Trump dominated the news today, which is usually a sign of negative news stories and his need to create distractions from them. There were certainly negative news stories. The acting inspector general for the State Department is resigning, effective Friday. Stephen Akard took office less than three months ago after Trump fired his predecessor, Steve Linick, apparently at the urging of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Linick was investigating Pompeo’s emergency declaration to permit an $8.1 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia over the objections of lawmakers of both parties.
I know this is "old" news from yesterday, but on MSNBC last night (Aug. 5), Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) was interviewed about the USPS brouhaha, and she talked about ways to save the Service. Never once did she mention H.R. 2382, the bill sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) that would lift the ridiculous burden the G.W. Bush administration placed on it in 2006. It passed in the House (with substantial Republican support) and was sent on to the Senate on Feb. 10, 2020, where it still languishes, never having been brought to the floor for a vote (I know, along with 200+ other bills McConnell won't allow). Would someone PLEASE tell me why this senator apparently doesn't know about it and why it's never mentioned in all this stramash over the Service? I sent Sen. Gillibrand this question last night, too.
Just like it's a "coincidence" that Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia Senator, sold oodles of stock the day after being briefed at a secret Senate briefing on the coming pandemic. It's quite amazing how these "coincidences" manage to make millions of dollars for those involved.
By now we should all be used to following the latest "shiny object" being dangled at us by Dear Leader & Co. The press, both left and right, follow them dutifully like cats do Christmas tree ornaments. As HCR reminds us, there are a LOT of pots simmering on the stove right now (keeping those metaphors flowing...), so it behooves to learn how to multi-task bunches of news stories simultaneously. I don't like it as it really can be overwhelming, but it seems to be the norm these days. And don't forget, wearing everybody down and snowing them under an avalanche of stories (there goes that metaphor again...) is how "they" accomplish what they want. Stay alert, and "keep your powder dry", as they say.
Distraction, thy name is Trump. That is how I view his plan to deliver his speech in the Rose Garden. There is something serious coming up. As for Mr. McConnell, he is really ramping up his ads here in Kentucky. He is using the same strategy of tying his opponent to Ms. Pelosi. He is also taking credit for the first coronovirus relief bill and for the Care Act. On his Senate site, he is accusing the Democrats of holding up this more recent relief bill. I have written him about the Post Office, reminding him of all his campaign literature his campaign sends. And once again, I have never voted for the man. And if I had my way, he would be out. But I fear I am in the minority in Kentucky. There are some nasty undercurrents going on. A woman posted on Facebook about "Bloodbath McGrath -she loves to kill babies". When I told her that this was an awful thing to say, she replied, "Maybe but it's the truth". I reported her post. But this is what we in Kentucky and we in the country are up against. I sometimes weep for my family, my community, my state and my country.
The malfeasance of Don Trump and his legion of miscreants is almost literally mind-numbing. I am very grateful, Heather, that you're willing and so able to distill the numerous slurries of corruption into a comprehensible daily digest. Thank you.
Let's not forget: 75 years ago today, nuclear weapons were unleashed on civilian populations in Hiroshima, bringing WW2 to rest, but awakening the world to it's fragility.
It is what is. And I can’t wait for Jan 21. I hope and pray we can all breathe a little easier by then. Yet we need to know and work at pushing for real change for the liberty and welfare of all. Complacency got us here. We must vow to stay engaged.
As always, a great summary of the day’s events. On a different topic, last night I listened to a podcast by the Lincoln Project. It was a conversation with Stuart Stevens, a long time Republican strategist who is now working with the Lincoln Project and who has written a book “It Was All A Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump”. Not only was it fascinating, it totally aligns with what Heather has been teaching us all along about the history of the Republican Party. He also gave some good ideas about what to say to your Republican friends who are still considering voting for this dirtbag. Highly recommend.
What are Barr, Pompeo, or even Kushner up to? Anyone else doing bidding for administration lately? What's happening in Ukraine? Russia? Wondering which shoulder to look over to spot the latest fact amid the chaos.
Thank you again, Professor Richardson for your clear and concise explanations. I was appalled when I heard yesterday that Trump said he’ll make his acceptance speech from the White House! I am appalled at everything he does, and then depressed that our country has come to this. I do have hope that we can vote him out. I do hope that the country will say “enough is enough”.
11:30 can't come soon enough. Is it possible that there will be some "good news" concerning tRump? I have no doubt he's up to his ears in dirty dealings, and I'm not sure there's a "distraction" big enough to hide in his dirty swamp. May he be pulled into the quicksand along with the other swamp rats.!
Occam's Razor (as modified for the Trump Era): The worst explanation for any act or event involving Trump is always the accurate explanation.
I know this is "old" news from yesterday, but on MSNBC last night (Aug. 5), Senator Gillibrand (D-NY) was interviewed about the USPS brouhaha, and she talked about ways to save the Service. Never once did she mention H.R. 2382, the bill sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) that would lift the ridiculous burden the G.W. Bush administration placed on it in 2006. It passed in the House (with substantial Republican support) and was sent on to the Senate on Feb. 10, 2020, where it still languishes, never having been brought to the floor for a vote (I know, along with 200+ other bills McConnell won't allow). Would someone PLEASE tell me why this senator apparently doesn't know about it and why it's never mentioned in all this stramash over the Service? I sent Sen. Gillibrand this question last night, too.
Just like it's a "coincidence" that Kelly Loeffler, a Georgia Senator, sold oodles of stock the day after being briefed at a secret Senate briefing on the coming pandemic. It's quite amazing how these "coincidences" manage to make millions of dollars for those involved.
When you are up to your ass in alligators, perhaps it is time to recall that you promised to drain the swamp.
Instead of draining the swamp, Trump is bringing truckloads of fresh mud every day and getting rid of anyone who says it is not mud, but sh-t.
By now we should all be used to following the latest "shiny object" being dangled at us by Dear Leader & Co. The press, both left and right, follow them dutifully like cats do Christmas tree ornaments. As HCR reminds us, there are a LOT of pots simmering on the stove right now (keeping those metaphors flowing...), so it behooves to learn how to multi-task bunches of news stories simultaneously. I don't like it as it really can be overwhelming, but it seems to be the norm these days. And don't forget, wearing everybody down and snowing them under an avalanche of stories (there goes that metaphor again...) is how "they" accomplish what they want. Stay alert, and "keep your powder dry", as they say.
Distraction, thy name is Trump. That is how I view his plan to deliver his speech in the Rose Garden. There is something serious coming up. As for Mr. McConnell, he is really ramping up his ads here in Kentucky. He is using the same strategy of tying his opponent to Ms. Pelosi. He is also taking credit for the first coronovirus relief bill and for the Care Act. On his Senate site, he is accusing the Democrats of holding up this more recent relief bill. I have written him about the Post Office, reminding him of all his campaign literature his campaign sends. And once again, I have never voted for the man. And if I had my way, he would be out. But I fear I am in the minority in Kentucky. There are some nasty undercurrents going on. A woman posted on Facebook about "Bloodbath McGrath -she loves to kill babies". When I told her that this was an awful thing to say, she replied, "Maybe but it's the truth". I reported her post. But this is what we in Kentucky and we in the country are up against. I sometimes weep for my family, my community, my state and my country.
The malfeasance of Don Trump and his legion of miscreants is almost literally mind-numbing. I am very grateful, Heather, that you're willing and so able to distill the numerous slurries of corruption into a comprehensible daily digest. Thank you.
Let's not forget: 75 years ago today, nuclear weapons were unleashed on civilian populations in Hiroshima, bringing WW2 to rest, but awakening the world to it's fragility.
It is what is. And I can’t wait for Jan 21. I hope and pray we can all breathe a little easier by then. Yet we need to know and work at pushing for real change for the liberty and welfare of all. Complacency got us here. We must vow to stay engaged.
As always, a great summary of the day’s events. On a different topic, last night I listened to a podcast by the Lincoln Project. It was a conversation with Stuart Stevens, a long time Republican strategist who is now working with the Lincoln Project and who has written a book “It Was All A Lie: How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump”. Not only was it fascinating, it totally aligns with what Heather has been teaching us all along about the history of the Republican Party. He also gave some good ideas about what to say to your Republican friends who are still considering voting for this dirtbag. Highly recommend.
Wow. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it? It’s all just so terrible. And there are people who spitefully support him. Graham should be drawn and quartered.
What are Barr, Pompeo, or even Kushner up to? Anyone else doing bidding for administration lately? What's happening in Ukraine? Russia? Wondering which shoulder to look over to spot the latest fact amid the chaos.
Tax fraud, eh? Just like Capone. Whatever it takes.
Thank you again, Professor Richardson for your clear and concise explanations. I was appalled when I heard yesterday that Trump said he’ll make his acceptance speech from the White House! I am appalled at everything he does, and then depressed that our country has come to this. I do have hope that we can vote him out. I do hope that the country will say “enough is enough”.
Maybe the "Law and Order" president will experience a bit of Law and Order?
11:30 can't come soon enough. Is it possible that there will be some "good news" concerning tRump? I have no doubt he's up to his ears in dirty dealings, and I'm not sure there's a "distraction" big enough to hide in his dirty swamp. May he be pulled into the quicksand along with the other swamp rats.!