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| Daylee picture: A moonrise in the Sierra Mountains in California. From Smithsonian Magazine. |
Saturday, April 14, 2018
News Nuggets 1572
I Need Your Help...
My brother's brother-in-law, Darren, has been battling pancreatic cancer for several years. What is so is that the cancer has been under control for a while but that the only course going forward involves a treatment recommended at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, one that they have some confidence it will make a real difference --but it is a treatment NOT covered by his insurance. Without the treatment, his prognosis is bad. He needs $10,000 to cover the cost of the treatment. He is a great guy who has shown tremendous courage in the face of this thing. Here is the go-fund-me page, and I request that you do what you can and to please help him out. Thanks!! Jared
TODAY's BIG NUGGET! Where the Cohen Raid Will Probably Lead
FBI Raid on Michael Cohen Is the Most Dangerous Day of Donald Trump’s Life (Rick Wilson) from the Daily Beast
"Trump must know this may be one of the most dangerous moments in his entire life, not just his presidency. The likelihood is that Mueller and the FBI are now in possession of the Black Books of Trump, NDAs from enough of Trump’s various affairs that you can staff a 12-pole strip club with plenty of girls left for the Champagne rooms. It’s only speculation at this point, but it’s quite likely that Cohen was the keeper of many of Trump’s lending documents, contracts, business arrangements, and the Kryptonite of Trump’s fragile self-worth: the long-sought tax returns. It’s an open secret and has been for quite a while, but Trump isn’t worth $10 billion. As one of my hedge-fund friends (an actual billionaire) said of Trump in 2015, “He’s a clown living on credit.”"
"Trump must know this may be one of the most dangerous moments in his entire life, not just his presidency. The likelihood is that Mueller and the FBI are now in possession of the Black Books of Trump, NDAs from enough of Trump’s various affairs that you can staff a 12-pole strip club with plenty of girls left for the Champagne rooms. It’s only speculation at this point, but it’s quite likely that Cohen was the keeper of many of Trump’s lending documents, contracts, business arrangements, and the Kryptonite of Trump’s fragile self-worth: the long-sought tax returns. It’s an open secret and has been for quite a while, but Trump isn’t worth $10 billion. As one of my hedge-fund friends (an actual billionaire) said of Trump in 2015, “He’s a clown living on credit.”"
The Cohen Raid -- More of a Threat than Muller's Investigation
Prosecutors’ Withering Rebuttal of Cohen Shows How Hard It Will Be for Trump to Sabotage Their Investigation from Slate
"That filing...makes a couple of things abundantly clear: The government has a compelling case for reviewing the material and Michael Cohen is in deep, deep trouble. ... “This whole thing is going to make it much harder for Trump to put everything that’s happening on Mueller and Rosenstein, at least for audiences who are listening and care about the facts,” Duke University School of Law professor and former lead Enron prosecutor Samuel W. Buell told Slate. “The network of federal law enforcement professionals with experience and reputations, in different respected offices, involved in these matters makes it much harder to come up with a plausible way to surgically stop this.”"
"That filing...makes a couple of things abundantly clear: The government has a compelling case for reviewing the material and Michael Cohen is in deep, deep trouble. ... “This whole thing is going to make it much harder for Trump to put everything that’s happening on Mueller and Rosenstein, at least for audiences who are listening and care about the facts,” Duke University School of Law professor and former lead Enron prosecutor Samuel W. Buell told Slate. “The network of federal law enforcement professionals with experience and reputations, in different respected offices, involved in these matters makes it much harder to come up with a plausible way to surgically stop this.”"
The Bankruptcy of Right Wing Economics
Unicorns of the Intellectual Right (Paul Krugman) from the New York Times
"... while there are many conservative economists with appointments at top universities, publications in top journals, and so on, they have no influence on conservative policymaking. What the right wants are charlatans and cranks, in (conservative) Greg Mankiw’s famous phrase. If they use actual economists, they use them the way a drunkard uses a lamppost: for support, not illumination."
"... while there are many conservative economists with appointments at top universities, publications in top journals, and so on, they have no influence on conservative policymaking. What the right wants are charlatans and cranks, in (conservative) Greg Mankiw’s famous phrase. If they use actual economists, they use them the way a drunkard uses a lamppost: for support, not illumination."
Trump's "Silent Circle of Assent"
James Comey’s memoir: Trump fixates on proving lewd dossier allegations false from the Washington Post
"Interacting with Trump, Comey writes, gave him “flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth.”"
The details and suggestions here are really disturbing and often disgusting!
"Interacting with Trump, Comey writes, gave him “flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob. The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth.”"
The details and suggestions here are really disturbing and often disgusting!
Steele Dossier Case in Point!!
I’m a Peeliever and You Should Be, Too (Jonathan Chait) from New York Magazine
"I used to doubt that this episode really happened. I now believe it probably did. I am obviously far from certain, but since Steele’s dossier came out, an accumulation of evidence has tipped the balance from unlikely to likely. Let’s review what we’ve learned since the allegation first surfaced."
"I used to doubt that this episode really happened. I now believe it probably did. I am obviously far from certain, but since Steele’s dossier came out, an accumulation of evidence has tipped the balance from unlikely to likely. Let’s review what we’ve learned since the allegation first surfaced."
The GOP: Breaking Their Brand
After busting the deficit, the GOP's gestures toward fiscal responsibility ring hollow (John Harwood) from CNBC
"Republicans keep supporting tax cuts even while failing to shrink spending. The result: since Ronald Reagan entered the White House in 1981, all three Republican presidents before Trump left office with higher federal deficits than they inherited. One Democratic president (Bill Clinton) departed with a budget surplus; the other (Barack Obama) saw the deficit decline by two-thirds as a share of the economy."
"Republicans keep supporting tax cuts even while failing to shrink spending. The result: since Ronald Reagan entered the White House in 1981, all three Republican presidents before Trump left office with higher federal deficits than they inherited. One Democratic president (Bill Clinton) departed with a budget surplus; the other (Barack Obama) saw the deficit decline by two-thirds as a share of the economy."
Russia and the NRA -- A Closer Look
Inside the Decade-Long Russian Campaign to Infiltrate the NRA and Help Elect Trump from Rolling Stone Magazine
""The idea of private gun ownership is anathema to Putin," he says. "So then the question is, 'Why?' " Why was a pro-gun campaign being hatched by a leader in Putin's own party? The answer, according to Hall, is that Putin was baiting a trap. "He's reaching out to attract the NRA, specifically, over to Russia.""
""The idea of private gun ownership is anathema to Putin," he says. "So then the question is, 'Why?' " Why was a pro-gun campaign being hatched by a leader in Putin's own party? The answer, according to Hall, is that Putin was baiting a trap. "He's reaching out to attract the NRA, specifically, over to Russia.""
A Russian Rundown for 2018's Midterms
The Moscow Midterms: How Russia could steal our next election from the New York Times
"Most of us can’t really picture what it would look like to tamper with an election, but security experts can. Even as you read this, voting systems, so dry and complicated and completely taken for granted, could well be in the midst of fending off attacks from foreign adversaries. Things could get bad — really bad. Bad like this ..."
"Most of us can’t really picture what it would look like to tamper with an election, but security experts can. Even as you read this, voting systems, so dry and complicated and completely taken for granted, could well be in the midst of fending off attacks from foreign adversaries. Things could get bad — really bad. Bad like this ..."
Are the Clinton era leftovers EVER going to be thrown out!?
The Macker readies for a second act from the Richmond Times Dispatch
"Three months after leaving the Virginia governorship, the perquisites of which included a lumbering black SUV driven by a state trooper, McAuliffe is considering a second act: the presidency."
OMG!!! What is it with former Clintonistas!?! For how many decades must the Democratic Party have to endure them hanging around stinking things up!?! Bill, Hillary, Anthony Weiner, Huma, the Thomasons, Mark Penn, and now this guy! Please: do us ALL A FAVOR and stay away! -- Nuggetsman
"Three months after leaving the Virginia governorship, the perquisites of which included a lumbering black SUV driven by a state trooper, McAuliffe is considering a second act: the presidency."
OMG!!! What is it with former Clintonistas!?! For how many decades must the Democratic Party have to endure them hanging around stinking things up!?! Bill, Hillary, Anthony Weiner, Huma, the Thomasons, Mark Penn, and now this guy! Please: do us ALL A FAVOR and stay away! -- Nuggetsman
Trump, the Man who Never Left Studio 54
How Trump Channels the 1970s (Julian Zelizer) from the Atlantic
"The one consistent message coming out of the White House was born in the 1970s: Don’t trust any institution."
"The one consistent message coming out of the White House was born in the 1970s: Don’t trust any institution."
A Job at Trump's W.H.: A Ticket to Nowhere
Trapped In The White House: Many Trump Aides Are Too “Toxic” To Get Jobs from Buzzfeed
"Trump administration officials looking to escape to the private sector are getting a rude awakening: No one wants to hire them."
Awww! How sad!
"Trump administration officials looking to escape to the private sector are getting a rude awakening: No one wants to hire them."
Awww! How sad!
Sunday, April 8, 2018
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: Trumpland Likely to Become More Trumpified
What’s the Matter With Trumpland? (Paul Krugman) from the New York Times
"Moretti argues that structural changes in the economy have favored industries that employ highly educated workers — and that these industries do best in locations where there are already a lot of these workers. As a result, these regions are experiencing a virtuous circle of growth: Their knowledge-intensive industries prosper, drawing in even more educated workers, which reinforces their advantage. And at the same time, regions that started with a poorly educated work force are in a downward spiral, both because they’re stuck with the wrong industries and because they’re experiencing what amounts to a brain drain."
"Moretti argues that structural changes in the economy have favored industries that employ highly educated workers — and that these industries do best in locations where there are already a lot of these workers. As a result, these regions are experiencing a virtuous circle of growth: Their knowledge-intensive industries prosper, drawing in even more educated workers, which reinforces their advantage. And at the same time, regions that started with a poorly educated work force are in a downward spiral, both because they’re stuck with the wrong industries and because they’re experiencing what amounts to a brain drain."
Coming Attractions for the Democratic Party
Watch Out, Ted Cruz. Beto is Coming (Frank Bruni) from the New York Times
"Count me among the swelling ranks of the infatuated. I, too, have been Beto-struck. ... Cruz is a rare and precious gift. He’s so loathed that any passable Democrat with a picayune chance of toppling him was bound to draw more attention and inspire more hope than the political dynamics warranted. ... But Beto is more than passable. Many of his campaign events are mobbed. People line up for selfies and then insist on hugs."
Attention Democrats!! THIS is the guy to watch for 2020 and 2024! It will be nothing short of a miracle if he beats Cruz in November -- but IF HE DOES, put him on the A-LIST for 2020. Nuggetsman.
"Count me among the swelling ranks of the infatuated. I, too, have been Beto-struck. ... Cruz is a rare and precious gift. He’s so loathed that any passable Democrat with a picayune chance of toppling him was bound to draw more attention and inspire more hope than the political dynamics warranted. ... But Beto is more than passable. Many of his campaign events are mobbed. People line up for selfies and then insist on hugs."
Attention Democrats!! THIS is the guy to watch for 2020 and 2024! It will be nothing short of a miracle if he beats Cruz in November -- but IF HE DOES, put him on the A-LIST for 2020. Nuggetsman.
Root of Illiberal Democracy: Immigration, Not Economics
The issue that’s poisoning democratic politics around the world from the Washington Post
"The immigration issue is poisoning democratic politics, and not just in the United States. Purging this poison means resisting the urge to demonize the critics of current policies and instead searching for common ground that promotes the common good. While prejudice and hatred cannot be tolerated, liberals and progressives need to pay more attention to grievances — such as fears about economic and cultural displacement, the rule of law and loss of sovereignty — that should not be dismissed as pure bigotry."
"The immigration issue is poisoning democratic politics, and not just in the United States. Purging this poison means resisting the urge to demonize the critics of current policies and instead searching for common ground that promotes the common good. While prejudice and hatred cannot be tolerated, liberals and progressives need to pay more attention to grievances — such as fears about economic and cultural displacement, the rule of law and loss of sovereignty — that should not be dismissed as pure bigotry."
Trump Supporters -- Nature or Nurture?
The Contract With Authoritarianism (Thomas Edsall) from the New York Times
"Those with a fixed worldview tend to see “American Carnage,” while those with fluid worldviews see the world as a big, beautiful place that is safe to explore. The fixed tend to be wary of what they perceive as constant threats to their physical security specifically and of social change in general. The fluid are much more open to change and, indeed, see it as a strength. For them, anger lies in holding on to old ideas and rejecting diversity. .... Citizens care less about the outcomes a policy produces and more about the groups and symbols with which a policy is associated."
Edsall covers A LOT of territory in this article! It is almost a lit review of recent studies on the psychological roots of people's political and cultural preferences. A MUST READ if you want to get more grounded in the partisanship that divides us. Nuggetsman
"Those with a fixed worldview tend to see “American Carnage,” while those with fluid worldviews see the world as a big, beautiful place that is safe to explore. The fixed tend to be wary of what they perceive as constant threats to their physical security specifically and of social change in general. The fluid are much more open to change and, indeed, see it as a strength. For them, anger lies in holding on to old ideas and rejecting diversity. .... Citizens care less about the outcomes a policy produces and more about the groups and symbols with which a policy is associated."
Edsall covers A LOT of territory in this article! It is almost a lit review of recent studies on the psychological roots of people's political and cultural preferences. A MUST READ if you want to get more grounded in the partisanship that divides us. Nuggetsman
Trump Loyalism = GOP Loyalism? Maybe Not!
The Trumpification of the GOP Is Complete (Josh Kraushaar) from National Journal
"Republican voters primarily care if their candidates agree with President Trump. Even as the president diverges from a typical conservative agenda, the demand for loyalty is becoming even more intense."
I cannot see that this is anything but bad news both for the GOP and Trump voters generally. As I noted on Lynn's program the other day, Trump (thankfully) is a unique politician. I see NO ONE in the Republican Party who commands anything like the loyalty that the great orange one commands. Again, thankfully, Trump's presidency will be a finite thing. Thus, the question becomes: once the question of loyalty to Trump disappears, WHO are these people going to vote for?! Are they going to passively drift back to the Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell wing? I can't see it. How about the Trump wannabe up-and-comers?! I can't see that either. Those folks are all third rate talents -- and it remains to be seen whether any of them can actually win in a general election. This fall's election is going to reveal SO MUCH!! -- Nuggetsman
"Republican voters primarily care if their candidates agree with President Trump. Even as the president diverges from a typical conservative agenda, the demand for loyalty is becoming even more intense."
I cannot see that this is anything but bad news both for the GOP and Trump voters generally. As I noted on Lynn's program the other day, Trump (thankfully) is a unique politician. I see NO ONE in the Republican Party who commands anything like the loyalty that the great orange one commands. Again, thankfully, Trump's presidency will be a finite thing. Thus, the question becomes: once the question of loyalty to Trump disappears, WHO are these people going to vote for?! Are they going to passively drift back to the Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell wing? I can't see it. How about the Trump wannabe up-and-comers?! I can't see that either. Those folks are all third rate talents -- and it remains to be seen whether any of them can actually win in a general election. This fall's election is going to reveal SO MUCH!! -- Nuggetsman
What's Really Wrong with "Illiberal Democracy"!
‘Democracy’ Still Matters (Jan-Werner Muller) from the New York Times
"Mr. Orban has spent the past several years weakening his country’s democratic checks and balances; he has attacked independent civil society, and he has brought the media under the control of oligarchs close to his government. While doing so, he has advertised his approach as a distinctive form of democracy, one fit to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is, he says, “illiberal democracy.” Plenty of critics have adopted this term as a description not just of Hungary, but of redesigned political systems in countries as different as Poland and Turkey. Yet “illiberal democracy” fails to capture what is wrong with these regimes."
"Mr. Orban has spent the past several years weakening his country’s democratic checks and balances; he has attacked independent civil society, and he has brought the media under the control of oligarchs close to his government. While doing so, he has advertised his approach as a distinctive form of democracy, one fit to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is, he says, “illiberal democracy.” Plenty of critics have adopted this term as a description not just of Hungary, but of redesigned political systems in countries as different as Poland and Turkey. Yet “illiberal democracy” fails to capture what is wrong with these regimes."
More "Blow" Back from Trump's Previous Women
Third Woman Sues to Void Secrecy Pact Linked to Trump from Bloomberg
"A former employee of President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign team sued the organization to nullify a non-disclosure agreement she signed, saying it muzzled her from airing discrimination claims."
"A former employee of President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign team sued the organization to nullify a non-disclosure agreement she signed, saying it muzzled her from airing discrimination claims."
The Advice to Expect from Trump's New NS Adviser
John Bolton, cyber warrior from Politico
"Trump’s incoming adviser has said the U.S. should launch a ‘retaliatory cyber campaign against Russia’ and ‘use WikiLeaks for target practice. ... While officials and cyber specialists agree with Bolton’s push for a clearly articulated digital strike policy, the government has hesitated to dive headlong into what Bolton calls “a retaliatory cyber campaign,” wary of blowback on American businesses and infrastructure, the lack of global rules for online warfare and the debatable effectiveness of digital strikes in the first place.’"
"Trump’s incoming adviser has said the U.S. should launch a ‘retaliatory cyber campaign against Russia’ and ‘use WikiLeaks for target practice. ... While officials and cyber specialists agree with Bolton’s push for a clearly articulated digital strike policy, the government has hesitated to dive headlong into what Bolton calls “a retaliatory cyber campaign,” wary of blowback on American businesses and infrastructure, the lack of global rules for online warfare and the debatable effectiveness of digital strikes in the first place.’"
Putin and Russia: The Bigger Picture
Is Putin a C.I.A. Agent? (Thomas Friedman) from the New York Times
"Because Putin has undertaken so many actions in recent years that contributed to the weakening of Russia’s economy and human capital base that you have to wonder whether he’s secretly on the C.I.A.’s payroll. Beginning around 2007 or 2008, Putin appears to have decided that rebuilding Russia by nurturing its tremendous human talent and strengthening the rule of law was just too hard ... Instead, Putin decided to look for dignity for Russia in all the wrong places."
"Because Putin has undertaken so many actions in recent years that contributed to the weakening of Russia’s economy and human capital base that you have to wonder whether he’s secretly on the C.I.A.’s payroll. Beginning around 2007 or 2008, Putin appears to have decided that rebuilding Russia by nurturing its tremendous human talent and strengthening the rule of law was just too hard ... Instead, Putin decided to look for dignity for Russia in all the wrong places."
Dem Strategy Nugget
Republicans rigged our democracy. Here's how Democrats can fight back (David Faris) from the Guardian (of the UK)
"Republicans have been using the constitution’s flaws to wage a one-sided war against their political opponents. It’s time for Democrats to respond. .... Democrats, now that they are in the minority for the foreseeable future, must pay homage to their Republican overlords and use what little power they have to slow down legislation, turn the public against the Republican Congress, and then retake total power in 2018 and 2020. Then, what they must do with that power is to fundamentally alter key aspects of our political system that we take for granted but that are not, contrary to popular belief, outlined in the US constitution."
"Republicans have been using the constitution’s flaws to wage a one-sided war against their political opponents. It’s time for Democrats to respond. .... Democrats, now that they are in the minority for the foreseeable future, must pay homage to their Republican overlords and use what little power they have to slow down legislation, turn the public against the Republican Congress, and then retake total power in 2018 and 2020. Then, what they must do with that power is to fundamentally alter key aspects of our political system that we take for granted but that are not, contrary to popular belief, outlined in the US constitution."
The Cornerstone of NRA Influence: The Ballot Box
We’ve Fought the NRA for Decades—We’ve Never Seen It as Panicked as It Is Now from the Daily Beast
"In the immediate aftermath of the Parkland shooting, we drew on our combined 50 years of experience battling the National Rifle Association to predict that nothing would change on guns. Those same 50 years of experience now tell us we were wrong. Why? Because we have never seen the NRA more vulnerable. The NRA derives its power on one thing and one thing only: their ability to determine outcomes at the ballot box."
WHAT HAPPENS if being a lawmaker with great scores from the NRA becomes a LIABILITY in an election!? What happens if young anti-gun voters begin showcasing ads blasting you for those scores (and the NRA campaign donations) that have spelled electoral victory for you for years!? It may not happen in Georgia -- but in suburban Illinois, Indiana or Michigan it might. -- Nuggetsman
"In the immediate aftermath of the Parkland shooting, we drew on our combined 50 years of experience battling the National Rifle Association to predict that nothing would change on guns. Those same 50 years of experience now tell us we were wrong. Why? Because we have never seen the NRA more vulnerable. The NRA derives its power on one thing and one thing only: their ability to determine outcomes at the ballot box."
WHAT HAPPENS if being a lawmaker with great scores from the NRA becomes a LIABILITY in an election!? What happens if young anti-gun voters begin showcasing ads blasting you for those scores (and the NRA campaign donations) that have spelled electoral victory for you for years!? It may not happen in Georgia -- but in suburban Illinois, Indiana or Michigan it might. -- Nuggetsman
Trade Wars' Biggest Casualties: Trump Voters
Farmers and business groups warn trade war with China will wreck Trump country: ‘This has to stop’ from Raw Story
"“The last thing the administration should be doing is starting a trade war on the backs of American farmers,” said Minnesota Soybean Growers President Michael Petefish. “We have already seen soybean futures down nearly 40 cents as of this morning,” says Minnesota Soybean CEO Tom Slunecka. “That’s more than a billion dollars lost in value for our crop just this morning."A Tra
"“The last thing the administration should be doing is starting a trade war on the backs of American farmers,” said Minnesota Soybean Growers President Michael Petefish. “We have already seen soybean futures down nearly 40 cents as of this morning,” says Minnesota Soybean CEO Tom Slunecka. “That’s more than a billion dollars lost in value for our crop just this morning."A Tra
Red State Risings
Behind The Wave Of Red-State Teacher Walkouts from the National Memo
"“We have the worst pay in the nation for our teachers,” he continued, but pay is just the tip of the iceberg. Arizona teachers have been struggling with years of divestment from Republican governors who slashed education funding to pay for tax cuts. Thomas dates the worst of Arizona’s tax cuts back to the reaction to the 2008 Great Recession. “Before the recession, we were spending $1,000 more a student on supplies, teacher salaries and staff hirings and building repair, all of the money that goes into that.”"
It is interesting here how long-term conservative contempt (I don't know what else you can call it) for public sector works simply became too open since the great recession. They seemed to feel that they could treat them like crap and that workers themselves WOULDN'T NOTICE! What shockers! -- Nuggetsman
"“We have the worst pay in the nation for our teachers,” he continued, but pay is just the tip of the iceberg. Arizona teachers have been struggling with years of divestment from Republican governors who slashed education funding to pay for tax cuts. Thomas dates the worst of Arizona’s tax cuts back to the reaction to the 2008 Great Recession. “Before the recession, we were spending $1,000 more a student on supplies, teacher salaries and staff hirings and building repair, all of the money that goes into that.”"
It is interesting here how long-term conservative contempt (I don't know what else you can call it) for public sector works simply became too open since the great recession. They seemed to feel that they could treat them like crap and that workers themselves WOULDN'T NOTICE! What shockers! -- Nuggetsman
Disenfranchisement Textbook Nugget
There’s no good reason to stop felons from voting (George Will) from the Washington Post
"Meade is one of 1.6 million disenfranchised Florida felons — more than the total number of people who voted in 22 separate states in 2016. He is one of the more than 20 percent of African American Floridians disenfranchised. The state has a low threshold for felonious acts: Someone who gets into a bar fight, or steals property worth $300 — approximately two pairs of Air Jordans — or even drives without a licensefor a third time can be disenfranchised for life. "
"Meade is one of 1.6 million disenfranchised Florida felons — more than the total number of people who voted in 22 separate states in 2016. He is one of the more than 20 percent of African American Floridians disenfranchised. The state has a low threshold for felonious acts: Someone who gets into a bar fight, or steals property worth $300 — approximately two pairs of Air Jordans — or even drives without a licensefor a third time can be disenfranchised for life. "
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Hey everyone! For my Pittsburgh fans, I wanted to let you all know that I will be on Lynn Cullen's program on Wednesday, April 4 from 10 to 11am. You can catch it live or watch the podcast at the Pittsburgh City Paper website HERE!
TODAY'S BIG NUGGET: 2nd Week in a Row "Who Called It!?" Nugget
Michael Cohen’s Attorney May Be an Even Worse Lawyer Than He Is (Margaret Hartmann) from New York Magazine
"Later in the interview Schwartz suggested Cohen regularly set up these sorts of agreements without telling his client — which seems to back up reports that Trump’s attorneys “took care” of dozens of women during the campaign."
Surprise, surprise! If you look back to News Nuggets 1569, I had speculated that this was precisely where things were going to go.
"Later in the interview Schwartz suggested Cohen regularly set up these sorts of agreements without telling his client — which seems to back up reports that Trump’s attorneys “took care” of dozens of women during the campaign."
Surprise, surprise! If you look back to News Nuggets 1569, I had speculated that this was precisely where things were going to go.
Trump's Legal Team of Amateurs
Trump Is Defenseless Against Robert Mueller (Lithwick and Stern) from Slate
"Trump desperately needs a crack legal team. But his lawyers are no match for Mueller, and no sane attorney would join them now."
The last point here is key! Like most of the people in Trump's administration, his legal team is a crew of second-rate, self-dealing sycophants ... who have kept Trump happy by telling him what he wants to hear (e.g. the investigation will be over by Thanksgiving, etc.). What's going to happen when Mueller's indictment missiles start landing on Kushner, Don Jr. and himself? I would not want to be in their shoes. Mueller has stacked his legal lineup with a Murderer's Row team. What has Trump got? A political AA-ball team from Rochester? Nuggetsman.
"Trump desperately needs a crack legal team. But his lawyers are no match for Mueller, and no sane attorney would join them now."
The last point here is key! Like most of the people in Trump's administration, his legal team is a crew of second-rate, self-dealing sycophants ... who have kept Trump happy by telling him what he wants to hear (e.g. the investigation will be over by Thanksgiving, etc.). What's going to happen when Mueller's indictment missiles start landing on Kushner, Don Jr. and himself? I would not want to be in their shoes. Mueller has stacked his legal lineup with a Murderer's Row team. What has Trump got? A political AA-ball team from Rochester? Nuggetsman.
What We Can Expect from John Bolton
The second-most dangerous American (George Will) from the Washington Post
"Bolton will soon be the second-most dangerous American. On April 9, he will be the first national security adviser who, upon taking up residence down the hall from the Oval Office, will be suggesting that the United States should seriously consider embarking on war crimes. ... Bolton, for whom a trade war with many friends and foes is insufficiently stimulating, favors real wars against North Korea and Iran."
"Bolton will soon be the second-most dangerous American. On April 9, he will be the first national security adviser who, upon taking up residence down the hall from the Oval Office, will be suggesting that the United States should seriously consider embarking on war crimes. ... Bolton, for whom a trade war with many friends and foes is insufficiently stimulating, favors real wars against North Korea and Iran."
The Paradox of Anti-globalization in 2018
Globalization’s Backlash Is Here, at Just the Wrong Time from the New York Times
"[Backlash] is coming after the major costs of globalization have already been borne. And it comes just as billions of people who have become integrated into the global economy over the last three decades are starting to become rich enough to become valuable consumers. In short, the anti-globalization drive that is spreading across the Western world may be coming at exactly the wrong time — too late to do much to save the working-class jobs that were lost, but early enough to risk damaging the ability of rich nations to sell advanced goods and services to the rapidly expanding global middle class."
"[Backlash] is coming after the major costs of globalization have already been borne. And it comes just as billions of people who have become integrated into the global economy over the last three decades are starting to become rich enough to become valuable consumers. In short, the anti-globalization drive that is spreading across the Western world may be coming at exactly the wrong time — too late to do much to save the working-class jobs that were lost, but early enough to risk damaging the ability of rich nations to sell advanced goods and services to the rapidly expanding global middle class."
Some Good News Book Review Nugget!
Dear Democrats, Don’t Despair (Charles Kenny) from the Washington Monthly
"Even in the age of Donald Trump, at least in some ways, things have never been better. ... While Pinker enumerates the many ways America and the world has made material and social progress over the past two centuries, Easterbrook focuses on why these positive trends will seemingly continue in the years to come. As he writes, “this book will show a range of reasons why the Western way of life is more robust than meets the eye—and why a better world is closer than it looks.”"
"Even in the age of Donald Trump, at least in some ways, things have never been better. ... While Pinker enumerates the many ways America and the world has made material and social progress over the past two centuries, Easterbrook focuses on why these positive trends will seemingly continue in the years to come. As he writes, “this book will show a range of reasons why the Western way of life is more robust than meets the eye—and why a better world is closer than it looks.”"
Looking Forward, Where Hope Resides!
In America, Endangered By Trump And Bolton, The Young Bring Hope (Gene Lyons) from National Memo
"Bolton was memorably described as a “kick-down, kiss-up” bureaucratic infighter by colleagues during 2005 congressional testimony. Every large organization has them. A leader who keeps such sycophants near him is invariably characterized by weakness, incompetence and false bravado. ... I’m persuaded that hope resides mainly in the young: specifically the amazing kids of Parkland, Florida and their cohort nationwide. Should Trump provoke a showdown, millions of patriotic Americans would fill the streets of every big city in America."
I completely agree with Lyons here. Millennials are the largest generation in US history, and they are mobilizing on two key fronts now: anti-Trump politics and gun control. For years, this group tended to be deeply jaded and reluctant to get politically active. Well, under Trump, there have been clear costs associated with this reluctance! Even those who remain disenchanted with the two political parties now have a clear home with the gun control movement. For decades, the GOP has successfully positioned itself as the party looking out for "the next generation." It is remarkable seeing so many prominent right-wing talking heads now ATTACKING young people. All they are doing now is giving Millennials more reasons to vote against them. See the final nuggets for today just as an example. Nuggetsman
"Bolton was memorably described as a “kick-down, kiss-up” bureaucratic infighter by colleagues during 2005 congressional testimony. Every large organization has them. A leader who keeps such sycophants near him is invariably characterized by weakness, incompetence and false bravado. ... I’m persuaded that hope resides mainly in the young: specifically the amazing kids of Parkland, Florida and their cohort nationwide. Should Trump provoke a showdown, millions of patriotic Americans would fill the streets of every big city in America."
I completely agree with Lyons here. Millennials are the largest generation in US history, and they are mobilizing on two key fronts now: anti-Trump politics and gun control. For years, this group tended to be deeply jaded and reluctant to get politically active. Well, under Trump, there have been clear costs associated with this reluctance! Even those who remain disenchanted with the two political parties now have a clear home with the gun control movement. For decades, the GOP has successfully positioned itself as the party looking out for "the next generation." It is remarkable seeing so many prominent right-wing talking heads now ATTACKING young people. All they are doing now is giving Millennials more reasons to vote against them. See the final nuggets for today just as an example. Nuggetsman
In the White House Now, Bewildered Resignation
After Another Week of Chaos, Trump Repairs to Palm Beach. No One Knows What Comes Next. from the New York Times
"The decisions attested to a president riled up by cable news and unbound. Mr. Trump appeared heedless of his staff, unconcerned about Washington decorum, or the latest stock market dive, and confident of his instincts. He seemed determined to set the agenda himself, even if that agenda looked like a White House in disarray. Inside the West Wing, aides described an atmosphere of bewildered resignation as they grappled with the all-too-familiar task of predicting and reacting in real time to Mr. Trump’s shifting moods."
"The decisions attested to a president riled up by cable news and unbound. Mr. Trump appeared heedless of his staff, unconcerned about Washington decorum, or the latest stock market dive, and confident of his instincts. He seemed determined to set the agenda himself, even if that agenda looked like a White House in disarray. Inside the West Wing, aides described an atmosphere of bewildered resignation as they grappled with the all-too-familiar task of predicting and reacting in real time to Mr. Trump’s shifting moods."
Targeting Putin
Putin Has Overplayed His Hand (William Burns) from the New York Times
"Mr. Putin’s muscular revanchism can camouflage his weakness, but it cannot erase it. He remains reliant on a one-dimensional economy, constrained by sanctions, mired in the reckless adventures he’s pursued in Ukraine and Syria, and increasingly subordinate to China and its growing ambitions. An effective diplomatic response needs to expose Mr. Putin’s vulnerabilities as effectively as he has sought to exploit ours."
"Mr. Putin’s muscular revanchism can camouflage his weakness, but it cannot erase it. He remains reliant on a one-dimensional economy, constrained by sanctions, mired in the reckless adventures he’s pursued in Ukraine and Syria, and increasingly subordinate to China and its growing ambitions. An effective diplomatic response needs to expose Mr. Putin’s vulnerabilities as effectively as he has sought to exploit ours."
How Long Can Republican Lawmakers Hide From Voters?
Gun reform activists demand town halls. Many Republicans have ducked them since 2017 from McClatchy News Service
"“This is not an unreasonable thing to expect. If they can meet with donors every recess they can take an hour to talk to constituents – it is called ‘district work period,’” said Nathan Williams, managing director of the Town Hall Project, which is helping out March for Our Lives organizers on the issue. ... The town hall on gun violence hosted by CNN in February after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida, was a “red flag” for many Republicans, according to Scott Jennings, a Republican political strategist and special assistant to former President George W. Bush."
"“This is not an unreasonable thing to expect. If they can meet with donors every recess they can take an hour to talk to constituents – it is called ‘district work period,’” said Nathan Williams, managing director of the Town Hall Project, which is helping out March for Our Lives organizers on the issue. ... The town hall on gun violence hosted by CNN in February after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida, was a “red flag” for many Republicans, according to Scott Jennings, a Republican political strategist and special assistant to former President George W. Bush."
The Fading of Christianity in Europe and the US
The Barely-Beating Heart Of Christendom (Rod Dreher) from the American Conservative
"The report’s findings aren’t surprising, exactly, but they are shocking. They confirm that Europe’s is a post-Christian civilization, and they make clear the stark challenges facing the churches there going forward. For American Christian readers, the report may serve as a portrait of our own civilization in the future, if we don’t take strong measures now to prevent that fate."
Dreher, a sane voice of Christian conservatism, may be whistling past the graveyard here. I have long felt that evangelical Christians pulled their faith into the gutter when they (a) became so politically tied to the GOP back in Reagan's time; and (b) when, more recently, they have merged evangelicalism with white nationalism. It is now commonplace for them to take positions completely antithetical to the core principles of their faith and to embrace policies that not only alienate moderates and most young people -- but they come off as just ... NUTTY! See the last post from today's nuggets. Nuggetsman
"The report’s findings aren’t surprising, exactly, but they are shocking. They confirm that Europe’s is a post-Christian civilization, and they make clear the stark challenges facing the churches there going forward. For American Christian readers, the report may serve as a portrait of our own civilization in the future, if we don’t take strong measures now to prevent that fate."
Dreher, a sane voice of Christian conservatism, may be whistling past the graveyard here. I have long felt that evangelical Christians pulled their faith into the gutter when they (a) became so politically tied to the GOP back in Reagan's time; and (b) when, more recently, they have merged evangelicalism with white nationalism. It is now commonplace for them to take positions completely antithetical to the core principles of their faith and to embrace policies that not only alienate moderates and most young people -- but they come off as just ... NUTTY! See the last post from today's nuggets. Nuggetsman
The GOP Controls Most Branches of Gov't -- But All their Attention is on One Thing
The Republicans Are Clinging Frantically to Power (Joy-Ann Reid) from the Daily Beast
"The GOP is desperately seeking to build a wall around its power, fearing its imminent erosion as a host of forces—demographic, cultural, and political—come barreling its way."
"The GOP is desperately seeking to build a wall around its power, fearing its imminent erosion as a host of forces—demographic, cultural, and political—come barreling its way."
The Crisis of Conscience Facing Real Conservatives
This madness will pass. Conservatives can’t give up (Michael Gerson) from the Washington Post
"So how do we split the political difference on this one? Shall we talk about Mexican migrants as rapists on every other day? Shall we provide rhetorical cover for alt-right bigots only on special occasions, such as after a racist rally and murder? ... While some Republicans have criticized media bias, Trump has attempted to systematically delegitimize all critical information as “fake news” and referred to the media as “the enemy of the people.” While other politicians have pushed back against investigations, Trump has attempted to discredit federal law enforcement as part of a “deep state” plot against him."
Gerson, a conservative columnist, is spot on with how untenable the current situation is with Trump. It is impossible to be a principled conservative under his tenure. Sadly, i think he is wrong about where this will all end up. When the dust settles, all that will be left will be revanchist white nationalism completely unmoored from reality. -- Nuggetsman
"So how do we split the political difference on this one? Shall we talk about Mexican migrants as rapists on every other day? Shall we provide rhetorical cover for alt-right bigots only on special occasions, such as after a racist rally and murder? ... While some Republicans have criticized media bias, Trump has attempted to systematically delegitimize all critical information as “fake news” and referred to the media as “the enemy of the people.” While other politicians have pushed back against investigations, Trump has attempted to discredit federal law enforcement as part of a “deep state” plot against him."
Gerson, a conservative columnist, is spot on with how untenable the current situation is with Trump. It is impossible to be a principled conservative under his tenure. Sadly, i think he is wrong about where this will all end up. When the dust settles, all that will be left will be revanchist white nationalism completely unmoored from reality. -- Nuggetsman
Right Wing Nuttiness Nugget!
Rep. Mary Franson compares 'March for Our Lives' kids to Hitler Youth from City Pages
"Back in December, the state representative from Alexandria refused to meet with a group of politically active high school students, kids who live in her district, because the small outfit was made up of Democrats. ... This past weekend, Franson offered a clearer understanding of why she might be afraid to interact with young progressives. She fears they might be Nazis."
"Back in December, the state representative from Alexandria refused to meet with a group of politically active high school students, kids who live in her district, because the small outfit was made up of Democrats. ... This past weekend, Franson offered a clearer understanding of why she might be afraid to interact with young progressives. She fears they might be Nazis."
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