Trump could destroy a nation and, through miscalculation, the world. During the presidential campaign, he uttered several troubling statements about nuclear arms. At a Republican primary debate, he botched a question about the nuclear triad—America's system of sea-, air-, and land-based nuclear weapons—suggesting he did not understand the most basic information about the structure of the US nuclear command. (He babbled, "For me, nuclear is just the power, the devastation is very important to me.") At other points in the campaign, Trump noted he would support allowing Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia to obtain nuclear weapons and indicated he would be open to using such weapons against ISIS and in other conflicts. What makes Trump's loose talk—and ignorance—about nuclear weapons particularly worrisome is that in the past, he has taken a fatalistic approach toward the notion of nuclear war. He has spoken as if he believed such a conflagration was almost inevitable. And now he is about to become one of the few humans on the planet who can decide the fate of the Earth."
"In just seven weeks, a man known for being ill-tempered, thin-skinned, narcissistic, and erratic will take control of the US nuclear arsenal. Donald Trump will have the authority and power to launch any combination of the country's 4,500 nuclear weapons. At any time and for any reason he deems fit, Trump could destroy a nation and, through miscalculation, the world. During the presidential campaign, he uttered several troubling statements about nuclear arms. At a Republican primary debate, he botched a question about the nuclear triad—America's system of sea-, air-, and land-based nuclear weapons—suggesting he did not understand the most basic information about the structure of the US nuclear command. (He babbled, "For me, nuclear is just the power, the devastation is very important to me.") At other points in the campaign, Trump noted he would support allowing Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia to obtain nuclear weapons and indicated he would be open to using such weapons against ISIS and in other conflicts. What makes Trump's loose talk—and ignorance—about nuclear weapons particularly worrisome is that in the past, he has taken a fatalistic approach toward the notion of nuclear war. He has spoken as if he believed such a conflagration was almost inevitable. And now he is about to become one of the few humans on the planet who can decide the fate of the Earth."
The Obamacare Economy: More Jobs (+15M), Rising Middle Class Incomes (+$3K), Lower Deficit (-2/3rds)
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/8/1564305/-The-Obamacare-Economy-More-Jobs-15M-Rising-Middle-Class-Incomes-3K-Lower-Deficit-2-3rds
"The Republican Repeal Plan would deliver a massive tax cut to the wealthy at the expense of workers and small businesses, who would lose access to valuable tax credits that help make coverage affordable. All told, the Republican Repeal Plan would cause nearly 30 million people to lose their health coverage by 2019, and it would leave states, cities, and counties with a huge new bill for uncompensated care. Of course, the Republican assault on Obamacare also threatens to eliminate basic protections against insurance company abuses, reopen the Medicare donut hole, and shorten the life of the Medicare trust fund. Each and every one of those points should be highlighted in the weeks ahead."
"The Republican Repeal Plan would deliver a massive tax cut to the wealthy at the expense of workers and small businesses, who would lose access to valuable tax credits that help make coverage affordable. All told, the Republican Repeal Plan would cause nearly 30 million people to lose their health coverage by 2019, and it would leave states, cities, and counties with a huge new bill for uncompensated care. Of course, the Republican assault on Obamacare also threatens to eliminate basic protections against insurance company abuses, reopen the Medicare donut hole, and shorten the life of the Medicare trust fund. Each and every one of those points should be highlighted in the weeks ahead."
Obama’s science adviser explains why a ‘science-savvy’ president matters
Obama’s science adviser explains why a ‘science-savvy’ president matters
"President Obama's chief science adviser, Dr. John Holdren, explains in an interview why it helps to have a "science-savvy" president."
"President Obama's chief science adviser, Dr. John Holdren, explains in an interview why it helps to have a "science-savvy" president."
7 Election Integrity and Cyber Security Experts Say Stopping Michigan Recount Is a Corrupt Exercise of Power @alternet
7 Election Integrity and Cyber Security Experts Say Stopping Michigan Recount Is a Corrupt Exercise of Power @alternet:
"Michigan is the new Florida in American elections, an infamous state where Republican judges shut down a presidential recount before the votes were counted, leaving Americans with unanswered questions about Donald Trump’s closest margin of victory on election night, November 8. Thursday morning, no county election offices were continuing with the recount, even as Green presidential candidate Jill Stein’s campaign was taking its flght for the recount to Michigan’s Supreme Court. Make no mistake, a travesty has occurred."
"Michigan is the new Florida in American elections, an infamous state where Republican judges shut down a presidential recount before the votes were counted, leaving Americans with unanswered questions about Donald Trump’s closest margin of victory on election night, November 8. Thursday morning, no county election offices were continuing with the recount, even as Green presidential candidate Jill Stein’s campaign was taking its flght for the recount to Michigan’s Supreme Court. Make no mistake, a travesty has occurred."
A Thug in a Tin Foil Hat: Donald Trump's National Security Adviser Puts Us All At Risk @alternet
A Thug in a Tin Foil Hat: Donald Trump's National Security Adviser Puts Us All At Risk @alternet:
"Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, President-elect Trump’s nominee for the position of national security adviser, traffics in conspiracy theories so detached from reality so as to be disqualifying for the position he is poised to occupy. But if that isn’t enough to cost him the plum that awaits him as one of the presumptive president’s top men, the violence his tweets—a combination of Islamophobia and sexualized sadistic fantasy—seem designed to incite bodes ominously for the security of the nation, whose Constitution he has sworn to uphold and defend."
"Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, President-elect Trump’s nominee for the position of national security adviser, traffics in conspiracy theories so detached from reality so as to be disqualifying for the position he is poised to occupy. But if that isn’t enough to cost him the plum that awaits him as one of the presumptive president’s top men, the violence his tweets—a combination of Islamophobia and sexualized sadistic fantasy—seem designed to incite bodes ominously for the security of the nation, whose Constitution he has sworn to uphold and defend."
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Congress Introduces Legislation To Destroy Social Security | Crooks and Liars
Congress Introduces Legislation To Destroy Social Security | Crooks and Liars
"Billionaires like the ones in Trump's cabinet will rejoice, however, because they'll get a nice big fat tax cut as their reward for pushing these cuts."
"Billionaires like the ones in Trump's cabinet will rejoice, however, because they'll get a nice big fat tax cut as their reward for pushing these cuts."
'Deeply Disturbing': Trump Refusal of Intel Briefings Raises Concern
'Deeply Disturbing': Trump Refusal of Intel Briefings Raises Concern
"President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly refusing to receive all but one intelligence briefing a week—meaning he's skipping most of them, Reuters reported on Friday."
"President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly refusing to receive all but one intelligence briefing a week—meaning he's skipping most of them, Reuters reported on Friday."
Trump’s expected pick for State runs Exxon and received the Order of Friendship from Vladimir Putin
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-picks-exxonmobil-ceo-to-be-americas-next-secretary-of-state-121d0dfef757#.xwk7jq7b2
"Trump will likely tout Tillerson’s experience on the world stage in his current job leading a giant American company as a qualification to run the State Department. However, ExxonMobil does not see itself as an American company. Lee Raymond, Tillerson’s predecessor, once replied to a question about building more U.S. refinery capacity with a jarring statement: “I’m not a U.S. company and I don’t make decisions based on what’s good for the U.S"."
"Trump will likely tout Tillerson’s experience on the world stage in his current job leading a giant American company as a qualification to run the State Department. However, ExxonMobil does not see itself as an American company. Lee Raymond, Tillerson’s predecessor, once replied to a question about building more U.S. refinery capacity with a jarring statement: “I’m not a U.S. company and I don’t make decisions based on what’s good for the U.S"."
War With Russia Isn't The Issue. Treason Is. | Crooks and Liars
War With Russia Isn't The Issue. Treason Is. | Crooks and Liars
"Russia did what Russia does. We've seen them do it around the world. The single issue here -- the ONLY issue -- is what McConnell, Chaffetz, Comey et al chose not to do. There is no argument for war against Russia. There is, however, a serious argument for why Constitutional officers -- men who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution -- chose instead to undermine it by allowing Russia to do what they did unchecked. In Comey's case, it goes one step farther because Comey actually deflected attention away from Russian interference in order to refocus media on emails, which measurably impacted the outcome. Is there an argument to be made that our fourth estate failed us in this regard? Maybe."
"Russia did what Russia does. We've seen them do it around the world. The single issue here -- the ONLY issue -- is what McConnell, Chaffetz, Comey et al chose not to do. There is no argument for war against Russia. There is, however, a serious argument for why Constitutional officers -- men who swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution -- chose instead to undermine it by allowing Russia to do what they did unchecked. In Comey's case, it goes one step farther because Comey actually deflected attention away from Russian interference in order to refocus media on emails, which measurably impacted the outcome. Is there an argument to be made that our fourth estate failed us in this regard? Maybe."
McConnell Covered Up CIA Reports That Russian Hacks Were Aimed At Electing Trump | Crooks and Liars
McConnell Covered Up CIA Reports That Russian Hacks Were Aimed At Electing Trump | Crooks and Liars
"According to a bombshell report from the Washington Post, the CIA concluded that Russia actively interfered in the election not just to destabilize our political system, but to actively elect Donald Trump."
"According to a bombshell report from the Washington Post, the CIA concluded that Russia actively interfered in the election not just to destabilize our political system, but to actively elect Donald Trump."
McConnell gave Russia the green light, refused to sign on to protecting election
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/10/1609468/-McConnell-gave-Russia-the-green-light-refused-to-sign-on-to-protecting-election
"Why would a US Senator refuse to join in an agreement to secure an American election? Because McConnell had something to gain. Mitch McConnell followed exactly the same line as Donald Trump, proclaiming the evidence insufficient and claiming that even talking about the involvement of a foreign power that had broken into the email server of an American political party and distributed select pieces of that email for political purposes was “partisan.” What did McConnell get for toeing the Trump line? After the election, Trump chose McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, as his nominee for transportation secretary. If Mitch McConnell was covering for Trump because he already had a deal in place, then the Trump campaign was not just aware of the issue, but recognized it as a problem that had to stay buried. Russia has acknowledged that all during this period, Russian agents were in contact with the Trump campaign. The Russian government maintained contacts with members of Donald J. Trump’s “immediate entourage” during the American presidential campaign, one of Russia’s top diplomats said Thursday. Trump may not just have been the beneficiary of the Russian involvement, he may well have played an active role."
"Why would a US Senator refuse to join in an agreement to secure an American election? Because McConnell had something to gain. Mitch McConnell followed exactly the same line as Donald Trump, proclaiming the evidence insufficient and claiming that even talking about the involvement of a foreign power that had broken into the email server of an American political party and distributed select pieces of that email for political purposes was “partisan.” What did McConnell get for toeing the Trump line? After the election, Trump chose McConnell’s wife, Elaine Chao, as his nominee for transportation secretary. If Mitch McConnell was covering for Trump because he already had a deal in place, then the Trump campaign was not just aware of the issue, but recognized it as a problem that had to stay buried. Russia has acknowledged that all during this period, Russian agents were in contact with the Trump campaign. The Russian government maintained contacts with members of Donald J. Trump’s “immediate entourage” during the American presidential campaign, one of Russia’s top diplomats said Thursday. Trump may not just have been the beneficiary of the Russian involvement, he may well have played an active role."
Trump trashes CIA, dismisses evidence that Russia helped him win presidency
https://thinkprogress.org/russia-intervened-in-the-2016-campaign-with-the-goal-of-electing-trump-cia-says-c492422a1a0d#.res0d651x
"the CIA informed U.S. senators last week that it was “quite clear” from a “growing body of intelligence from multiple sources” that Russia’s goal was to elect Trump."
"the CIA informed U.S. senators last week that it was “quite clear” from a “growing body of intelligence from multiple sources” that Russia’s goal was to elect Trump."
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Exxon-Mobil Chief Expected To Be Secretary Of State Nominee | Crooks and Liars
Exxon-Mobil Chief Expected To Be Secretary Of State Nominee | Crooks and Liars
"Trump's choice of Exxon-Mobil CEO should surprise no one. He's an extremely wealthy CEO of the largest oil company in the country, and he's really good friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin."
"Trump's choice of Exxon-Mobil CEO should surprise no one. He's an extremely wealthy CEO of the largest oil company in the country, and he's really good friends with Russian President Vladimir Putin."
Trump's Bait and Switch: How to Swamp Washington and Double-Cross Your Supporters Big Time
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/38664-trump-s-bait-and-switch-how-to-swamp-washington-and-double-cross-your-supporters-big-time
"There is, in fact, some historical precedent for a president surrounding himself with such a group of self-interested power-grabbers, but you'd have to return to Warren G. Harding's administration in the early 1920s to find it."
"There is, in fact, some historical precedent for a president surrounding himself with such a group of self-interested power-grabbers, but you'd have to return to Warren G. Harding's administration in the early 1920s to find it."
Obama’s science adviser explains why a ‘science-savvy’ president matters
Obama’s science adviser explains why a ‘science-savvy’ president matters
"President Obama's chief science adviser, Dr. John Holdren, explains in an interview why it helps to have a "science-savvy" president."
"President Obama's chief science adviser, Dr. John Holdren, explains in an interview why it helps to have a "science-savvy" president."
Donald Trump just attacked a local union leader for telling the truth
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/7/1608556/-Donald-Trump-just-attacked-a-local-union-leader-for-telling-the-truth
"Don’t forget—Jones is working to lift his members’ spirits because more than a thousand of them will be out of work while the president-elect runs around claiming to have saved their jobs. And by the way, CNN and Politico, Jones is not a “union boss,” unless you want to start calling Trump “U.S. boss” (not that he’d mind). Jones is the elected president of his union local, not an autocrat."
"Don’t forget—Jones is working to lift his members’ spirits because more than a thousand of them will be out of work while the president-elect runs around claiming to have saved their jobs. And by the way, CNN and Politico, Jones is not a “union boss,” unless you want to start calling Trump “U.S. boss” (not that he’d mind). Jones is the elected president of his union local, not an autocrat."
The next four years are shaping up as a disaster for organized labor
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-organized-labor-4dd6715e3974#.5xadhat9i
"give a light tap to Trump’s friend-of-the-working-man act, and you’ll find it rings hollow. His deal with Carrier saved fewer jobs than he claimed, and he shut the union representing employees entirely out of negotiations. He may have had less to do than he claims with a $50 billion domestic investment by the Japanese firm Softbank — and there’s no evidence this investment will produce the 50,000 U.S. jobs that he promised it would. And anyway, the deals with Softbank and Carrier are stunts involving individual companies, not economy-wide policy. On that level, the early indicators as to how Trump will govern do not look good. In particular, all signs point to a prolonged, all-out assault on organized labor."
"give a light tap to Trump’s friend-of-the-working-man act, and you’ll find it rings hollow. His deal with Carrier saved fewer jobs than he claimed, and he shut the union representing employees entirely out of negotiations. He may have had less to do than he claims with a $50 billion domestic investment by the Japanese firm Softbank — and there’s no evidence this investment will produce the 50,000 U.S. jobs that he promised it would. And anyway, the deals with Softbank and Carrier are stunts involving individual companies, not economy-wide policy. On that level, the early indicators as to how Trump will govern do not look good. In particular, all signs point to a prolonged, all-out assault on organized labor."
Carrier union leader receives threats after Trump smears him on Twitter
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-chuck-jones-carrier-lied-his-ass-off-threats-56c3d5ff8616#.c6f2yjhwe
"Chuck Jones’ sin was speaking the truth about the Carrier deal."
"Chuck Jones’ sin was speaking the truth about the Carrier deal."
Here's Why Trump's 'Air Force One' Tweet is the Perfect Example of His Total Incompetence
Here's Why Trump's 'Air Force One' Tweet is the Perfect Example of His Total Incompetence
"Donald Trump’s not even officially president yet, but he’s already showing the world what an absolute embarrassment he’s going to be to the United States."
"Donald Trump’s not even officially president yet, but he’s already showing the world what an absolute embarrassment he’s going to be to the United States."
Jim Hightower: Augustus Trumpus
Jim Hightower: Augustus Trumpus:
"Get used to it — fakery is reality for America's next president. Unfortunately for us it is not just fakery that we will have to get used to, because President Trumpus happens to have a real knack for irony as well. Trump, who campaigned as populist champion of the working-class, promising that — by golly — he was going to take on Wall Street and the corporate elites. But the bitter irony for the working class is that they now see what he meant — he's literally "taking on" the moneyed powers by taking them onboard his administration. For example, he's brought in Wall Street billionaires to fill the three top economic policy positions in his cabinet! Then there's Betsy DeVos, the billionaire heiress to the scandal-plagued Amway fortune. Her life's work has been trying to defund and privatize the public schools that working-class and middle-class people count on and to eliminate the working-class and middle-class jobs of teachers and support staff. Her new job with Trump? Secretary of Education, where she'll now use our public money to try killing off our public education system. Add to the list Myron Ebell, the honcho of the Competitive Enterprise Institute — a corporate front group funded by fossil fuel profiteers like Exxon and the Koch brothers — where he pushed relentlessly to gut the Environmental Protection Agency. Where's he now? Heading Trump's EPA transition team. Also, more than half those making up The Donald's Department of Defense transition team have been executives or lobbyists for such military contractors as Boeing corporation. Overall, according to watchdog group Public Citizen, three-fourths of Trump's transition teams — which are organizing, staffing, and shaping his new government — come from CorporateWorld. Not a single working class populist has been allowed a seat at his power table. As America's working stiffs know, if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. And now we know what Augustus Trumpus will be serving. Trump's no populist, he's a full-time corporatist."
"Get used to it — fakery is reality for America's next president. Unfortunately for us it is not just fakery that we will have to get used to, because President Trumpus happens to have a real knack for irony as well. Trump, who campaigned as populist champion of the working-class, promising that — by golly — he was going to take on Wall Street and the corporate elites. But the bitter irony for the working class is that they now see what he meant — he's literally "taking on" the moneyed powers by taking them onboard his administration. For example, he's brought in Wall Street billionaires to fill the three top economic policy positions in his cabinet! Then there's Betsy DeVos, the billionaire heiress to the scandal-plagued Amway fortune. Her life's work has been trying to defund and privatize the public schools that working-class and middle-class people count on and to eliminate the working-class and middle-class jobs of teachers and support staff. Her new job with Trump? Secretary of Education, where she'll now use our public money to try killing off our public education system. Add to the list Myron Ebell, the honcho of the Competitive Enterprise Institute — a corporate front group funded by fossil fuel profiteers like Exxon and the Koch brothers — where he pushed relentlessly to gut the Environmental Protection Agency. Where's he now? Heading Trump's EPA transition team. Also, more than half those making up The Donald's Department of Defense transition team have been executives or lobbyists for such military contractors as Boeing corporation. Overall, according to watchdog group Public Citizen, three-fourths of Trump's transition teams — which are organizing, staffing, and shaping his new government — come from CorporateWorld. Not a single working class populist has been allowed a seat at his power table. As America's working stiffs know, if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. And now we know what Augustus Trumpus will be serving. Trump's no populist, he's a full-time corporatist."
That Boeing Tweet Was All About Trump's Ego | Crooks and Liars
That Boeing Tweet Was All About Trump's Ego | Crooks and Liars
"The reason he brought it up was, Boeing's CEO questioned his trade rhetoric in the pages of the Chicago Tribune. Really."
"The reason he brought it up was, Boeing's CEO questioned his trade rhetoric in the pages of the Chicago Tribune. Really."
Donald Trump's War with America's Unions Will Not End Well
http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a51371/trump-union-leader-twitter/
"The latest news from Camp Runamuck is that the president-elect heard that an official of a steelworkers local in Indiana had bad-mouthed his miraculous rescue, for the time being, of 750 jobs. The official, Chuck Jones, said Trump had "lied his ass off" concerning the deal. (Probably a metaphor since, if it were true, and you actually could lie your ass off, the president-elect would have been ass-less since junior high. We continue.) Despite being obviously overwhelmed by the awesome responsibilities of the job he is about to undertake, El Caudillo del Mar-A-Lago fought his way back to the electric Twitter machine to respond, because that's what you do when you're president-elect and, somewhere out in the country, somebody fails to appreciate your genius in the proper manner. Intelligence briefings can wait, dammit."
"The latest news from Camp Runamuck is that the president-elect heard that an official of a steelworkers local in Indiana had bad-mouthed his miraculous rescue, for the time being, of 750 jobs. The official, Chuck Jones, said Trump had "lied his ass off" concerning the deal. (Probably a metaphor since, if it were true, and you actually could lie your ass off, the president-elect would have been ass-less since junior high. We continue.) Despite being obviously overwhelmed by the awesome responsibilities of the job he is about to undertake, El Caudillo del Mar-A-Lago fought his way back to the electric Twitter machine to respond, because that's what you do when you're president-elect and, somewhere out in the country, somebody fails to appreciate your genius in the proper manner. Intelligence briefings can wait, dammit."
Here’s Why Trump Picked An Ex-WWE CEO To Lead The Small Business Administration
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/07/trump-picked-billionaire-ex-wwe-ceo-lead-small-business-administration.html
"First, the president-elect is a WWE Hall of Fame member who has experience inside the ring. And, look, he even has his own page on the WWE website. What’s even more likely, though, is that McMahon helped bail the Trump Foundation out of debt in 2007, when she gave a whopping $4 million to the organization. Thanks to her donation, the foundation was able to finish that year with $3.2 million in the bank and remain on a solid footing since – also, those massive self-portraits of Trump didn’t just pay for themselves. More from the Washington Post: The biggest single contribution came in 2007. That year, Vince and Linda McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment fame gave the foundation $4 million. (The contribution is listed in the foundation’s tax filings as having come from WWE itself, which a representative of WWE told The Post is incorrect.) Thanks to that contribution, the foundation ended 2007 with $3.2 million in the bank. It had $3 million at the end of 2008."
"First, the president-elect is a WWE Hall of Fame member who has experience inside the ring. And, look, he even has his own page on the WWE website. What’s even more likely, though, is that McMahon helped bail the Trump Foundation out of debt in 2007, when she gave a whopping $4 million to the organization. Thanks to her donation, the foundation was able to finish that year with $3.2 million in the bank and remain on a solid footing since – also, those massive self-portraits of Trump didn’t just pay for themselves. More from the Washington Post: The biggest single contribution came in 2007. That year, Vince and Linda McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment fame gave the foundation $4 million. (The contribution is listed in the foundation’s tax filings as having come from WWE itself, which a representative of WWE told The Post is incorrect.) Thanks to that contribution, the foundation ended 2007 with $3.2 million in the bank. It had $3 million at the end of 2008."
Trump Throws Twitter Tantrum After Union Leader Calls Him Out For ‘Lying His A– Off’
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/07/trump-throws-twitter-tantrum-union-leader-calls-lying-a-off.html
"Donald Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday night to lash out after United Steelworkers leader Chuck Jones said the president-elect only “half-way delivered” on his promise to keep all Carrier jobs from being shipped out of the United States."
"Donald Trump took to Twitter on Wednesday night to lash out after United Steelworkers leader Chuck Jones said the president-elect only “half-way delivered” on his promise to keep all Carrier jobs from being shipped out of the United States."
Deadly Right Wing Fake News Leads to an Arrest for Threatening a Grieving Sandy Hook Parent
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/08/wing-conspiracy-danger-hits-sandy-hook-denier-arrested-threatening-grieving-parent.html
"In the Age of Donald Trump, the dangers of “fake news” abound. One of those dangers is that Donald Trump encourages his cult-like followers to dismiss anything critical of him as “fake news”, while subscribing to conspiracy theories and elevating conspiracy theorists to the White House."
"In the Age of Donald Trump, the dangers of “fake news” abound. One of those dangers is that Donald Trump encourages his cult-like followers to dismiss anything critical of him as “fake news”, while subscribing to conspiracy theories and elevating conspiracy theorists to the White House."
Here's Another Way To Get Merrick Garland On SCOTUS (Updated) | Crooks and Liars
Here's Another Way To Get Merrick Garland On SCOTUS (Updated) | Crooks and Liars
"In my view, there is nothing more critical to the future of this country than confirming Merrick Garland as Supreme Court Justice before President Obama leaves office. Lest we forget, surrendering that nomination is really acquiescence to a theft. That nomination was President Obama's and will continue to be his until he leaves office."
"In my view, there is nothing more critical to the future of this country than confirming Merrick Garland as Supreme Court Justice before President Obama leaves office. Lest we forget, surrendering that nomination is really acquiescence to a theft. That nomination was President Obama's and will continue to be his until he leaves office."
William Rivers Pitt | Donald Trump Can Erase Your Rights With a Bar Napkin
http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/38645-donald-trump-can-erase-your-rights-with-a-bar-napkin
"A man with the temperament of an earthquake, utterly devoid of self-control, with no one around him apparently capable of reining him in, a man who admittedly lives for revenge and retribution, who is completely incapable of absorbing criticism without having a very public meltdown, who knows little of the world, and who thinks nothing of throwing people who commit minor acts of dissent in prison … this man is about to be invested with astonishing legal powers. Make no mistake: Donald Trump wants to make history, and he doesn't give a damn how he does it. His ego demands nothing less."
"A man with the temperament of an earthquake, utterly devoid of self-control, with no one around him apparently capable of reining him in, a man who admittedly lives for revenge and retribution, who is completely incapable of absorbing criticism without having a very public meltdown, who knows little of the world, and who thinks nothing of throwing people who commit minor acts of dissent in prison … this man is about to be invested with astonishing legal powers. Make no mistake: Donald Trump wants to make history, and he doesn't give a damn how he does it. His ego demands nothing less."
Former CIA Officer Blasts Off: 'I'm Watching A Clown Show!' | Crooks and Liars
Former CIA Officer Blasts Off: 'I'm Watching A Clown Show!' | Crooks and Liars
"Trump did not run a reality-based campaign and he's not going to run a reality-based administration. This is the Republicans' wet dream. Full control of government and billionaires waiting for the payoff. It will be a clown show from Day one to the end. Period."
"Trump did not run a reality-based campaign and he's not going to run a reality-based administration. This is the Republicans' wet dream. Full control of government and billionaires waiting for the payoff. It will be a clown show from Day one to the end. Period."
Trump Just Literally Gave The WWE A Cabinet Position; World Doomed (DETAILS)
http://addictinginfo.org/2016/12/07/trump-just-literally-gave-the-wwe-a-cabinet-position-world-doomed-details/
"It’s almost as if Trump is going out of his way to be as horrible as possible. Between white supremacists and the WWE running this country, hopefully we make it until 2020 to make sure Trump gets voted out."
"It’s almost as if Trump is going out of his way to be as horrible as possible. Between white supremacists and the WWE running this country, hopefully we make it until 2020 to make sure Trump gets voted out."
Trump: Carrier can't ship jobs overseas—but I can hire foreign workers for my resort
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/6/1607971/-Trump-Carrier-can-t-ship-jobs-overseas-but-I-can-hire-foreign-workers-for-my-resort
"A month before he was elected president, Trump won approval to hire 64 foreign workers through the federal government’s H-2B visa program, according to newly released data from the U.S. Labor Department. Last year, Trump was allowed to hire 69 foreign workers at Mar-a-Lago."
"A month before he was elected president, Trump won approval to hire 64 foreign workers through the federal government’s H-2B visa program, according to newly released data from the U.S. Labor Department. Last year, Trump was allowed to hire 69 foreign workers at Mar-a-Lago."
Paul Ryan Promises ‘Unified Republican Government’ Will Destroy America in 2017
http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/06/paul-ryan-promises-unified-republican-government-destroy-american-2017.html
"The real actions Ryan plans to take are attacks on the American people on behalf of big corporations."
"The real actions Ryan plans to take are attacks on the American people on behalf of big corporations."
'The Big Short' Author Michael Lewis Sounds Alarm On Trump And Wall Street | Crooks and Liars
'The Big Short' Author Michael Lewis Sounds Alarm On Trump And Wall Street | Crooks and Liars
"Modest (and crazy, I know) suggestion: maybe Congress should be held accountable for how many bank lobbyist dollars find their way into the political system."
"Modest (and crazy, I know) suggestion: maybe Congress should be held accountable for how many bank lobbyist dollars find their way into the political system."
The details of the Carrier deal have finally been released. Trump exaggerated big league.
https://thinkprogress.org/trump-left-carrier-union-in-the-dark-on-a-shoddy-deal-95fedaedee55#.sp4lkpggo
"Trump ignored the United Steelworkers, handed a big tax break to management, then claimed an exaggerated victory."
"Trump ignored the United Steelworkers, handed a big tax break to management, then claimed an exaggerated victory."
President of Carrier employees union about Trump: He 'lied his ass off'
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/6/1608011/-President-of-Carrier-employees-union-about-Trump-He-lied-his-ass-off
"Our president-elect, Donald “I’m a con man” Trump, made headlines last week with his assertion that he had saved the day by giving a huge welfare check to Carrier and saved bigly amounts of jobs in Indianapolis. It turns out that was bullsh*t."
"Our president-elect, Donald “I’m a con man” Trump, made headlines last week with his assertion that he had saved the day by giving a huge welfare check to Carrier and saved bigly amounts of jobs in Indianapolis. It turns out that was bullsh*t."
Trump Tower brokers now marketing taxpayer-funded Secret Service as a perk to wealthy buyers
Trump Tower brokers now marketing taxpayer-funded Secret Service as a perk to wealthy buyers
"American taxpayers right now are paying an estimated $500,000 per day to keep Trump Tower secure, and the building could make additional money off taxpayers by having the Secret Service pay rent to fund a permanent presence there."
"American taxpayers right now are paying an estimated $500,000 per day to keep Trump Tower secure, and the building could make additional money off taxpayers by having the Secret Service pay rent to fund a permanent presence there."
Fake News Is an Assault on the Very Principle of Truth Itself @alternet
Fake News Is an Assault on the Very Principle of Truth Itself @alternet:
"fake news has already played a role, perhaps a substantial one, in Donald Trump’s election, especially since his campaign was aided by Russian hackers and trolls disseminating falsities"
"fake news has already played a role, perhaps a substantial one, in Donald Trump’s election, especially since his campaign was aided by Russian hackers and trolls disseminating falsities"
Texas Elector makes powerful plea to Republican Electors to reject Donald Trump in NY Times OpEd
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/5/1607711/-Texas-Elector-makes-powerful-argument-to-Republican-Electors-to-reject-Donald-Trump-in-NY-Times-OpEd
"Mr. Trump lacks the foreign policy experience and demeanor needed to be commander in chief."
"Mr. Trump lacks the foreign policy experience and demeanor needed to be commander in chief."
Troubling op-ed in Trump in-law’s newspaper calls for FBI crackdown on anti-Trump protests
Troubling op-ed in Trump in-law’s newspaper calls for FBI crackdown on anti-Trump protests
"Kushner, who is Donald Trump’s son-in-law and married to Ivanka, bought the Observer in 2006. Just last week, the paper was described as the “propaganda arm of the Trump administration,” by Mediaite contributor Justin Bargona."
"Kushner, who is Donald Trump’s son-in-law and married to Ivanka, bought the Observer in 2006. Just last week, the paper was described as the “propaganda arm of the Trump administration,” by Mediaite contributor Justin Bargona."
Hey, Donald Trump: Trickle-down economics dressed in populist garb is still trickle-down economics
Hey, Donald Trump: Trickle-down economics dressed in populist garb is still trickle-down economics
"If Donald Trump were serious about reviving good jobs in America, he’d give workers more bargaining power by strengthening trade unions, upgrading lifelong education and training, and simultaneously making it harder for Wall Street to demand that companies shed workers. This was the way the American economy functioned from the end of World War II through the early 1980s, when jobs and paychecks rose in tandem with corporate profits. Large corporations weren’t just responsible to their shareholders; they were also responsible to their workers. They treated workers as assets to be developed — retraining them with higher skills as the companies moved to higher value-added production, or for new jobs as the companies expanded — and resorting to layoffs only as a last resort. But starting in the 1980s, workers became costs to be cut. Corporate raiders mounted hostile takeovers — using high-yield junk bonds, leveraged buyouts and proxy fights to gain control of companies — and then squeezed payrolls to get higher profits. They busted unions, outsourced jobs abroad and installed automated equipment. American manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at nearly 20 million jobs. Since then, about 8 million of those jobs have been lost to cheaper foreign labor or to automation. Trump won’t change these economic fundamentals. How do I know? Because his cabinet choices for key economic posts were among the ring leaders in the changes I’m talking about. Steven Mnuckin, his Treasury pick, is a former Goldman Sachs partner who made billions over the past decades buying up companies and slashing payrolls. Wilbur L. Ross Jr., Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary, made his billions using bankruptcy to protect wealthy owners while leaving workers and communities holding the bag. (Example in point: the collapse of Trump’s casino empire.) These men exemplify the financialization of the American economy that’s focused only on high profits and rising share prices, and shafted American workers."
"If Donald Trump were serious about reviving good jobs in America, he’d give workers more bargaining power by strengthening trade unions, upgrading lifelong education and training, and simultaneously making it harder for Wall Street to demand that companies shed workers. This was the way the American economy functioned from the end of World War II through the early 1980s, when jobs and paychecks rose in tandem with corporate profits. Large corporations weren’t just responsible to their shareholders; they were also responsible to their workers. They treated workers as assets to be developed — retraining them with higher skills as the companies moved to higher value-added production, or for new jobs as the companies expanded — and resorting to layoffs only as a last resort. But starting in the 1980s, workers became costs to be cut. Corporate raiders mounted hostile takeovers — using high-yield junk bonds, leveraged buyouts and proxy fights to gain control of companies — and then squeezed payrolls to get higher profits. They busted unions, outsourced jobs abroad and installed automated equipment. American manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at nearly 20 million jobs. Since then, about 8 million of those jobs have been lost to cheaper foreign labor or to automation. Trump won’t change these economic fundamentals. How do I know? Because his cabinet choices for key economic posts were among the ring leaders in the changes I’m talking about. Steven Mnuckin, his Treasury pick, is a former Goldman Sachs partner who made billions over the past decades buying up companies and slashing payrolls. Wilbur L. Ross Jr., Trump’s pick for Commerce Secretary, made his billions using bankruptcy to protect wealthy owners while leaving workers and communities holding the bag. (Example in point: the collapse of Trump’s casino empire.) These men exemplify the financialization of the American economy that’s focused only on high profits and rising share prices, and shafted American workers."
Here Are 5 People Close To Trump Who Have Propagated Fake News
http://mediamatters.org/research/2016/12/06/here-are-5-people-close-trump-who-have-propagated-fake-news/214730
"Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign and continuing into the transition period, President-elect Donald Trump has surrounded himself with people who have helped propagate fake news"
"Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign and continuing into the transition period, President-elect Donald Trump has surrounded himself with people who have helped propagate fake news"
Career of Trump's Top Ethics Lawyer Marred by Questionable Ethics
Career of Trump's Top Ethics Lawyer Marred by Questionable Ethics
"The attorney named as President-elect Donald Trump's White House counsel, Donald McGahn, has been called "kryptonite to campaign finance reform," "a totally partisan politico," and "notorious for politicizing and crippling enforcement of federal campaign finance laws." Indeed, journalist Jon Schwarz wrote at The Intercept on Sunday that McGahn "bears as much responsibility as any single person for turning America's campaign finance system into something akin to a gigantic, clogged septic tank"."
"The attorney named as President-elect Donald Trump's White House counsel, Donald McGahn, has been called "kryptonite to campaign finance reform," "a totally partisan politico," and "notorious for politicizing and crippling enforcement of federal campaign finance laws." Indeed, journalist Jon Schwarz wrote at The Intercept on Sunday that McGahn "bears as much responsibility as any single person for turning America's campaign finance system into something akin to a gigantic, clogged septic tank"."
Noam Chomsky warns Trump’s victory presents ‘literal threat to survival’ of human species
Noam Chomsky warns Trump’s victory presents ‘literal threat to survival’ of human species
"Chomsky touched on various threats facing the country, which are now more concrete since Trump’s win, namely the dangers posed by climate change and the possibility of a nuclear war."
"Chomsky touched on various threats facing the country, which are now more concrete since Trump’s win, namely the dangers posed by climate change and the possibility of a nuclear war."
Here’s how many people could die every year if Obamacare is repealed
https://thinkprogress.org/heres-how-many-people-could-die-every-year-if-obamacare-is-repealed-ae4bf3e100a2#.yok06jes0
"Ryan also wants to repeal Medicare and replace it with a voucher program that would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by an estimated 40 percent."
"Ryan also wants to repeal Medicare and replace it with a voucher program that would drive up out-of-pocket costs for seniors by an estimated 40 percent."
Congressional Republicans sucker punch American steel workers, scrapping 'Buy America' provision
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/7/1608305/-Congressional-Republicans-sucker-punch-American-steel-workers-scrapping-Buy-America-provision
"In essence, “Buy America” sounds as nice to Republicans as it did to Trump, but in practice they would rather preserve the "Buy Chinese" option that Trump uses to build his skyscrapers."
"In essence, “Buy America” sounds as nice to Republicans as it did to Trump, but in practice they would rather preserve the "Buy Chinese" option that Trump uses to build his skyscrapers."
Mike Pence declares Trump 'mandate' at Trump-hosted Heritage Foundation dinner
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/12/7/1608342/-Mike-Pence-declares-Trump-mandate-at-Trump-hosted-Heritage-Foundation-dinner
"Vice President-Elect Mike Pence continues to prove himself the right man to be Trump's right-hand man. There's no lie a petulant Donald Trump can demand that Pence won't promptly jog out on stage and repeat like he's Trump's personal Bullsh*t Butler."
"Vice President-Elect Mike Pence continues to prove himself the right man to be Trump's right-hand man. There's no lie a petulant Donald Trump can demand that Pence won't promptly jog out on stage and repeat like he's Trump's personal Bullsh*t Butler."
Today Show interview with Trump proves we elected the single most fragile ego in American history
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/12/7/1608250/-Today-Show-interview-with-Trump-proves-we-elected-the-single-most-fragile-ego-in-American-history
"Wouldn’t it be more presidential to simply not watch the show and get on with the business of the country? LOL. This is Trump we are talking about here. He can’t stop, won’t stop because he has the most fragile ego outside of North Korea’s Imperial Palace."
"Wouldn’t it be more presidential to simply not watch the show and get on with the business of the country? LOL. This is Trump we are talking about here. He can’t stop, won’t stop because he has the most fragile ego outside of North Korea’s Imperial Palace."
Now Is the Time to Talk About What We Are Actually Talking About
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/now-is-the-time-to-talk-about-what-we-are-actually-talking-about
"Now is the time to burn false equivalencies forever. Pretending that both sides of an issue are equal when they are not is not “balanced” journalism; it is a fairy tale—and, unlike most fairy tales, a disingenuous one."
"Now is the time to burn false equivalencies forever. Pretending that both sides of an issue are equal when they are not is not “balanced” journalism; it is a fairy tale—and, unlike most fairy tales, a disingenuous one."
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