crooksandliars--2020-02-14--Trump's Great Economy Slashes Pay Raises Due To 'Serious Economic Conditions'

In a move that drew outrage from labor unions and progressives , President Donald Trump this week quietly took steps to slash a scheduled pay raise for millions of federal workers from 2.5 % to 1 % due to supposed concerns about `` keeping the nation on a fiscally sustainable course . ''
`` I have determined that for 2021 the across-the-board base pay increase will be limited to 1.0 % , '' Trump said in a message to Congress on Monday .
`` This alternative pay plan decision will not materially affect our ability to attract and retain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's proposed `` adjustment '' to the scheduled pay raise will take effect in January 2021 unless Congress passes legislation to override the change .
Just a day after his message to Congress , Trump tweeted , `` BEST USA ECONOMY IN HISTORY ! ''
Critics highlighted the disconnect between the president 's justification for cutting the planned raise for federal workers and his boasts about the state of the U.S. economy .
`` Trump claimed we had the 'BEST USA ECONOMY IN HISTORY ' and cited 'serious economic conditions affecting the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for federal workers , '' tweeted Rep. Steve Cohen ( D-Tenn. ) .
`` These are contradicting claims .
They ca n't both be true . ''
Slate 's Elliot Hannon wrote Wednesday that `` cutting the 2.5 % raise set for 2021 to 1 % for millions of federal workers seems a bit austere in the face of such self-proclaimed boom times . ''
`` Even more absurdly , Trump is justifying ordering the cut on the grounds that the country is in the midst of a 'national emergency or serious economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which the White House says authorizes the president to 'implement alternative plans for pay adjustments , ' '' Hannon added .
`` So which is it ?
The best economy in the history of economies or a national economic emergency ?
Either way , somebody 's lying . ''
Pat Garofalo , managing editor at Talk Poverty , tweeted that warnings about fiscal sustainability are not credible coming from the president who signed into law $ 1.5 trillion in tax cuts for the rich in 2017 .
Trump 's move came on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fiscal year 2021 , which proposes cutting federal workers ' retirement benefits as well as Medicare , Medicaid , and Social Security .
Tony Reardon , president of the National Treasury Employees Union ( NTEU ) , the largest independent union of federal workers in the U.S. , said a 1 % pay raise would `` do nothing to close the gap between federal employee salaries and their higher-paid private sector counterparts , it wo n't keep up with inflation , it wo n't keep up with private sector wage increases . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3 trillion to the federal debt , gouging federal employee pay and benefits in the name of deficit reduction is ridiculous , '' Reardon said in a statement .
`` NTEU will fight these regressive proposals on retirement while supporting existing legislation calling for a 3.5 % pay increase in 2021 . ''

In a move that drew outrage from labor unions and progressives, President Donald Trump this week quietly took steps to slash a scheduled pay raise for millions of federal workers from 2.5% to 1% due to supposed concerns about "keeping the nation on a fiscally sustainable course."
"I have determined that for 2021 the across-the-board base pay increase will be limited to 1.0%," Trump said in a message to Congress on Monday. "This alternative pay plan decision will not materially affect our ability to attract and retain a well‑qualified federal workforce."
The president's proposed "adjustment" to the scheduled pay raise will take effect in January 2021 unless Congress passes legislation to override the change.
Just a day after his message to Congress, Trump tweeted, "BEST USA ECONOMY IN HISTORY!"
Critics highlighted the disconnect between the president's justification for cutting the planned raise for federal workers and his boasts about the state of the U.S. economy.
"Trump claimed we had the 'BEST USA ECONOMY IN HISTORY' and cited 'serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare' to justify limiting pay increases for federal workers," tweeted Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.). "These are contradicting claims. They can't both be true."
This is just the latest action in @realDonaldTrump’s war on civil servants. He held their pay hostage during the failed #TrumpShutdown, worked to undermine their collective bargaining rights and proposed cuts to their retirement benefits. #TrumpBudget. — Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) February 12, 2020
Slate's Elliot Hannon wrote Wednesday that "cutting the 2.5% raise set for 2021 to 1% for millions of federal workers seems a bit austere in the face of such self-proclaimed boom times."
"Even more absurdly, Trump is justifying ordering the cut on the grounds that the country is in the midst of a 'national emergency or serious economic conditions affecting the general welfare,' which the White House says authorizes the president to 'implement alternative plans for pay adjustments,'" Hannon added. "So which is it? The best economy in the history of economies or a national economic emergency? Either way, somebody's lying."
Pat Garofalo, managing editor at Talk Poverty, tweeted that warnings about fiscal sustainability are not credible coming from the president who signed into law $1.5 trillion in tax cuts for the rich in 2017.
The administration approved trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, but sure, shortchanging federal employees is what will set the nation on a “fiscally sustainable course” https://t.co/3cmDRB5D60 — Pat Garofalo (@Pat_Garofalo) February 12, 2020
Trump's move came on the same day he proposed his budget for fiscal year 2021, which proposes cutting federal workers' retirement benefits as well as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Tony Reardon, president of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), the largest independent union of federal workers in the U.S., said a 1% pay raise would "do nothing to close the gap between federal employee salaries and their higher-paid private sector counterparts, it won't keep up with inflation, it won't keep up with private sector wage increases."
"For an administration that has added $3 trillion to the federal debt, gouging federal employee pay and benefits in the name of deficit reduction is ridiculous," Reardon said in a statement. "NTEU will fight these regressive proposals on retirement while supporting existing legislation calling for a 3.5% pay increase in 2021."
Republished from Common Dreams (Jake Johnson, staff writer) under a Creative Commons License.


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--C-SPAN Caller Who Hates Gay 'Abominations To God' Gets Lesson On Jesus From Dean Obeidallah

Comedian Dean Obeidallah , who is Muslim , told a C-SPAN caller that Republicans are not following the teachings of Jesus Christ even though they may oppose abortion and other policies advocated by evangelicals .
`` I am independent , '' Pam , who called from Arkansas , told Obeidallah .
`` I vote according to my conscience of who would Jesus vote for if he were here on Earth .
And he would not vote a group of people who believe in murdering children in the womb , on gays , which is an abomination to God , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obeidallah replied with a lesson on the Christian savior .
`` If Jesus came back and saw Donald Trump putting children in cages -- we 've seen approximately six children die in Donald Trump 's control , '' he explained .
`` Would Jesus support that ?
Would Jesus support a man who demonizes women who come forward and talk about being sexually abused ?
Would Jesus support any kind of discrimination whatsoever and cruelty and meanness ?
No , he would not . ''
`` And Jesus is part of Islam , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My mom 's Catholic so I 'm pretty cool with the whole Jesus thing .
And I 'm down with Jesus . ''
Obeidallah said that he wished people `` who want a government that follows the teachings of Jesus would start with Matthew , where Jesus said , 'If you were hungry , I fed you .
If you were thirsty , I gave you something to drink .
If you were a stranger , I welcomed you in . '
'' `` That 's the Christianity that you should be pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's what you want , '' he added .
`` But Donald Trump is the opposite of the teachings of Jesus Christ in every way possible . ''

Comedian Dean Obeidallah, who is Muslim, told a C-SPAN caller that Republicans are not following the teachings of Jesus Christ even though they may oppose abortion and other policies advocated by evangelicals.
"I am independent," Pam, who called from Arkansas, told Obeidallah. "I vote according to my conscience of who would Jesus vote for if he were here on Earth. And he would not vote a group of people who believe in murdering children in the womb, on gays, which is an abomination to God, on false gods from other countries."
Obeidallah replied with a lesson on the Christian savior.
"If Jesus came back and saw Donald Trump putting children in cages -- we've seen approximately six children die in Donald Trump's control," he explained. "Would Jesus support that? Would Jesus support a man who demonizes women who come forward and talk about being sexually abused? Would Jesus support any kind of discrimination whatsoever and cruelty and meanness? No, he would not."
"And Jesus is part of Islam," Obeidallah reminded the caller. "My mom's Catholic so I'm pretty cool with the whole Jesus thing. And I'm down with Jesus."
Obeidallah said that he wished people "who want a government that follows the teachings of Jesus would start with Matthew, where Jesus said, 'If you were hungry, I fed you. If you were thirsty, I gave you something to drink. If you were a stranger, I welcomed you in.'"
"That's the Christianity that you should be pushing your elected officials to follow if that's what you want," he added. "But Donald Trump is the opposite of the teachings of Jesus Christ in every way possible."


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Trump Fans Attack 'Communist' Fox Network For Cutting To Commercial During His Speech

Viewers complained on Twitter that FOX Sports cut away prior to President Donald Trump ’ s campaign-style speech at the @ @ @ @ @ was named grand marshal .
FOX ’ s cameras were also criticized for cutting away @ @ @ @ @ at the Daytona 500 in his presidential limo .
Instead , fans were treated to @ @ @ @ @ candidate Michael Bloomberg .
Some viewers praised the network for not giving the president ’ @ @ @ @ @ .
Watch the clip above and read the tweets below .

Viewers complained on Twitter that FOX Sports cut away prior to President Donald Trump’s campaign-style speech at the Daytona 500, where he was named grand marshal.
FOX’s cameras were also criticized for cutting away from Trump’s lap at the Daytona 500 in his presidential limo. Instead, fans were treated to a commercial from Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg.
Some viewers praised the network for not giving the president’s 2020 campaign additional publicity.
Watch the clip above and read the tweets below.
Fox sports isn’t showing @realDonaldTrump remarks at #Daytona500 ...but @FoxNews is.
Guess that about sums it up... — Danielle Cashat (@daniellecashat) February 16, 2020
FOX seriously isn’t showing Trump’s speech rn. We can hear him in the background. — Caleb Burdett🇺🇸 (@CalebBurdett18) February 16, 2020
Fox isn't showing Trump speaking to the crowd lol — Lucytown Guy (@papasejr) February 16, 2020
Why is Fox Sports not covering @realDonaldTrump speech at the #DaytonaDay ?🤔 @FoxNews is. — 🇺🇸Thomas Berg🇺🇸Text TRUMP to 88022 (@RealTomBergJr) February 16, 2020
Trump is speaking and Fox won’t show it!! — 🍀NW_2006🍀🇺🇸⭐⭐⭐ (@NW_2006) February 16, 2020
Its so weird that Fox has Trump giving a speech in the background and is completely ignoring it. Surprising, but the politics out of sports crowd should be pleased. #DAYTONA500 — David "Hottakes 500" Land 🆒 (@DLand91) February 16, 2020
URGENT:
Does anyone have footage of Trump actually taking the lap?
FOX cut away.
Slightly annoying — Benny (@bennyjohnson) February 16, 2020
Did they just cut off trump?? Or was that scheduled? Cuz that’s cold blooded lol — Michael Cornelius (@olpally1) February 16, 2020
Guess the New Fox News Corp. is afraid we might see or hear some Trump support! #NASCAR — IngridB ❌ (@b_ingridb) February 16, 2020
Fox cuts to commericial not showing Trump and Aircraft- WTF — ❌Nationalist Judie❌ 1776 x 2 ! Cult45 (@JudieSchaefer) February 16, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--White House's Marc Short: Stop And Frisk Was Less Racist When Trump Supported It

Marc Short , chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence , argued on Sunday that New York City 's controversial stop and frisk was not as racist when President Donald Trump supported it .
CNN 's Dana Bash noted during an interview with Short on CNN that President Donald Trump had called Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg a `` total racist '' over the policy even though the president had previously praised it .
`` So if supporting stop and frisk make Mike Bloomberg a 'total racist , ' what does that say about President Trump ? ''
Bash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president said is under [ former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani ] , stop and frisk was applied fairly , '' Short insisted .
`` Under Mayor Bloomberg , the number of African-Americans apprehended grew exponentially by four . ''
`` And that point there were questions or not whether it was really targeted on race , '' he continued .
`` And that 's what the president 's complaint is . ''
`` So you feel comfortable with [ supporting stop and frisk ] ? ''
Bash asked .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Giuliani but it was abused under Mayor Bloomberg , '' Short said .
`` But he supports the notion of stop and frisk ? ''
Bash pressed .
Short , however , said that the president 's support `` depends on what the criteria are . ''
`` You realize people look at that and say , he 's calling Michael Bloomberg a racist but he 's the same , '' Bash observed .
`` I think he 's been consistent , '' Short remarked .
`` It appears [ Bloomberg ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think the president is uncomfortable with . ''

Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, argued on Sunday that New York City's controversial stop and frisk was not as racist when President Donald Trump supported it.
CNN's Dana Bash noted during an interview with Short on CNN that President Donald Trump had called Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg a "total racist" over the policy even though the president had previously praised it.
"So if supporting stop and frisk make Mike Bloomberg a 'total racist,' what does that say about President Trump?" Bash wondered.
"I think what the president said is under [former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani], stop and frisk was applied fairly," Short insisted. "Under Mayor Bloomberg, the number of African-Americans apprehended grew exponentially by four."
"And that point there were questions or not whether it was really targeted on race," he continued. "And that's what the president's complaint is."
"So you feel comfortable with [supporting stop and frisk]?" Bash asked.
"He felt the policy was executed well under Mayor Giuliani but it was abused under Mayor Bloomberg," Short said.
"But he supports the notion of stop and frisk?" Bash pressed.
Short, however, said that the president's support "depends on what the criteria are."
"You realize people look at that and say, he's calling Michael Bloomberg a racist but he's the same," Bash observed.
"I think he's been consistent," Short remarked. "It appears [Bloomberg] took it to a further extent that I think the president is uncomfortable with."


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Over 1000 Former DOJ Attorneys Call For Bill Barr To Resign

Citing Attorney General William Barr as `` a grave threat to the fair administration of justice , '' hundreds of former DOJ attorneys have signed an open letter calling for him to step down .
The Justice Manual — the DOJ ’ s rulebook for its lawyers — states that “ the rule of law depends on the evenhanded administration of justice ” ; that the Department ’ s legal decisions “ must be impartial and insulated from political influence ” ; and that the Department ’ s prosecutorial powers , in particular , must be “ exercised free from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well-versed in these rules , regulations , and constitutional commands .
They stand for the proposition that political interference in the conduct of a criminal prosecution is anathema to the Department ’ s core mission and to its sacred obligation to ensure equal justice under the law .
And yet , President Trump and Attorney General Barr have openly and repeatedly flouted this fundamental principle , most recently in connection with the sentencing of President Trump ’ s close associate , Roger Stone , who was convicted of serious crimes .
The Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointees set broad policies that line prosecutors apply to individual cases .
That practice exists to animate the constitutional principles regarding the even-handed application of the law .
Although there are times when political leadership appropriately weighs in on individual prosecutions , it is unheard of for the Department ’ s top leaders to overrule line prosecutors , who are following established policies , in order to give preferential treatment to a close associate of the President , as Attorney General Barr did in the Stone case .
It is even more outrageous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did here — after the President publicly condemned the sentencing recommendation that line prosecutors had already filed in court .
Such behavior is a grave threat to the fair administration of justice .
In this nation , we are all equal before the law .
A person should not be given special treatment in a criminal prosecution because they are a close political ally of the President .
Governments that use the enormous power of law enforcement to punish their enemies and reward their allies are not constitutional republics ; they are @ @

Citing Attorney General William Barr as "a grave threat to the fair administration of justice," hundreds of former DOJ attorneys have signed an open letter calling for him to step down.
Here's an excerpt:
The Justice Manual — the DOJ’s rulebook for its lawyers — states that “the rule of law depends on the evenhanded administration of justice”; that the Department’s legal decisions “must be impartial and insulated from political influence”; and that the Department’s prosecutorial powers, in particular, must be “exercised free from partisan consideration.”
All DOJ lawyers are well-versed in these rules, regulations, and constitutional commands. They stand for the proposition that political interference in the conduct of a criminal prosecution is anathema to the Department’s core mission and to its sacred obligation to ensure equal justice under the law.
And yet, President Trump and Attorney General Barr have openly and repeatedly flouted this fundamental principle, most recently in connection with the sentencing of President Trump’s close associate, Roger Stone, who was convicted of serious crimes.
The Department has a long-standing practice in which political appointees set broad policies that line prosecutors apply to individual cases. That practice exists to animate the constitutional principles regarding the even-handed application of the law. Although there are times when political leadership appropriately weighs in on individual prosecutions, it is unheard of for the Department’s top leaders to overrule line prosecutors, who are following established policies, in order to give preferential treatment to a close associate of the President, as Attorney General Barr did in the Stone case. It is even more outrageous for the Attorney General to intervene as he did here — after the President publicly condemned the sentencing recommendation that line prosecutors had already filed in court.
Such behavior is a grave threat to the fair administration of justice. In this nation, we are all equal before the law. A person should not be given special treatment in a criminal prosecution because they are a close political ally of the President. Governments that use the enormous power of law enforcement to punish their enemies and reward their allies are not constitutional republics; they are autocracies.


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Tucker Carlson And Fox News Set Up Roger Stone Jurors For Retaliation

Tucker Carlson smeared the jury forewoman in the Roger Stone trial , thus setting her up for harassment or worse .
Fox News editor Gregg Re dragged her even further through the mud , along with two other jurors for good measure .
While outrage mounts over Attorney General William Barr ’ s interference in Stone ’ s sentencing , Tucker Carlson has openly demanded that Fan-in-Chief Trump pardon Stone or commute his sentence .
The Daily Beast reports that Carlson has proved such a reliable on-air advocate that “ Trump allies who seek leniency for Stone have specifically sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to get the message to the president.
” Much less apparent , as Erik Wemple nicely points out , is Carlson ’ s personal friendship with Stone and how that puts the lie to Carlson ’ s populist cloak .
Now Carlson has gone the extra mile in a stunt that dirty-trickster Stone would surely appreciate : gratuitously smearing the trial forewoman and hinting at similar attacks on the judge to follow .
From Carlson ’ s pre-scripted , i.e .
pre-approved commentary that falsely claims Stone was only prosecuted because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selection process at Roger Stone 's trial , lawyers asked the eventual foreman of the jury , if there was anything that would affect her ability to judge Stone fairly .
No , she claimed .
She had n't paid much attention to the Russia probe .
That turned out to be a lie and a stupid one at that .
That juror 's Twitter account is public , and it turns out that she 's an anti-Trump zealot who closely followed the Mueller investigation .
In one tweet , for example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President . ''
When Stone was taken into custody in a dawn raid by dozens of federal agents armed with automatic weapons and an airboat , she mocked the idea that the arrest was excessive .
`` Oh , it seems fine to me . ''
This is not a neutral person .
This is not someone capable of judging this trial fairly .
This is a partisan who lied about who she was .
Roger Stone is facing life in prison because an Obama-appointed judge , Amy Berman Jackson , allowed this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video , Carlson shows a large photo of the juror and her Twitter account .
FoxNews.com editor Gregg Re went into greater detail online yesterday , enumerating her anti-Trump sentiments along with those of two other named jurors , even though it was Stone , not Trump , on trial .
Neither Re nor Carlson seems to have bothered trying to find out why the jurors were ruled sufficiently unbiased to serve on the jury .
Who needs the rest of the story when suspicion is enough ?
Or when you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your political foes a living hell ?
You can watch the gratuitous vengefulness above , from the February 13 , 2020 Tucker Carlson Tonight .

Tucker Carlson smeared the jury forewoman in the Roger Stone trial, thus setting her up for harassment or worse. Fox News editor Gregg Re dragged her even further through the mud, along with two other jurors for good measure.
While outrage mounts over Attorney General William Barr’s interference in Stone’s sentencing, Tucker Carlson has openly demanded that Fan-in-Chief Trump pardon Stone or commute his sentence. The Daily Beast reports that Carlson has proved such a reliable on-air advocate that “Trump allies who seek leniency for Stone have specifically sought to appear on the Fox News show in order to get the message to the president.” Much less apparent, as Erik Wemple nicely points out, is Carlson’s personal friendship with Stone and how that puts the lie to Carlson’s populist cloak.
Now Carlson has gone the extra mile in a stunt that dirty-trickster Stone would surely appreciate: gratuitously smearing the trial forewoman and hinting at similar attacks on the judge to follow.
From Carlson’s pre-scripted, i.e. pre-approved commentary that falsely claims Stone was only prosecuted because of his politics:
During the jury selection process at Roger Stone's trial, lawyers asked the eventual foreman of the jury, if there was anything that would affect her ability to judge Stone fairly. No, she claimed. She hadn't paid much attention to the Russia probe. That turned out to be a lie and a stupid one at that. That juror's Twitter account is public, and it turns out that she's an anti-Trump zealot who closely followed the Mueller investigation. In one tweet, for example, she called Donald Trump "The Klan President." When Stone was taken into custody in a dawn raid by dozens of federal agents armed with automatic weapons and an airboat, she mocked the idea that the arrest was excessive. "Oh, it seems fine to me." This is not a neutral person. This is not someone capable of judging this trial fairly. This is a partisan who lied about who she was. Roger Stone is facing life in prison because an Obama-appointed judge, Amy Berman Jackson, allowed this woman to run the jury.
In the video, Carlson shows a large photo of the juror and her Twitter account. FoxNews.com editor Gregg Re went into greater detail online yesterday, enumerating her anti-Trump sentiments along with those of two other named jurors, even though it was Stone, not Trump, on trial. Neither Re nor Carlson seems to have bothered trying to find out why the jurors were ruled sufficiently unbiased to serve on the jury. Who needs the rest of the story when suspicion is enough? Or when you have a chance to make the lives of your political foes a living hell?
You can watch the gratuitous vengefulness above, from the February 13, 2020 Tucker Carlson Tonight.
Published with permission from News Hounds.


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Trump Is 'Sent By God' And A 'King,' Conservative Radio Host Tells Stunned AM Joy Panel

During a panel discussion on Trump and the rule of law , conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin did a fine job taking apart Trump 's base and the dangerous road to authoritarianism we 're on now , where his supporters and enablers have no problem whatsoever with Dear Leader behaving as though he 's above the law , and what 's going to be left of our democracy if this is allowed to continue .
Rubin called Trump 's supporters `` cultists '' and '' idolaters '' and then was immediately proven correct by the response to MSNBC host Joy Reid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host Tracey Winbush .
RUBIN : I think what we 've discovered is the Republican party is not a conservative party , it 's an authoritarian party .
( crosstalk ) That ... when you see someone who invests all hope , all faith in an individual , without realizing that every player in our constitutional system has restraint , has limitations on power .
They have adopted the strong man of history here .
Donald Trump ... we do n't put blinding faith in the president of the United States .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a specific case in order to punish people or to show lenience to people .
We do n't allow a president to lie .
We do n't allow a president to bully a prosecutor or bully a jury when the jury is out in the Manafort trial .
[ … ] In our system the allegiance that we owe is to the Constitution and the restraints .
You can favor the policies , but you have to have these individuals , whether it 's the president , or this Congress , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the rule of law , and that is what has fundamentally changed is that Trump is not doing that .
As long as you have people who are essentially cultists , idolaters , who are investing all hope , all faith , all protection in Donald Trump we are on the road to authoritarianism .
And here 's Winbush proving her point and leaving most of the panel stunned at her response .
REID : Let me ask you a couple of quick questions Tracey .
Is Donald Trump sent by God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WINBUSH : All power is elevated by God .
REID : So you think he 's sent by God ?
WINBUSH : Everyone ... if he 's in power , he was sent there by God .
I believe he was put by God ... REID : So God sent Donald Trump ?
So that means ... WINBUSH : I believe Donald Trump is in office because God allowed him to be there to give America a reprieve , so that they can reset and get back to normal .
REID : And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a king .
Do you believe he is king ?
WINBUSH : I think we all are in Christ Jesus .
Yep , it 's a cult ... a very , very dangerous one .

During a panel discussion on Trump and the rule of law, conservative columnist Jennifer Rubin did a fine job taking apart Trump's base and the dangerous road to authoritarianism we're on now, where his supporters and enablers have no problem whatsoever with Dear Leader behaving as though he's above the law, and what's going to be left of our democracy if this is allowed to continue.
Rubin called Trump's supporters "cultists" and"idolaters" and then was immediately proven correct by the response to MSNBC host Joy Reid's questions by right wing Ohio radio host Tracey Winbush.
RUBIN: I think what we've discovered is the Republican party is not a conservative party, it's an authoritarian party. (crosstalk) That... when you see someone who invests all hope, all faith in an individual, without realizing that every player in our constitutional system has restraint, has limitations on power. They have adopted the strong man of history here. Donald Trump... we don't put blinding faith in the president of the United States. We don't allow any president to intervene in a specific case in order to punish people or to show lenience to people. We don't allow a president to lie. We don't allow a president to bully a prosecutor or bully a jury when the jury is out in the Manafort trial. […] In our system the allegiance that we owe is to the Constitution and the restraints. You can favor the policies, but you have to have these individuals, whether it's the president, or this Congress, or it's the Supreme Court, operating within the rule of law, and that is what has fundamentally changed is that Trump is not doing that. As long as you have people who are essentially cultists, idolaters, who are investing all hope, all faith, all protection in Donald Trump we are on the road to authoritarianism.
And here's Winbush proving her point and leaving most of the panel stunned at her response.
REID: Let me ask you a couple of quick questions Tracey. Is Donald Trump sent by God? That's what he says. WINBUSH: All power is elevated by God. REID: So you think he's sent by God? WINBUSH: Everyone... if he's in power, he was sent there by God. I believe he was put by God... REID: So God sent Donald Trump? So that means... WINBUSH: I believe Donald Trump is in office because God allowed him to be there to give America a reprieve, so that they can reset and get back to normal. REID: And Donald Trump has essentially said he is a king. Do you believe he is king? WINBUSH: I think we all are in Christ Jesus.
Yep, it's a cult... a very, very dangerous one.


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Tom Cotton Takes Conspiracy Theory That Coronavirus Is Chinese Biological Warfare To Fox News

Sen. Tom Cotton ( R-AR ) suggested on Sunday the coronavirus , which has killed over 1,000 Chinese citizens , is a biological weapon developed by the Chinese military .
Cotton made the remarks on the Fox News program Sunday Morning Futures .
The senator insisted that reports that the virus started in a Chinese food market were incorrect .
`` This virus did not originate in the Wuhan animal market , '' Cotton said .
`` We do n't know where it originated but we do know that we have to get to the bottom of that .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from that food market is China 's only biosafety level four super laboratory that researches human infectious diseases . ''
Cotton admitted that he has no evidence that the disease originated at the laboratory .
Fox News host Maria Bartiromo pointed out that Cotton has been criticized by Chinese officials for promoting idea that the virus could be `` biological warfare . ''
`` We have such laboratories ourselves in the United States , run by our military , '' Cotton explained .
`` The burden of proof is on the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ err on the side of caution . ''

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) suggested on Sunday the coronavirus, which has killed over 1,000 Chinese citizens, is a biological weapon developed by the Chinese military.
Cotton made the remarks on the Fox News program Sunday Morning Futures. The senator insisted that reports that the virus started in a Chinese food market were incorrect.
"This virus did not originate in the Wuhan animal market," Cotton said. "We don't know where it originated but we do know that we have to get to the bottom of that. We also know that just a few miles away from that food market is China's only biosafety level four super laboratory that researches human infectious diseases."
Cotton admitted that he has no evidence that the disease originated at the laboratory.
Fox News host Maria Bartiromo pointed out that Cotton has been criticized by Chinese officials for promoting idea that the virus could be "biological warfare."
"We have such laboratories ourselves in the United States, run by our military," Cotton explained. "The burden of proof is on the Chinese Communist Party... we do want to err on the side of caution."


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Pete Buttigieg: 'I'm Not Going To Take Lectures On Family Values From The Likes Of Rush Limbaugh'

Trump 's newest Medal of Freedom winner was apparently terribly concerned about presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg kissing his husband on stage during an ugly rant on his radio show last week , where he said this during his attack on the former mayor 's sexuality : Now , there may be some Democrats who think that is the ticket .
There may be some Democrats who think that 's exactly what we need to do , Rush .
Get a gay guy kissing his husband on stage , to ram it down Trump 's throat and beat him in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ envisioning that .
Buttigieg was asked if he wanted to respond to Limbaugh 's remarks this Sunday by Dana Bash on CNN 's State of the Union : BASH : Last , before I let you go , Rush Limbaugh , who the president recently awarded the nation 's top civilian honor , described you as a 37-year-old gay guy , mayor of South Bend , who loves to kiss his husband on the debate stage .
Now , there has been bipartisan criticism of him for those remarks .
I wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you would like to .
BUTTIGIEG : Well , I love my husband .
I 'm faithful to my husband .
On stage we usually just go for the hug , but I love him very much , and I 'm not going to take lectures on family values from the likes of Rush Limbaugh .
Sadly , Buttigieg did n't get a chance to elaborate on exactly why no one should be expected to respond to the likes of Rush Limbaugh about anything , much less family values or whether it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is a man who was caught bringing a bottle of little blue pills back from a stag party in the Dominican Republic , and who has made his living polluting our airways with nothing but vile racist , sexist and homophobic garbage since he was first syndicated in the 80 's .
No one should have to answer to this bigot now or ever before he finally rots in hell , but our corporate media has been propping Limbaugh up and normalizing him for years , so it does n't surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that habit of theirs today .

Trump's newest Medal of Freedom winner was apparently terribly concerned about presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg kissing his husband on stage during an ugly rant on his radio show last week, where he said this during his attack on the former mayor's sexuality:
Now, there may be some Democrats who think that is the ticket. There may be some Democrats who think that's exactly what we need to do, Rush. Get a gay guy kissing his husband on stage, to ram it down Trump's throat and beat him in the general election. Really. Having fun envisioning that.
Buttigieg was asked if he wanted to respond to Limbaugh's remarks this Sunday by Dana Bash on CNN's State of the Union:
BASH: Last, before I let you go, Rush Limbaugh, who the president recently awarded the nation's top civilian honor, described you as a 37-year-old gay guy, mayor of South Bend, who loves to kiss his husband on the debate stage. Now, there has been bipartisan criticism of him for those remarks. I wanted to give you a chance to respond if you would like to. BUTTIGIEG: Well, I love my husband. I'm faithful to my husband. On stage we usually just go for the hug, but I love him very much, and I'm not going to take lectures on family values from the likes of Rush Limbaugh.
Sadly, Buttigieg didn't get a chance to elaborate on exactly why no one should be expected to respond to the likes of Rush Limbaugh about anything, much less family values or whether it's appropriate to kiss your spouse in public.
This is a man who was caught bringing a bottle of little blue pills back from a stag party in the Dominican Republic, and who has made his living polluting our airways with nothing but vile racist, sexist and homophobic garbage since he was first syndicated in the 80's.
No one should have to answer to this bigot now or ever before he finally rots in hell, but our corporate media has been propping Limbaugh up and normalizing him for years, so it doesn't surprise me in the least that Bash continued that habit of theirs today.


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Kellyanne Conway Whines To Chris Wallace: Trump Is Victim Of 'Two-Tier Justice System'

White House aide Kellyanne Conway asserted on Sunday that President Donald Trump is being mistreated by a `` two-tier justice @ @ @ @ @ interview on FOX News Sunday , host Chris Wallace asked Conway for the president 's @ @ @ @ @ decision not to prosecute former FBI Director Andrew McCabe , who was forced to correct @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The president recognizes , as many people do , it feels like there @ @ @ @ @ system , '' Conway opined .
`` If you 're President Trump or people associated @ @ @ @ @ have gone one way . ''
Conway went on to say that McCabe is a @ @ @ @ @ 's prosecuted or not . ''

White House aide Kellyanne Conway asserted on Sunday that President Donald Trump is being mistreated by a "two-tier justice system."
During an interview on FOX News Sunday, host Chris Wallace asked Conway for the president's reaction to a Justice Department decision not to prosecute former FBI Director Andrew McCabe, who was forced to correct misstatements to the inspector general.
"The president recognizes, as many people do, it feels like there's a two-tiered criminal justice system," Conway opined. "If you're President Trump or people associated with him, those prosecutions have gone one way."
Conway went on to say that McCabe is a "serial liar whether he's prosecuted or not."


crooksandliars--2020-02-16--Trump Shows Susan Collins The Lesson He Learned: Don't Let Anyone Listen To Your Criming

Sen. Susan Collins has done her best to walk back her ridiculous statement that impeached president Donald Trump learned a lesson from the impeachment process , and to absolve herself of any responsibility for a now totally unfettered Trump .
The thing is , though : She ca n't .
Because Trump himself is yelling out the real lessons he learned every damn day .
Like on Thursday , when he trashed another presidential norm meant to keep chief executives in check and to protect national security .
In a radio interview with Geraldo Rivera , Trump talked about one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : not to let officials listen in on his phone calls with world leaders .
`` Well , that 's what they 've done over the years , '' Trump said .
`` When you call a foreign leader , people listen .
I may end the practice entirely .
I may end it entirely . ''
This came about in a discussion about Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman , who Trump was bitching about in the interview , calling him `` insubordinate '' for raising his concerns about Trump 's call with Ukrainian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a fan of Vindman , '' Trump added .
Surprise .
Given his cavalier attitude toward classified intelligence , this latest lesson learned by Trump has the national security community freaking out .
`` Right now , President Trump is a nightmare to every intel and [ national-security ] officer , and this is all stuff he 's done with their knowledge , '' a former senior National Security Agency official told Business Insider .
`` Allowing him to conduct these calls in private would be catastrophic for us . ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Barack Obama , Edward Price , told Business Insider that allowing intelligence and national security people to listen to calls `` is indispensable to the coordination and implementation of sound foreign policy and national-security practices , .
[ … ] No president—but especially not this one—can or should be relied upon to backbrief senior advisers on details that can often be extraordinarily nuanced . ''
Of course it has happened with this impeached president .
And it was n't just a phone call , but also face-to-face meetings with Russian President Vladimir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has talked with Putin without U.S. staff present .
So the lesson he did learn from Collins and the rest of the Republicans who let him off the hook is that that 's the way he should always conduct foreign policy , with no one around him who can alert the rest of the government—including Congress—about the crime-doing .

Sen. Susan Collins has done her best to walk back her ridiculous statement that impeached president Donald Trump learned a lesson from the impeachment process, and to absolve herself of any responsibility for a now totally unfettered Trump. The thing is, though: She can't. Because Trump himself is yelling out the real lessons he learned every damn day. Like on Thursday, when he trashed another presidential norm meant to keep chief executives in check and to protect national security.
In a radio interview with Geraldo Rivera, Trump talked about one of the lessons he’s learned: not to let officials listen in on his phone calls with world leaders. "Well, that's what they've done over the years," Trump said. "When you call a foreign leader, people listen. I may end the practice entirely. I may end it entirely." This came about in a discussion about Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who Trump was bitching about in the interview, calling him "insubordinate" for raising his concerns about Trump's call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I'm not a fan of Vindman," Trump added. Surprise.
Given his cavalier attitude toward classified intelligence, this latest lesson learned by Trump has the national security community freaking out. "Right now, President Trump is a nightmare to every intel and [national-security] officer, and this is all stuff he's done with their knowledge," a former senior National Security Agency official told Business Insider. "Allowing him to conduct these calls in private would be catastrophic for us."
A former National Security Council senior director under President Barack Obama, Edward Price, told Business Insider that allowing intelligence and national security people to listen to calls "is indispensable to the coordination and implementation of sound foreign policy and national-security practices,. […] No president—but especially not this one—can or should be relied upon to backbrief senior advisers on details that can often be extraordinarily nuanced." Of course it has happened with this impeached president. And it wasn't just a phone call, but also face-to-face meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin: On several occasions, Trump has talked with Putin without U.S. staff present.
So the lesson he did learn from Collins and the rest of the Republicans who let him off the hook is that that's the way he should always conduct foreign policy, with no one around him who can alert the rest of the government—including Congress—about the crime-doing.
Published with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Fox News Attacks Pelosi For Her Supposed 'Obsession With Impeachment'

For anyone who was n't already sure why their Crazy Uncle Liberty is dead sure that Dear Leader has done absolutely nothing wrong to deserve impeachment , it 's from watching one too many segments like this one over on State-Run TV , a.k.a .
Fox `` news . ''
In upside-down land this Sunday , poor old picked on Trump is completely innocent , Speaker Pelosi is the one who 's `` obsessed '' and `` crazy , '' exposing Trump 's crimes and impeaching him over it , not covering them up the way the Senate did , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate them is going to hurt them in the upcoming election .
And Pelosi ripping up Trump 's lie-filled gaslighting abomination of a speech is akin to treason and the most horrible offense anyone could ever think of committing and somehow an insult to anyone that Trump mentioned in the speech .
Here 's the crew on Fox & Friends having a hissy fit over Pelosi 's interview on CNN the previous day .
HEGSETH : It appears that crazy Nancy Pelosi does n't want the spotlight to leave .
She ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her view of what it all represents , how long it will last , what it all means .
So she went on another network yesterday .
Starts with C and ends with N , and she could n't stop talking about her obsession with the president and obsession with impeachment .
PELOSI : You ca n't have an acquittal unless you have a trial and you ca n't have a trial without witnesses and documents .
So he can say he was acquitted , and the headlines can say acquitted but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and not vindicated .
JENKINS : Branded .
It 's not a tattoo , just to be clear , but you know , it is obviously clear that this is perhaps Speaker Pelosi , who earned her due being elected not once but twice as Speaker of the Democratic controlled House setting the narrative for November by trying to hang impeachment on the president 's neck .
COMPAGNO : I love how you phrased that .
You said `` Why she 's so obsessed with it ? ''
Why is it so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obsessed with being a good steward of our taxpayer dollars ?
Why could n't she be obsessed with cleaning up her district in San Francisco which is absolutely ... like , disgusting and rotting , which is where I 'm from in the Bay area ?
There are so many more positive things she could be obsessed with .
Instead she 's obsessed with this president 's election and the fact that he will be , quote , impeached forever , and she 's not letting it lie .
She is now talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , literally dragging it on like the virus that wo n't end .
HEGSETH : Well , exactly right .
She is ... first of all , if you 're impeached forever , then you 're acquitted forever .
Second of all , Griff , you mentioned the narrative .
This was a terrible narrative for Democrats .
You look at the president 's approval rating from when impeachment started to where it is right now .
What Democrat in America today wishes that Nancy Pelosi would keep talking about this ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the page .
You do n't hear presidential candidates talking about impeachment .
Because the president was acquitted .
He did nothing wrong .
Her obsession , ultimately , is going to hurt Democrats .
JENKINS : She 's clearly , when she tore this speech up , at the State of the Union , as she was sending a message that 's where she 's going to do .
She was asked about tearing up the president 's speech .
Here 's what she said .
PELOSI : I had no intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the State of the Union .
I 'm a speed reader so I was reading ahead .
I knew what was there .
I got past like about a third of it , and I thought , this is terrible .
Then I realized that most every page had something in it that was objectionable .
HEGSETH : I was n't planning on tearing up my sheets .
I was just pre-tearing them during that sound bite just in kiss at the end I wanted to tear up my sheets .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tear it up .
If i do n't like it , I 'm prepared .
COMPAGNO : How can she say that since we all saw her pre-tearing it ?
How can she have that lie come out of her house knowing she 's not transparent ?
I 'm a speed reader .
And then the audience was treated to this by Hegseth : This eventually led to Hegseth ripping up his own show notes one by one in order to slam Pelosi and accuse her of disrespecting every honored guest at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every page was objectionable , then that ’ s precisely what she was tearing up , ” Hegseth said .
“ And do you really believe Nancy Pelosi ’ s a speed reader ?
I mean , she may have had speed read the Bible , because prays a lot , but she may not have read it in a slow fashion like the rest of us to truly understand what it means.
” Somehow Hegseth managed to finish the segment without being struck by lightening after saying this .
The talking heads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's approval ratings ever since Gallup had an outlier poll showing him with a 49 percent approval rating .
The Washington Post explained why they should n't be celebrating just yet and why it 's probably wrong : Has Trump ’ s approval rating really shot up to 49 percent ?
Probably not.. FiveThirtyEight shows Trump is still stuck in the mud in the low forties and headed on a downward trajectory , but do n't tell his cheerleaders over on Trump TV .

For anyone who wasn't already sure why their Crazy Uncle Liberty is dead sure that Dear Leader has done absolutely nothing wrong to deserve impeachment, it's from watching one too many segments like this one over on State-Run TV, a.k.a. Fox "news."
In upside-down land this Sunday, poor old picked on Trump is completely innocent, Speaker Pelosi is the one who's "obsessed" and "crazy," exposing Trump's crimes and impeaching him over it, not covering them up the way the Senate did, is bad for Democrats, and continuing to investigate them is going to hurt them in the upcoming election. And Pelosi ripping up Trump's lie-filled gaslighting abomination of a speech is akin to treason and the most horrible offense anyone could ever think of committing and somehow an insult to anyone that Trump mentioned in the speech.
Here's the crew on Fox & Friends having a hissy fit over Pelosi's interview on CNN the previous day.
HEGSETH: It appears that crazy Nancy Pelosi doesn't want the spotlight to leave. She can't quit impeachment, and she has her view of what it all represents, how long it will last, what it all means. So she went on another network yesterday. Starts with C and ends with N, and she couldn't stop talking about her obsession with the president and obsession with impeachment. PELOSI: You can't have an acquittal unless you have a trial and you can't have a trial without witnesses and documents. So he can say he was acquitted, and the headlines can say acquitted but he's impeached forever, branded with that, and not vindicated. JENKINS: Branded. It's not a tattoo, just to be clear, but you know, it is obviously clear that this is perhaps Speaker Pelosi, who earned her due being elected not once but twice as Speaker of the Democratic controlled House setting the narrative for November by trying to hang impeachment on the president's neck . COMPAGNO: I love how you phrased that. You said "Why she's so obsessed with it?" Why is it so impossible? Why couldn't she be obsessed with being a good steward of our taxpayer dollars? Why couldn't she be obsessed with cleaning up her district in San Francisco which is absolutely... like, disgusting and rotting, which is where I'm from in the Bay area? There are so many more positive things she could be obsessed with. Instead she's obsessed with this president's election and the fact that he will be, quote, impeached forever, and she's not letting it lie. She is now talking about continuing to do it. I mean, literally dragging it on like the virus that won't end.
HEGSETH: Well, exactly right. She is... first of all, if you're impeached forever, then you're acquitted forever. Second of all, Griff, you mentioned the narrative. This was a terrible narrative for Democrats. You look at the president's approval rating from when impeachment started to where it is right now. What Democrat in America today wishes that Nancy Pelosi would keep talking about this? If anything, they want to turn the page. You don't hear presidential candidates talking about impeachment. Because the president was acquitted. He did nothing wrong. Her obsession, ultimately, is going to hurt Democrats . JENKINS: She's clearly, when she tore this speech up, at the State of the Union, as she was sending a message that's where she's going to do. She was asked about tearing up the president's speech. Here's what she said. PELOSI: I had no intention of doing that when we went to the State of the Union. I'm a speed reader so I was reading ahead. I knew what was there. I got past like about a third of it, and I thought, this is terrible. Then I realized that most every page had something in it that was objectionable. HEGSETH: I wasn't planning on tearing up my sheets. I was just pre-tearing them during that sound bite just in kiss at the end I wanted to tear up my sheets. If you do well I'm not going to tear it up. If i don't like it, I'm prepared . COMPAGNO: How can she say that since we all saw her pre-tearing it? How can she have that lie come out of her house knowing she's not transparent? I'm a speed reader.
And then the audience was treated to this by Hegseth:
This eventually led to Hegseth ripping up his own show notes one by one in order to slam Pelosi and accuse her of disrespecting every honored guest at the State of the Union. “If every page was objectionable, then that’s precisely what she was tearing up,” Hegseth said. “And do you really believe Nancy Pelosi’s a speed reader? I mean, she may have had speed read the Bible, because prays a lot, but she may not have read it in a slow fashion like the rest of us to truly understand what it means.”
Somehow Hegseth managed to finish the segment without being struck by lightening after saying this.
The talking heads on Fox love to crow about Trump's approval ratings ever since Gallup had an outlier poll showing him with a 49 percent approval rating. The Washington Post explained why they shouldn't be celebrating just yet and why it's probably wrong: Has Trump’s approval rating really shot up to 49 percent? Probably not..
FiveThirtyEight shows Trump is still stuck in the mud in the low forties and headed on a downward trajectory, but don't tell his cheerleaders over on Trump TV.


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Cash For Votes: Trump PAC Hands Out Big Bucks To Black Community

Nothing to see here .
Just a Trump organization setting up a group fronted by Black folks to go into Black communities to promise them cash if they attend pro-Trump events .
According to CNN , America First Policies is one of the main organizations trying to get Trump re-elected .
They donated over $ 230,000 to help begin the Urban Revitalization Coalition , headed by Cleveland 's Darryl Scott — Pastor of the New Spirit Revival Center .
What 's the Urban Revitalization Coalition doing with its money ?
Holding Trump events , promising cash prizes to the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're pumped full of propaganda .
So , there 's that .
According to Sara Murray from CNN : MURRAY : Tax experts contacted by CNN raised red flags saying the cash events may violate tax laws that bar nonprofits from engaging in political campaign activities and could jeopardize the group 's tax-exempt status .
Though in an interview with CNN , Scott said he 's careful to follow the law .
Racial justice groups like the NAACP accused Scott of trying to buy support for president Trump in the Black community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's very disingenuous .
We 're in a political climate where elections are won by the margins .
Less than a fraction of a percentage .
And people are using many tricks to encourage people to participate or persuade their political point of view .
MURRAY : Scott hit back at critics telling CNN , `` I really think that 's insulting to Black people .
They automatically think Black people demean themselves so much that they 'll sell out a vote for $ 300 . ''
Trump has struggled to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of African-Americans believe the president is racist , according to a recent poll .
The organizers have touted the group as a link between the White House and urban communities .
Cleveland City Councilman Blaine Griffin is not buying Pastor Scott 's line that the events help the community and were n't endorsements for Trump .
Organizers even wanted to honor Councilman Griffin at one of their events , and once he began to investigate , he smelled a rat , and not only declined the invitation and honor , but denounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this conversation is taking place within the Black community , and that generally speaking , it 's not for white folks to step in and judge where and how they receive whatever economic help they find .
That the Black community is in this situation to begin with is the result of the nation 's history of oppression , and the fact that all of our institutions were designed to give white people tremendous advantage .
We can , however , point out how completely typical and crass it is for Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his own personal and political gain .
At the end of the segment above , the anchors said it best .

Nothing to see here. Just a Trump organization setting up a group fronted by Black folks to go into Black communities to promise them cash if they attend pro-Trump events. According to CNN, America First Policies is one of the main organizations trying to get Trump re-elected. They donated over $230,000 to help begin the Urban Revitalization Coalition, headed by Cleveland's Darryl Scott — Pastor of the New Spirit Revival Center.
What's the Urban Revitalization Coalition doing with its money? Holding Trump events, promising cash prizes to the Black people who attend the giveaways wherein they're pumped full of propaganda. So, there's that.
According to Sara Murray from CNN:
MURRAY: Tax experts contacted by CNN raised red flags saying the cash events may violate tax laws that bar nonprofits from engaging in political campaign activities and could jeopardize the group's tax-exempt status. Though in an interview with CNN, Scott said he's careful to follow the law. Racial justice groups like the NAACP accused Scott of trying to buy support for president Trump in the Black community. JOHNSON: It's both worrisome and it's very disingenuous. We're in a political climate where elections are won by the margins. Less than a fraction of a percentage. And people are using many tricks to encourage people to participate or persuade their political point of view. MURRAY: Scott hit back at critics telling CNN, "I really think that's insulting to Black people. They automatically think Black people demean themselves so much that they'll sell out a vote for $300." Trump has struggled to build support among African-American voters. And 83% of African-Americans believe the president is racist, according to a recent poll. The organizers have touted the group as a link between the White House and urban communities.
Cleveland City Councilman Blaine Griffin is not buying Pastor Scott's line that the events help the community and weren't endorsements for Trump. Organizers even wanted to honor Councilman Griffin at one of their events, and once he began to investigate, he smelled a rat, and not only declined the invitation and honor, but denounced the event.
It's worth noting that this conversation is taking place within the Black community, and that generally speaking, it's not for white folks to step in and judge where and how they receive whatever economic help they find. That the Black community is in this situation to begin with is the result of the nation's history of oppression, and the fact that all of our institutions were designed to give white people tremendous advantage. We can, however, point out how completely typical and crass it is for Trump and his cronies to exploit that disadvantage for his own personal and political gain. At the end of the segment above, the anchors said it best.


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Guiliani Backer 'Fraud Guarantee' Allegedly Lied To Investors

I ca n't wait to hear what Susan Collins thinks of this development .
Rudy Giuliani 's bankroller , an outfit literally named `` Fraud Guarantee , '' is awaking to new charges out of SDNY this morning .
Prosecutors allege that FG lied about the organization in `` marketing pitches '' to investors .
I am not making this up .
CNN : FBI agents and prosecutors interviewed investors who were pitched on the company , and through subpoenas have obtained text messages and other documents related to the effort .
One person with knowledge of the company has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on pricey personal expenses .
The new charges , if they are brought , would significantly increase the legal pressure on Parnas and Correia .
Those men , plus Igor Fruman , another Parnas business associate , and Andrey Kukushkin , an associate in a marijuana venture , have been charged by Manhattan federal prosecutors with campaign finance violations relating to donations they made to US candidates .
All four have pleaded not guilty .
The timing of any additional charges is not clear .
Prosecutors have said in court that new charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other defendants are likely , but they have not specified which charges or when they might be filed .
The case is scheduled to go to trial in early October , which would mean testimony involving Trump 's circle could emerge in the final weeks of the 2020 presidential election campaign .
You know what else Fraud Guarantee does ?
Donate to Republican State Committees .

I can't wait to hear what Susan Collins thinks of this development.
Rudy Giuliani's bankroller, an outfit literally named "Fraud Guarantee," is awaking to new charges out of SDNY this morning. Prosecutors allege that FG lied about the organization in "marketing pitches" to investors.
I am not making this up. CNN:
FBI agents and prosecutors interviewed investors who were pitched on the company, and through subpoenas have obtained text messages and other documents related to the effort. One person with knowledge of the company has said the men spent proceeds from investors on pricey personal expenses. The new charges, if they are brought, would significantly increase the legal pressure on Parnas and Correia. Those men, plus Igor Fruman, another Parnas business associate, and Andrey Kukushkin, an associate in a marijuana venture, have been charged by Manhattan federal prosecutors with campaign finance violations relating to donations they made to US candidates. All four have pleaded not guilty. The timing of any additional charges is not clear. Prosecutors have said in court that new charges in the case against Parnas and the other defendants are likely, but they have not specified which charges or when they might be filed. The case is scheduled to go to trial in early October, which would mean testimony involving Trump's circle could emerge in the final weeks of the 2020 presidential election campaign.
You know what else Fraud Guarantee does? Donate to Republican State Committees.
SUR Illinois calls on @ILGOP to return the money donated to it by “Fraud Guarantee,” Lev Parnas’ aptly-named Russian money laundering vehicle. pic.twitter.com/YH1Aa5JNpO — Stand Up Republic - Illinois (@SUR_Illinois) January 1, 2020
So corrupt.


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Georgia Senator Posts Ad For Herself In Full Hunting Regalia - With No Hunting License

This sort of foolishness happens all of the time in politics , but especially so among Republicans .
Loeffler is the interim Senator from Georgia after Johnny Isakson retired .
She faces deranged lunatic Rep. Doug Collins in the Republican primary for May 3rd .
Mitch McConnell is keen to keep Loeffler inserted in the Senate .
She and her husband are said to be worth nearly half a billion dollars , with Jeffery Sprecher 's company owning the New York Stock Exchange , acquiring it for $ 8.2B in 2013 .
The other day , U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camo blouse and orange safety vest , with a shotgun over one shoulder .
One of her critics quickly discovered she couldn ’ t have been using the weaponry to hunt .
The Republican incumbent doesn ’ t have a Georgia hunting license , according to an Open Records Act request obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution .
The request was filed by American Bridge , a left-leaning group that ’ s working to unseat the financial executive -- even as she attempts to boost her conservative credentials and fend off a challenge from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hudson , a spokesman for American Bridge , said she ’ s “ trying to portray herself as a hunter when the record shows she ’ s never even had a hunting license .
”

This sort of foolishness happens all of the time in politics, but especially so among Republicans. Loeffler is the interim Senator from Georgia after Johnny Isakson retired. She faces deranged lunatic Rep. Doug Collins in the Republican primary for May 3rd.
Mitch McConnell is keen to keep Loeffler inserted in the Senate. She and her husband are said to be worth nearly half a billion dollars, with Jeffery Sprecher's company owning the New York Stock Exchange, acquiring it for $8.2B in 2013.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--When Will Trump Demand The Spelling Of Presidents’ Day Be Changed?

The Stable genius in the White House sent a very simple tweet for a change -- one that didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ smear a political rival or dissenting view .
Even in its simplicity Trump can ’ @ @ @ @ @ holidays .
One that praises past US presidents .
Instead , he tweeted out a @ @ @ @ @ himself , by simply writing all in caps HAPPY PRESIDENT 'S DAY .
Note the @ @ @ @ @ because of course he thinks it 's a day of worship of him .
In @ @ @ @ @ the Merriam-Webster dictionary tweeted the true spelling and then offered the correction without mentioning Donald @ @ @ @ @ an embarrassing faux pas as anything that should come from a sitting US president .
@ @ @ @ @ his own name on a piece of legislation .
Editors ' note : It looks @ @ @ @ @ already working on that change !
See the image at the top , via iStockPhoto @ @ @

The Stable genius in the White House sent a very simple tweet for a change -- one that didn’t attack, vilify or smear a political rival or dissenting view.
HAPPY PRESIDENT’S DAY! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 17, 2020
Shocking, right?
Even in its simplicity Trump can’t spell the simplest of holidays. One that praises past US presidents.
Instead, he tweeted out a tweet to congratulate and worship himself, by simply writing all in caps HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY.
Note the position of the apostrophe, because of course he thinks it's a day of worship of him.
In their typical satirical fashion, the Merriam-Webster dictionary tweeted the true spelling and then offered the correction without mentioning Donald Trump.
(That's where the apostrophe goes.) — Merriam-Webster (@MerriamWebster) February 17, 2020
It’s an embarrassing faux pas as anything that should come from a sitting US president. It’s like misspelling his own name on a piece of legislation.
Have a nice holiday, all!
Editors' note: It looks like stock image companies are already working on that change! See the image at the top, via iStockPhoto. - Karoli


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Nick Kristof: How Coronavirus Is Disrupting International Supply Chains

New Day 's Alysin Camerota asked New York Times columnist Nick Kristof what Chinese officials did wrong in their handling of the coronavirus crisis .
Kristof said the biggest problem is that they tried to cover it up .
He said the Chinese scientific community reacted `` heroically . ''
`` The scientific side did great .
Meanwhile , the political side , when eight doctors are discussing this in a WeChat group , they summoned them to the police station .
They warned them not to do this again , '' Kristof said .
`` Most strikingly , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been reprimanded , to send a signal across the country that nobody talks about this .
And so meanwhile in Wuhan , you have the local legislature is meeting .
There are banquets and 5 million people leave Wuhan for the rest of the country in this period before the clampdown .
Once it comes , extraordinary efficiency and one might say ruthlessness , they were -- Xi Jinping , the president , was very late and his instinctive response was to cover up . ''
`` Did the delay lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand the scale of what China is doing right now , we 're not talking about a cruise ship here or there , a few hundred passengers .
They blocked off parts of the country where hundreds of millions of people live .
I do n't think the world has ever seen this , '' Jim Sciutto said .
`` Yeah , I ca n't think of any analogy .
it 's not just that the highways and air traffic and rail lines have been largely cut off , it 's that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the store and you get three checkpoints back to your apartment .
Farmers find they ca n't get feed for their livestock , so their livestock risk dying .
In some ways it may well be quite effective in preventing the spread .
On the other hand , it 's devastating for the economy and raises obviously fundamental questions about rights , '' Kristof said .
`` We have a way of visually showing that , just how air traffic has dropped so dramatically in China , by 80 % in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the left-hand side of the screen that 's what it looks like .
Crazy .
Now just a fraction .
That has economic impacts , too , '' Sciutto said .
NOTE TO READERS : This is not a conspiracy theory .
Coronavirus is already here , and it 's extremely contagious , so it will spread .
Read up on pandemic preparation .
In the meantime , I suggest you get hand sanitizer , surgical masks , and gloves .
Better to have supplies and not need them than not have them @ @ @ @

New Day's Alysin Camerota asked New York Times columnist Nick Kristof what Chinese officials did wrong in their handling of the coronavirus crisis.
Kristof said the biggest problem is that they tried to cover it up. He said the Chinese scientific community reacted "heroically."
"The scientific side did great. Meanwhile, the political side, when eight doctors are discussing this in a WeChat group, they summoned them to the police station. They warned them not to do this again," Kristof said.
"Most strikingly, they announce on national television these eight doctors have been reprimanded, to send a signal across the country that nobody talks about this. And so meanwhile in Wuhan, you have the local legislature is meeting. There are banquets and 5 million people leave Wuhan for the rest of the country in this period before the clampdown. Once it comes, extraordinary efficiency and one might say ruthlessness, they were -- Xi Jinping, the president, was very late and his instinctive response was to cover up."
"Did the delay lead to the spread? For folks at home to understand the scale of what China is doing right now, we're not talking about a cruise ship here or there, a few hundred passengers. They blocked off parts of the country where hundreds of millions of people live. I don't think the world has ever seen this," Jim Sciutto said.
"Yeah, I can't think of any analogy. it's not just that the highways and air traffic and rail lines have been largely cut off, it's that even within cities, you go out to the store and you get three checkpoints back to your apartment. Farmers find they can't get feed for their livestock, so their livestock risk dying. In some ways it may well be quite effective in preventing the spread. On the other hand, it's devastating for the economy and raises obviously fundamental questions about rights," Kristof said.
"We have a way of visually showing that, just how air traffic has dropped so dramatically in China, by 80% in and out of the biggest airports. On the left-hand side of the screen that's what it looks like. Crazy. Now just a fraction. That has economic impacts, too," Sciutto said.
NOTE TO READERS: This is not a conspiracy theory. Coronavirus is already here, and it's extremely contagious, so it will spread. Read up on pandemic preparation. In the meantime, I suggest you get hand sanitizer, surgical masks, and gloves. Better to have supplies and not need them than not have them when you do!


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--John Oliver Has A Special Message For Susan Collins

On his HBO season opener Sunday , John Oliver had some special thoughts for Senator Susan Collins .
Playing a clip where she insisted that Donald Trump would learn a lesson from being impeached , John Oliver blasted her : JOHN OLIVER : What are you talking about , Susan ?
Trump never learns his lesson !
This is a man whose first-born child was Donald Trump Jr. , and he kept having children !
Then the host turned to the Roger Stone trial , and Trump 's tweet ( yeah ) that the Stone recommended sentence of 7-9 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' OLIVER : “ Was it really a miscarriage of justice , though ?
Because , bear in mind that Stone was found guilty on seven counts , the sentencing was within established federal guidelines .
I know you ’ re not supposed to profile people , but look at him !
Look at him !
His dress code is ‘ business scoundrel !
’ He looks like a mannequin at a department store for Dick Tracy villains !
He looks like a guy whose day planner just says ‘ Frame Roger Rabbit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people think , the judge is the one who decides on the sentence , and there is an appeal process in place for Stone .
The way the U.S. justice system works depends more on what people ’ s skin color is , how much money you have , and whether the judge has already had lunch .
After a video clip of Fox News hosts defining the Justice Department as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trump presidency , Oliver had to hand it to Susan Collins : OLIVER : Susan Collins may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump did learn a lesson from his impeachment trial .
Specifically , ' I can get away with anything because no one will hold me accountable . '

On his HBO season opener Sunday, John Oliver had some special thoughts for Senator Susan Collins. Playing a clip where she insisted that Donald Trump would learn a lesson from being impeached, John Oliver blasted her:
JOHN OLIVER: What are you talking about, Susan? Trump never learns his lesson! This is a man whose first-born child was Donald Trump Jr., and he kept having children!
Then the host turned to the Roger Stone trial, and Trump's tweet (yeah) that the Stone recommended sentence of 7-9 years was a "miscarriage of justice."
OLIVER: “Was it really a miscarriage of justice, though? Because, bear in mind that Stone was found guilty on seven counts, the sentencing was within established federal guidelines. Plus, look at him! I know you’re not supposed to profile people, but look at him! Look at him! His dress code is ‘business scoundrel!’ He looks like a mannequin at a department store for Dick Tracy villains! He looks like a guy whose day planner just says ‘Frame Roger Rabbit!’ Look at him! Whatever people think, the judge is the one who decides on the sentence, and there is an appeal process in place for Stone. The way the U.S. justice system works depends more on what people’s skin color is, how much money you have, and whether the judge has already had lunch.
After a video clip of Fox News hosts defining the Justice Department as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trump presidency, Oliver had to hand it to Susan Collins:
OLIVER: Susan Collins may have been right about one thing. Trump did learn a lesson from his impeachment trial. Specifically, 'I can get away with anything because no one will hold me accountable.'


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Trump Campaign Manager Tweets Dramatic Photo...from 2004

Parscale 's tweet stayed up for several hours yesterday , as the MAGA people swooned and wet themselves over the majestic photo .
When it was pointed out the photo was actually from a George Bush visit to Daytona in 2004 , the tweet was deleted and everyone at the Trump White House pretended it never happened .
Trump 's visit to the Daytona 500 continues his string of attending national sports events that later become fiascos with his appearance .
Washington ( CNN ) - President Donald Trump 's campaign manager deleted a tweet featuring a dramatic photo of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after users pointed out that the shot was from President George W. Bush 's visit to the NASCAR race in 2004 , not from Trump 's visit on Sunday .
Brad Parscale tweeted the 2004 photo , which shows Air Force One rising above packed stands at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida , and wrote , `` .
@ realDonaldTrump won the # Daytona500 before the race even started . ''
The tweet stayed online for about three hours , drawing at least 6,700 retweets and 23,000 likes before it was deleted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied with messages like `` Amazing shot wow '' and `` WOW WHAT A SHOT !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! ''
But the photo was taken by photographer Jonathan Ferrey on February 15 , 2004 , after Bush 's visit to the racetrack , as Air Force One took off from the adjacent Daytona Beach International Airport .

Parscale's tweet stayed up for several hours yesterday, as the MAGA people swooned and wet themselves over the majestic photo. When it was pointed out the photo was actually from a George Bush visit to Daytona in 2004, the tweet was deleted and everyone at the Trump White House pretended it never happened.
Trump's visit to the Daytona 500 continues his string of attending national sports events that later become fiascos with his appearance.
Source: CNN


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Blue State Republicans 'Ordered' To Win Popular Vote For Trump

This item in my local south-central Illinois newspaper caught my eye Sunday morning : State GOP Chairman Tim Schneider told @ @ @ @ @ that even though President Donald Trump might not win Illinois in November , he should @ @ @ @ @ possible .
Talking to about 700 people at the $ 100-a-plate Lincoln Day Dinner at @ @ @ @ @ , Schneider shared stories from the Republican National Committee winter meeting in January at the @ @ @ @ @ Florida .
“ And I was given the order down there , ” Schneider said @ @ @ @ @ ’ t win for President Trump here in Illinois , at least let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ The president wants to be re-elected .
But this time , he wants to win @ @ @ @ @ let ’ s get our friends and neighbors out that aren ’ t registered to @ @ @ @ @ that central and southern Illinois is Trump country , and we have to get those @ @ @ @ @ ”

This item in my local south-central Illinois newspaper caught my eye Sunday morning:
Illinois GOP leader urges strong party turnout for Trump
State GOP Chairman Tim Schneider told Sangamon County Republicans last week that even though President Donald Trump might not win Illinois in November, he should get as many votes as possible.
Talking to about 700 people at the $100-a-plate Lincoln Day Dinner at the Bank of Springfield Center, Schneider shared stories from the Republican National Committee winter meeting in January at the Trump Doral golf resort in Florida.
“And I was given the order down there,” Schneider said. “If we can’t win for President Trump here in Illinois, at least let’s drive the popular vote. The president wants to be re-elected. But this time, he wants to win the popular vote. So let’s get our friends and neighbors out that aren’t registered to vote, because we know that central and southern Illinois is Trump country, and we have to get those people out to vote.”


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Rudy Says Romney Is A Soros Puppet Because Of Course

Quiz time , kids !
Which is true : Rudy Guiliani took to Twitter this weekend to Surprise !
It @ @ @ @ @ of the above !
Has Rudy ( or anyone , really ) asked Jared Kushner @ @ @ @ @ are doing ?
Oh wait , Jared delayed disclosing those on his security clearance papers @ @ @ @ @ the Trump White House is accountable for anything .
I keep forgetting that .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ '' sign is now available in Ukranian !

Quiz time, kids! Which is true: Rudy Guiliani took to Twitter this weekend to
Retweet a blonde MAGA hottie Push a Soros conspiracy theory about Mitt Romney Promote his "podcast."
Surprise! It's (4) all of the above!
Soros is enemy number one of the Republican Party. He’s like an anarchist. He funded DAs who are letting criminals go free. And in Eastern Europe he uses our embassies to protect his organization and attack his enemies. https://t.co/WFcytLdmaR Wednesday this week. https://t.co/OHONO51Muv — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) February 16, 2020
Has Rudy (or anyone, really) asked Jared Kushner how HIS ties to Soros are doing?
Kushner didn’t disclose business ties with George Soros, Peter Thiel, and Goldman Sachs https://t.co/C5ocl0ZwwA pic.twitter.com/6GvSySdDN1 — Business Insider (@businessinsider) May 2, 2017
Oh wait, Jared delayed disclosing those on his security clearance papers, and no one in the Trump White House is accountable for anything. I keep forgetting that.
Meanwhile, the "Crazy Rudy" sign is now available in Ukranian!


crooksandliars--2020-02-17--Mike's Blog Round Up

Mike's Blog Round Up

Eschaton : It ’ s called “ Reagan National University , ” so it ’ s got to be good @ @ @ @ @ : A Census Bureau analysis explains why the United States needs to expand immigration .
@ @ @ @ @ : How the New York Times got Michael Bloomberg wrong…in black and white .
Blue @ @ @ @ @ ” should be neither seen nor heard of on the campus of the University of @ @ @ @ @ .
Speaking of which , your quote of the day : `` I really think @ @ @ @ @ than in the fives once we get trade deals that are rational , and sane @ @ @ @ @ country . ''
( Donald Trump , on the U.S. economic growth rate , August @ @ @ @ @ Guest blogging Mike 's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives .
@ @ @ @ @ , comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com .

Eschaton: It’s called “Reagan National University,” so it’s got to be good, right?
Calculated Risk: A Census Bureau analysis explains why the United States needs to expand immigration.
Lawyers, Guns and Money: How the New York Times got Michael Bloomberg wrong…in black and white.
Blue NC: “Silent Sam” should be neither seen nor heard of on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Speaking of which, your quote of the day:
"I really think we can go much higher than in the fives once we get trade deals that are rational, and sane, and good to our country." (Donald Trump, on the U.S. economic growth rate, August 8, 2018.)
Guest blogging Mike's Blog Round Up this week is Jon Perr from Perrspectives. Send your tips, recommendations, comments and angst to mbru AT crooksandliars DOT com.