crooksandliars--2020-09-03--Molly Jong-Fast And Rick Wilson's Podcast Is Crack For Political Junkies

Molly Jong-Fast and Rick Wilson 's podcast is crack for political junkies .
Listen to one episode of 'The New Abnormal ' you 'll be hooked -- it 's the show you 've always wanted , but you never knew you needed .
Molly Jong-Fast and Rick Wilson are complete opposites in every way , but they come together for the podcast to help make sense of the 2020 sh*t show .
The New Abnormal hooked me early with the introduction below : The lives we lead today due to the coronavirus are like nothing any of us could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has changed , fast , and all the old predicates about our society , economy , culture , and politics have disappeared faster than stocks of N95 masks .
You 'll become addicted to The New Abnormal because of the hosts ' smart and dark humor , the sharp guests , and the `` F**k That Guy '' segment .
Recent guests range from Miles Taylor ( former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security ) to political strategist James Carville to author Mary Trump .
Molly and Rick nominate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ segment .
The FTG segment is a cathartic and funny part of the show and one of The New Abnormal 's best parts .
Download this pod ; you 'll thank me later .
Listen to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts and Spotify .
Editor 's Note ( Karoli ) : And of course , we assume you 're already listening to the MOMocrats and Professional Left Podcasts , because you are true political junkies .
But if you 're not for some reason , you can find the Professional Left Podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts and Stitcher Radio .

Molly Jong-Fast and Rick Wilson's podcast is crack for political junkies. Listen to one episode of 'The New Abnormal' you'll be hooked--it's the show you've always wanted, but you never knew you needed.
Molly Jong-Fast and Rick Wilson are complete opposites in every way, but they come together for the podcast to help make sense of the 2020 sh*t show. The New Abnormal hooked me early with the introduction below:
The lives we lead today due to the coronavirus are like nothing any of us could have imagined a few months ago. America has changed, fast, and all the old predicates about our society, economy, culture, and politics have disappeared faster than stocks of N95 masks.
You'll become addicted to The New Abnormal because of the hosts' smart and dark humor, the sharp guests, and the "F**k That Guy" segment. Recent guests range from Miles Taylor (former chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security) to political strategist James Carville to author Mary Trump.
F**k That Guy
Molly and Rick nominate the worst people of the week for this segment. The FTG segment is a cathartic and funny part of the show and one of The New Abnormal's best parts. Download this pod; you'll thank me later.
Listen to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Editor's Note (Karoli): And of course, we assume you're already listening to the MOMocrats and Professional Left Podcasts, because you are true political junkies. But if you're not for some reason, you can find the Professional Left Podcast at proleftpod.com and MOMocrats podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher Radio.


crooksandliars--2020-09-03--Family Of Jacob Blake Hosts Block Party, Voter Drive, Drowns Out Trump Visit

The community of Kenosha , Wisconsin countered President Donald Trump 's visit to the city on Tuesday with a `` Justice for Jacob '' rally in the neighborhood where Jacob Blake was shot by a police officer last week , intent on spending the day focused on `` resilience and compassion . ''
`` We do n't need more pain and division from a president set on advancing his campaign at the expense of our city , '' Jacob Blake 's uncle , Justin Blake , told local ABC affiliate WISN .
`` We need justice and relief for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of a block party , complete with refreshments , music , a community clean-up effort , and voter registration booths .
The local racial justice group Black Lives Activists of Kenosha promoted the event on social media , writing to those promoting white supremacy and injustice in the community , `` You can not take what is not yours ! ''
`` The community gathering will highlight the contrast between President Trump 's divisive and inflammatory statements and the nonviolent demonstrations held by Jacob Blake 's family , '' organizers said ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered to register voters ahead of the November general election and promote healing from Blake 's shooting , Trump visited parts of the city where people have held protests in recent days and accused the demonstrators of `` domestic terror . ''
The president announced his visit to the city over the weekend , emphasizing that he wanted to meet with law enforcement .
The Kenosha police force has been harshly criticized by civil rights advocates over leaders ' response to Blake 's shooting and the resulting protests .
After Kyle Rittenhouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a semi-automatic weapon and was charged with killing two demonstrators , Police Chief Daniel Miskinis said in a press briefing that had the victims complied with a city-wide curfew , they would not have been shot .
Officers were also seen on video sympathetically talking with the armed citizens who descended on the city .
On Monday , Trump also defended Rittenhouse , saying the shooting was justified on grounds of self-defense .
Justin Blake told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Trump 's defense of Rittenhouse is `` the language that got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the language that fed police officers all around this country [ the belief ] that they could attack young , unarmed Black men and shoot them in the back seven times , '' he said .
`` And that 's why I 'm not directing anything toward that gentleman today , and I use that term loosely . ''
At his roundtable with law enforcement , Trump repeated an earlier statement that many officers who shoot unarmed civilians simply `` choke , '' or make a mistake as one might while playing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a systemic issue .
`` I think the police do an incredible job , '' the president said , adding that the news media should focus on `` anarchists '' and rioters who attend protests after police shootings .
Trump was joined by Attorney General Bill Barr , who said that looting and arson are `` simply not a legitimate response to a police shooting . ''
Barr did not address Rittenhouse 's murder charges .
`` We 're not going to get caught up with him , '' said Justin Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would and we 're not .
We 're here to heal Kenosha and push forward our agenda . ''

The community of Kenosha, Wisconsin countered President Donald Trump's visit to the city on Tuesday with a "Justice for Jacob" rally in the neighborhood where Jacob Blake was shot by a police officer last week, intent on spending the day focused on "resilience and compassion."
"We don't need more pain and division from a president set on advancing his campaign at the expense of our city," Jacob Blake's uncle, Justin Blake, told local ABC affiliate WISN. "We need justice and relief for our community."
The rally took the form of a block party, complete with refreshments, music, a community clean-up effort, and voter registration booths.
Trump is in Kenosha now. So the neighborhood where Blake was shot is holding an event to counter that, to keep the focus on Blake. Faith leaders also here. After some speeches, it's now a block party, with food, music, voter registration, and a Black Panther themed bounce house. pic.twitter.com/o5ACwcIkYx — Dexter Thomas (@dexdigi) September 1, 2020
The scene of Jacob Blake’s shooting has been turned into a block party as President Trump visits another part of Kenosha. pic.twitter.com/fmkilI4sUY — Patrick Marley (@patrickdmarley) September 1, 2020
The local racial justice group Black Lives Activists of Kenosha promoted the event on social media, writing to those promoting white supremacy and injustice in the community, "You cannot take what is not yours!"
The Kenosha Community and the Blake Family will be celebrating our communities resiliency in the face of white supremacy and injustice by celebrating the life of Jacob. You cannot take what is not yours! TEXT JACOB to 30403 to support.#JusticeForJacobBlake #JacobBlake #7shots pic.twitter.com/KeindzhvuV — BLAK_262 (@262Blak) September 1, 2020
"The community gathering will highlight the contrast between President Trump's divisive and inflammatory statements and the nonviolent demonstrations held by Jacob Blake's family," organizers said ahead of the event.
As the community gathered to register voters ahead of the November general election and promote healing from Blake's shooting, Trump visited parts of the city where people have held protests in recent days and accused the demonstrators of "domestic terror."
The president announced his visit to the city over the weekend, emphasizing that he wanted to meet with law enforcement. The Kenosha police force has been harshly criticized by civil rights advocates over leaders' response to Blake's shooting and the resulting protests. After Kyle Rittenhouse, a white teenager, traveled to Kenosha with a semi-automatic weapon and was charged with killing two demonstrators, Police Chief Daniel Miskinis said in a press briefing that had the victims complied with a city-wide curfew, they would not have been shot. Officers were also seen on video sympathetically talking with the armed citizens who descended on the city.
On Monday, Trump also defended Rittenhouse, saying the shooting was justified on grounds of self-defense.
Justin Blake told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Trump's defense of Rittenhouse is "the language that got us here."
"That's the language that fed police officers all around this country [the belief] that they could attack young, unarmed Black men and shoot them in the back seven times," he said. "And that's why I'm not directing anything toward that gentleman today, and I use that term loosely."
At his roundtable with law enforcement, Trump repeated an earlier statement that many officers who shoot unarmed civilians simply "choke," or make a mistake as one might while playing a sport, and denied that police shootings are a systemic issue.
"They call it choking. It happens" -- Trump says he doesn't view police violence as a systemic issue pic.twitter.com/Jl4YO2vdmY — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 1, 2020
"I think the police do an incredible job," the president said, adding that the news media should focus on "anarchists" and rioters who attend protests after police shootings.
Trump was joined by Attorney General Bill Barr, who said that looting and arson are "simply not a legitimate response to a police shooting." Barr did not address Rittenhouse's murder charges.
"We're not going to get caught up with him," said Justin Blake of the president. "He wishes we would and we're not. We're here to heal Kenosha and push forward our agenda."
Republished from Common Dreams (Julia Conley, staff writer) under a Creative Commons License.


crooksandliars--2020-09-03--Racism Runs Rampant In Wisconsin Despite BLM Movement

Even though there have been daily Black Lives Matter protests throughout the state of Wisconsin , blatant racism continues to raise its ugly head .
Most recently , a blatantly racist letter was found in numerous yards in West Allis , Wauwatosa and other communities in southwestern Milwaukee County : Civic leaders , government leaders and everyday citizens have universally condemned this letter , which is presumably in response to a series of protests aimed at the Wauwatosa Police Department .
The protests are calling for the firing of Officer Joseph Mensah .
Mensah has shot and killed three men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the last five years .
Adding to this miasma of hatred , there is a house in Pleasant Prarie , a suburb of Kenosha , which has a noose hanging from a tree in their yard .
The noose is clearly visible via Google Maps Street View : Despite Governor Tony Evers 's repeated requests for the Republican-controlled state legislature to finally take action on meaningful police reform , Republican leaders State Representative Robin Vos and State Senator Scott Fitzgerald have not held a session in nearly 150 days .
When Evers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sessions to address this critical issue , they once again gaveled in and out of session within 30 seconds .
in what I am sure is pure coincidence and not a political stunt ( end sarcasm ) they pulled this stunt on Monday , the day before Trump made his taxpayer funded campaign stop and photo op in Kenosha .
Clearly , the state Republicans feel emboldened to let their racist flags fly by Trump and feel safe to do so because of their severely gerrymandered districts .

Even though there have been daily Black Lives Matter protests throughout the state of Wisconsin, blatant racism continues to raise its ugly head.
Most recently, a blatantly racist letter was found in numerous yards in West Allis, Wauwatosa and other communities in southwestern Milwaukee County:
Civic leaders, government leaders and everyday citizens have universally condemned this letter, which is presumably in response to a series of protests aimed at the Wauwatosa Police Department. The protests are calling for the firing of Officer Joseph Mensah. Mensah has shot and killed three men, two Black and one Latino, in the last five years.
Adding to this miasma of hatred, there is a house in Pleasant Prarie, a suburb of Kenosha, which has a noose hanging from a tree in their yard. The noose is clearly visible via Google Maps Street View:
Despite Governor Tony Evers's repeated requests for the Republican-controlled state legislature to finally take action on meaningful police reform, Republican leaders State Representative Robin Vos and State Senator Scott Fitzgerald have not held a session in nearly 150 days. When Evers ordered the legislature to convene in special sessions to address this critical issue, they once again gaveled in and out of session within 30 seconds. in what I am sure is pure coincidence and not a political stunt (end sarcasm) they pulled this stunt on Monday, the day before Trump made his taxpayer funded campaign stop and photo op in Kenosha.
Clearly, the state Republicans feel emboldened to let their racist flags fly by Trump and feel safe to do so because of their severely gerrymandered districts.


crooksandliars--2020-09-03--Fox And Friends Hosts Silent As Trump Campaign Manager Trashes New Fox Poll

The three Fox and Friends co-hosts stood by silent , offering up no defense for the validity of the latest Fox News poll that shows Joe Biden leading in three swing states .
During an interview with Trump 's newest campaign manager , Bill Stepien , the topic turned towards Fox News ' latest polling which showed Joe Biden leading over the so-called president in three swing states .
To ease the tension of their Trump cultists , co-host Brian Kilmeade cited a different poll in Pennsylvania that showed Trump gaining a bit .
And then Kilmeade asked how different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls .
After Stepien proclaimed his love for Fox , Fox News and their show he said , `` I do n't love your polls . ''
Co-host Steve Doocy asked , `` What do n't you like about it ? ''
Stepien either misread or lied about the Fox News methodology because he said that they sampled 48 % of Democratic voters in their poll .
`` The methodology is a little askew , '' Stepien replied .
Interviews were conducted August 29-September 1 , 2020 among a random sample of 853 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and cellphones ( 639 ) .
Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points .
A subsample of 772 has been defined as likely voters ( LV ) , with a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points .
Then Stepien made a remarkably moronic claim : `` Look , here 's the fact .
if Joe Biden was actually winning by nine points in Arizona he would n't be visiting Arizona later nest week . ''
If Trump was winning then why is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting up super-spreader events everywhere he goes ?
Memo to Fox brass : Trump 's campaign manager trashed YOUR poll that YOU paid for , and YOUR staff made no effort to defend it .
After his remarks , you could almost hear crickets in the studio .
All three hosts went mute for several seconds and then moved on to a different topic .

The three Fox and Friends co-hosts stood by silent, offering up no defense for the validity of the latest Fox News poll that shows Joe Biden leading in three swing states.
During an interview with Trump's newest campaign manager, Bill Stepien, the topic turned towards Fox News' latest polling which showed Joe Biden leading over the so-called president in three swing states.
To ease the tension of their Trump cultists, co-host Brian Kilmeade cited a different poll in Pennsylvania that showed Trump gaining a bit. And then Kilmeade asked how different these results were than Trump's internal polls.
"Very different," Stepien lied.
After Stepien proclaimed his love for Fox, Fox News and their show he said, "I don't love your polls."
Co-host Steve Doocy asked, "What don't you like about it?"
Stepien either misread or lied about the Fox News methodology because he said that they sampled 48% of Democratic voters in their poll.
"The methodology is a little askew," Stepien replied.
Looking at Fox News' PDF breakdown:
Interviews were conducted August 29-September 1, 2020 among a random sample of 853
Arizona voters contacted on landlines (214) and cellphones (639). Results based on the full
sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. A subsample of 772 has been defined as likely voters (LV), with a margin of error of ±3.5
percentage points.
Then Stepien made a remarkably moronic claim: "Look, here's the fact. if Joe Biden was actually winning by nine points in Arizona he wouldn't be visiting Arizona later nest week."
If Trump was winning then why is he campaigning like a mad man and setting up super-spreader events everywhere he goes?
Memo to Fox brass: Trump's campaign manager trashed YOUR poll that YOU paid for, and YOUR staff made no effort to defend it.
How embarrassing.
After his remarks, you could almost hear crickets in the studio. All three hosts went mute for several seconds and then moved on to a different topic.
(Crickets)


crooksandliars--2020-09-03--Rep. Clay Higgins Threatens To Shoot Armed Protesters: 'I'd Drop Any 10 Of You'

Glen “ Wild ” Clay Higgins is another one of those loudmouth politicians who somehow managed to parlay `` time as a cop '' into a political career .
But before becoming a cop at age 43 , Higgins was a used car salesman , the job which actually informs his approach to politics .
Higgins used to appear in controversial CrimeStoppers videos , full of bluster and bravado , speaking off-the-cuff rather than with a script , and those videos later went viral .
His notoriety there got him into politics .
Higgins used the photo above of scary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look below , you 'll see the mostly non-scary middle-aged frumpy white men who actually turned up .
Higgins is a second amendment zealot , of course .
Just not for black militia , who he 'd shoot on sight , apparently .
Rep. Clay Higgins ( R-La . )
said he ’ d be more than willing to shoot any armed demonstrators in Louisiana in a Facebook post Tuesday that was accompanied by a picture of Black men with guns .
“ One way ticket fellas , ” he wrote on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order .
Me ?
...
I wouldn ’ t even spill my beer .
I ’ d drop any 10 of you where you stand.
” “ We don ’ t care what color you are .
We don ’ t care if you ’ re left or right .
If you show up like this , if We recognize threat ... you won ’ t walk away , ” added Higgins , a former police officer .
Facebook confirmed to The Acadiana Advocate that it took Higgins ’ post down for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and incitement ” policies .

Glen “Wild” Clay Higgins is another one of those loudmouth politicians who somehow managed to parlay "time as a cop" into a political career. But before becoming a cop at age 43, Higgins was a used car salesman, the job which actually informs his approach to politics. Higgins used to appear in controversial CrimeStoppers videos, full of bluster and bravado, speaking off-the-cuff rather than with a script, and those videos later went viral. His notoriety there got him into politics.
Higgins used the photo above of scary black men with guns. If you look below, you'll see the mostly non-scary middle-aged frumpy white men who actually turned up. Higgins is a second amendment zealot, of course. Just not for black militia, who he'd shoot on sight, apparently.
Source: Huffington Post
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.) said he’d be more than willing to shoot any armed demonstrators in Louisiana in a Facebook post Tuesday that was accompanied by a picture of Black men with guns. “One way ticket fellas,” he wrote on his campaign account. “Have your affairs in order. Me?... I wouldn’t even spill my beer. I’d drop any 10 of you where you stand.” “We don’t care what color you are. We don’t care if you’re left or right. If you show up like this, if We recognize threat ... you won’t walk away,” added Higgins, a former police officer. Facebook confirmed to The Acadiana Advocate that it took Higgins’ post down for violating the company’s “violence and incitement” policies.
Tweets and the reality check.
Here’s Clay Higgins threatening to shoot on sight a Black militia rumored to be coming to LFT. And here’s the militia that showed up. Higgins appears to have deleted the post. pic.twitter.com/yfzg7iZJh4 — Christiaan Mader (@xnmader) September 2, 2020
FWIW, the Cajun Militia (right) reportedly ate potato salad with racial justice protestors outside Lafayette’s city hall — Christiaan Mader (@xnmader) September 2, 2020
Correction: Higgins implies FB removed the post. Says he did not delete it. pic.twitter.com/DhUw7GuPFZ — Christiaan Mader (@xnmader) September 2, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-09-03--Bernie Sanders: It's Not About Issues, 'Trump Is A Threat To Democracy'

Bernie Sanders probably did more good with this statement to Stephanie Ruhle than he could in any campaign appearances , so be sure to share it .
He broke this election down to basics and explained why this time , it ca n't be about issues .
`` Look , Joe Biden and I disagree on issues , but the truth is , President Trump is the most dangerous president in the history of this country , '' he said .
`` And this campaign is not even about the economy or health care or climate change .
What this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain democracy in America .
And when you have a president who is behind in every national poll , occasionally by double digits , who then tells his supporters that the only way we can lose this election is if it 's rigged , what do you think he is telling the American people ? ''
' I ca n't lose .
Either we win or if we lose , it 's rigged .
I 'm not going to leave office . '
And what we have got to do in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people on a president who is not only a pathological liar but who is undermining American democracy .
And there is a reason a number of Republicans are coming out for Biden .
`` It 's not because they support Biden 's ideology or they certainly do n't support my ideology , but they understand that we have a president who is threatening our democracy , a president who does not believe in the Constitution or the rule of law .
That 's where we are today , sad to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having a debate now about health care or education .
I wish we could .
We are having a debate about whether or not we retain American democracy .
And I would hope out there that those conservatives , those moderates , certainly those progressives , we may have disagreements on a number of different issues , but we 'll fight out those differences within the democratic process .
`` Today we have got to come together on a united front if you like , and say to this president , Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and died to preserve American democracy .
You 're not going to destroy it . '
``

Bernie Sanders probably did more good with this statement to Stephanie Ruhle than he could in any campaign appearances, so be sure to share it. He broke this election down to basics and explained why this time, it can't be about issues.
"Look, Joe Biden and I disagree on issues, but the truth is, President Trump is the most dangerous president in the history of this country," he said.
"And this campaign is not even about the economy or health care or climate change. What this campaign about is whether or not we maintain democracy in America. And when you have a president who is behind in every national poll, occasionally by double digits, who then tells his supporters that the only way we can lose this election is if it's rigged, what do you think he is telling the American people?
" 'I can't lose. Either we win or if we lose, it's rigged. I'm not going to leave office.' And what we have got to do in the next two months is focus the attention of the American people on a president who is not only a pathological liar but who is undermining American democracy. And there is a reason a number of Republicans are coming out for Biden.
"It's not because they support Biden's ideology or they certainly don't support my ideology, but they understand that we have a president who is threatening our democracy, a president who does not believe in the Constitution or the rule of law. That's where we are today, sad to say.
"I wish we could be having a debate now about health care or education. I wish we could. We are having a debate about whether or not we retain American democracy. And I would hope out there that those conservatives, those moderates, certainly those progressives, we may have disagreements on a number of different issues, but we'll fight out those differences within the democratic process.
"Today we have got to come together on a united front if you like, and say to this president, Donald Trump, 'Sorry, too many people fought and died to preserve American democracy. You're not going to destroy it.' "
Amen, Sen. Sanders!


crooksandliars--2020-09-03--The Lincoln Project Goes After Trump's Very Low Ratings For The RNC

A new ad from the Lincoln Project got Trump worked up yesterday .
Uh oh , Donald .
Bad news @ @ @ @ @ for your convention .
It ’ s not pretty .
Joe Biden beat you .
@ @ @ @ @ beat you in ratings every night , except one .
When your wife was giving @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s got ta be awkward at the dinner table .
Even FOX said @ @ @ @ @ We know it ’ s different now .
You ’ re tired .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ … .
ratings … .
up .
You used to get applause .
Now , @ @ @ @ @ You ’ re fired . '

A new ad from the Lincoln Project got Trump worked up yesterday.
The ad taunts Trump as a ratings failure.
Uh oh, Donald. Bad news. The ratings are in for your convention. It’s not pretty. Joe Biden beat you. By a lot.
Democrats beat you in ratings every night, except one. When your wife was giving a speech. Ouch. That’s gotta be awkward at the dinner table.
Even FOX said you were low energy. We know it’s different now. You’re tired. It’s hard to keep your …. ratings …. up.
You used to get applause. Now, get ready to hear ‘You’re fired.'


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--Gold Star Father Khizr Khan: ‘What Kind Of Soul’ Does Trump Have?

You probably recall Mr. Khan ’ s moving speech at the 2016 Democratic convention about his son , who served and died in Iraq .
You probably also recall that Trump reacted with exactly the kind of callous behavior that perfectly matches the bombshell reporting about Trump 's disparagement of U.S. troops .
Today , Mr. Khan expressed some righteous and eloquent anger to MSNBC ’ s Joshua Johnson : KHAN : When Donald Trump calls anyone who places their life in the services of others “ a loser , ” we understand Trump 's soul .
By his accounting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sense , love of country , love of others does not make sense .
According to Trump , the winner [ s ] in life are those who put themselves before all and the losers are those that do n't .
What kind of soul does this man have ?
No wonder his words are meant to divide us , create hatred and disrespect the sacrifice of those that have , with valor and courage , have defended this country .
His life is a testament to selfishness .
He calls our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrates autocrats and dictators , his benefactors in Russia .
Words count because they tell us who we are .
Donald Trump told us who he is .
He is incapable of understanding service , valor and courage .
His soul can not conceive of integrity and honor .
And let me say it loudly , Joshua .
His soul is that of a coward .
He is not deserving of the office of presidency of United States or the commander in chief of our brave men and women serving in uniform .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d like to hear from Trump , such as an apology .
In short , no .
Trump is not capable of saying anything worthwhile to himself , Khan responded .
Let him speak on behalf of troops that are currently serving , such as the ones that Russia has put a bounty on .
And more importantly , we need to vote Joe Biden in .
KHAN : He is incapable of empathy , which is a basic character of a leader -- a leader like president of the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't expect anything from him .
We were the very first at the receiving end of his vulgar language and disrespect towards our son who was -- who lived in a world full of kindness and love , and that his soul was full of kindness and love .
What else motivates self-sacrifice ?
We suffer his loss every day .
[ My son ’ s ] words and actions are a triumph of love , valor , courage , honor , service and sacrifice -- we do n't expect anything from this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a mistake it was that he was elected .
And they will not give him one more chance .
We have a better candidate among us , a military father , who knows what it takes to send a loved one to harm 's way , who knows what families go through when their loved ones are serving in harm 's way .
The current president , Donald Trump , did not have the courage or the guts to defend our men and women serving today when Russia placed bounties to harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single word .
So if he has to say anything , let him speak to defend our men and women serving in uniform today instead of telling us or apologizing to us .

You probably recall Mr. Khan’s moving speech at the 2016 Democratic convention about his son, who served and died in Iraq. You probably also recall that Trump reacted with exactly the kind of callous behavior that perfectly matches the bombshell reporting about Trump's disparagement of U.S. troops.
Today, Mr. Khan expressed some righteous and eloquent anger to MSNBC’s Joshua Johnson:
KHAN: When Donald Trump calls anyone who places their life in the services of others “a loser,” we understand Trump's soul. By his accounting, Joshua, some sacrifice doesn't make sense, love of country, love of others does not make sense. According to Trump, the winner[s] in life are those who put themselves before all and the losers are those that don't. What kind of soul does this man have? No wonder his words are meant to divide us, create hatred and disrespect the sacrifice of those that have, with valor and courage, have defended this country. His life is a testament to selfishness. He calls our … war dead “losers” and celebrates autocrats and dictators, his benefactors in Russia. Words count because they tell us who we are. Donald Trump told us who he is. He is incapable of understanding service, valor and courage. His soul cannot conceive of integrity and honor. And let me say it loudly, Joshua. His soul is that of a coward. He is not deserving of the office of presidency of United States or the commander in chief of our brave men and women serving in uniform.
Johnson asked if there was anything he’d like to hear from Trump, such as an apology.
In short, no. Trump is not capable of saying anything worthwhile to himself, Khan responded. Let him speak on behalf of troops that are currently serving, such as the ones that Russia has put a bounty on. And more importantly, we need to vote Joe Biden in.


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--Biden Dismisses Trump's Mockery: 'Hard To Respond To Something So Idiotic'

During Joe Biden 's Q & A with reporters after his speech in Delaware , he was asked about Donald Trump mocking him for wearing a mask - which is something Trump 's own FDA , Surgeon General AND COVID Task Force doctors recommend we all do to prevent the spread of COVID .
But , you know , science .
Biden could barely contain his laughter while listening to the question .
He was asked : '' Mr. Vice President .
last night President Trump mocked you for wearing a mask and said that this is a sign that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big issues .
He says this even though he knows that according to scientists and public health officials wearing masks saves lives .
I wonder if you worry that this language from the President of the United States could deter some Americans tuning in to him to not wear masks . ''
`` Well , I wear it because I 'm a smart fellow .
I listen to scientists .
This is not a game .
Life and death , life and death .
Reports that we 're going to have maybe -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 100,000 dead more by the end of the year .
I mean , I do n't -- I do n't get it .
I mean , I just -- anyway .
It 's hard to respond to something so idiotic . ''
Literally there is nothing else to say - it IS hard to respond to something so idiotic .
Because at the end of the day Donald Trump is an idiot and everything he says is TRULY idiotic .

During Joe Biden's Q&A with reporters after his speech in Delaware, he was asked about Donald Trump mocking him for wearing a mask - which is something Trump's own FDA, Surgeon General AND COVID Task Force doctors recommend we all do to prevent the spread of COVID. But, you know, science.
Biden could barely contain his laughter while listening to the question. He was asked:
"Mr. Vice President. last night President Trump mocked you for wearing a mask and said that this is a sign that you must have some, quote, big issues. He says this even though he knows that according to scientists and public health officials wearing masks saves lives. I wonder if you worry that this language from the President of the United States could deter some Americans tuning in to him to not wear masks."
Biden responded:
"Well, I wear it because I'm a smart fellow. I listen to scientists. This is not a game. Life and death, life and death. Reports that we're going to have maybe -- some reports 100,000 dead, as many as 100,000 dead more by the end of the year. I mean, I don't -- I don't get it. I mean, I just -- anyway. It's hard to respond to something so idiotic."
Literally there is nothing else to say - it IS hard to respond to something so idiotic. Because at the end of the day Donald Trump is an idiot and everything he says is TRULY idiotic.
PSA: Wear a mask, please.


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--GOP Rep Thomas Massie Praises Kyle Rittenhouse, Says He Showed 'Incredible Restraint'

According to Thomas Massie , the seventeen-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse showed `` incredible restraint '' because he could have just emptied @ @ @ @ @ and committed even more mass murder .
How considerate .
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie in @ @ @ @ @ the 17-year-old who fatally shot two protesters and injured a third in Kenosha , Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ he acted in self-defense and showed `` incredible restraint . ''
Kyle Rittenhouse has been @ @ @ @ @ first-degree homicide and several other felony counts after traveling from Illinois to Kenosha on Aug. @ @ @ @ @ , two of which died .
A self-described militia member , Rittenhouse shot the protesters @ @ @ @ @ the city following video that went public of Jacob Blake being shot in the back @ @ @ @ @ officer .
`` He also exhibited incredible restraint and presence and situational awareness , '' @ @ @ @ @ a talk radio station in Huntington , West Virginia .
`` He did n't empty @ @ @ @ @ . ''

According to Thomas Massie, the seventeen-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse showed "incredible restraint" because he could have just emptied his magazine into the crowd and committed even more mass murder. How considerate.
Source: Louisville Courier-Journal
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie in a radio interview Thursday defended the 17-year-old who fatally shot two protesters and injured a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin, last week, saying he acted in self-defense and showed "incredible restraint."
Kyle Rittenhouse has been charged with two counts of first-degree homicide and several other felony counts after traveling from Illinois to Kenosha on Aug. 25 and shooting three protesters, two of which died.
A self-described militia member, Rittenhouse shot the protesters after days of unrest in the city following video that went public of Jacob Blake being shot in the back seven times by a police officer.
"He also exhibited incredible restraint and presence and situational awareness," Massie said on WVHU, a talk radio station in Huntington, West Virginia. "He didn't empty a magazine into a crowd."


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--Biden Tells QAnon Supporters: 'Take Advantage Of ACA Mental Health Benefits'

Joe Biden gave a powerful and fiery speech in Wilmington , Delaware on Friday afternoon with a very wide ranging Q & A session afterwards .
He was asked about QAnon , the whackjob , right-wing conspiracy theory group that started as a joke and has become an underground internet cult espousing beliefs that there is a Deep State , kids are being trafficked from the basement of pizza restaurants , JFK Jr. is alive , and more .
`` What would you say to the supporters of the QAnon , people that believe in that conspiracy , what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's sex trafficking and conspiracy against the President Trump and what would you say to President Trump for not rejecting that conspiracy and the people who believe in it ? ''
`` I 've been a big supporter of mental health .
I recommend that people that believe [ QAnon ] should perhaps take advantage of [ mental health services ] in the Affordable Care Act .
Bizarre .
Totally bizarre .
And now have you guys found that plane load of people in uniforms and weapons and flying around ?
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Is anybody -- by the way , I respect Conservative and Liberal points of view in the press .
Anybody found that plane ?
What in god 's name are we doing ?
Look at how it makes us look around the world .
It 's mortifying .
It 's embarrassing and it 's dangerous .
It 's dangerous .
if the President does n't know better , which I -- he has to know better , then my lord , we are in much more trouble than i ever thought we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , this is a case where , you know , I 've been surprised , pleased but surprised , with folks I have had political arguments with like the former Governor of Michigan coming out and endorsing me , all the Republicans are endorsing me .
That this ca n't go on .
I mean , this can not go on .
It 's a deconstruction of a Democratic system .
They know it .
So I just -- I 'll conclude with what you heard many say many times before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even a lousy President .
It gives encouragement to people who are spouting irrational views that no one has even close to ever presuming or showing ever existed .
And it 's done for a simple reason .
From the very beginning he 's understood the only way he can win , the first time and can win this time , is that he fundamentally divides the nation .
Puts the nation , divides us at each other 's throats .
That 's not who we are .
that 's not who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most direct responses any Democrat has made regarding QAnon and it is wonderful that Biden chose to link it to mental health because at the core QAnon truly represents a mental health crisis in our country .
Large swaths of people have not only been brainwashed by Donald Trump , but they are delusionally believing that these conspiracy theories are real .
That is a true mental health crisis .

Joe Biden gave a powerful and fiery speech in Wilmington, Delaware on Friday afternoon with a very wide ranging Q&A session afterwards. He was asked about QAnon, the whackjob, right-wing conspiracy theory group that started as a joke and has become an underground internet cult espousing beliefs that there is a Deep State, kids are being trafficked from the basement of pizza restaurants, JFK Jr. is alive, and more.
Biden was asked:
"What would you say to the supporters of the QAnon, people that believe in that conspiracy, what they think is true about America, that there's sex trafficking and conspiracy against the President Trump and what would you say to President Trump for not rejecting that conspiracy and the people who believe in it?"
Biden responded, bluntly:
"I've been a big supporter of mental health. I recommend that people that believe [QAnon] should perhaps take advantage of [mental health services] in the Affordable Care Act. Bizarre. Totally bizarre. And now have you guys found that plane load of people in uniforms and weapons and flying around? You know? Have you found them yet? Is anybody -- by the way, I respect Conservative and Liberal points of view in the press. Anybody found that plane? What in god's name are we doing? Look at how it makes us look around the world. It's mortifying. It's embarrassing and it's dangerous. It's dangerous. if the President doesn't know better, which I -- he has to know better, then my lord, we are in much more trouble than i ever thought we were.
It's bizarre. And you know, this is a case where, you know, I've been surprised, pleased but surprised, with folks I have had political arguments with like the former Governor of Michigan coming out and endorsing me, all the Republicans are endorsing me. That this can't go on. I mean, this cannot go on. It's a deconstruction of a Democratic system. They know it. So I just -- I'll conclude with what you heard many say many times before: The words of a President matter. Even a lousy President.
It gives encouragement to people who are spouting irrational views that no one has even close to ever presuming or showing ever existed. And it's done for a simple reason. From the very beginning he's understood the only way he can win, the first time and can win this time, is that he fundamentally divides the nation. Puts the nation, divides us at each other's throats. That's not who we are. that's not who we are."


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--WATCH LIVE: Biden Speaks On Trump's Pandemic Failure

Joe Biden speaks in Wilmington , DE on President Donald Trump 's failure to protect the American economy during the @ @ @ @ @ and Kamala Harris ' plan for COVID-19 recovery is here .
This speech is scheduled @ @ @ @ @ to be beginning late .
Hang with us and it 'll start shortly .

Joe Biden speaks in Wilmington, DE on President Donald Trump's failure to protect the American economy during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris' plan for COVID-19 recovery is here.
This speech is scheduled for 9:15 AM but seems to be beginning late. Hang with us and it'll start shortly.
Leave your comments below.


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--Rest Easy Everyone! Former Trump Spokesliar Says Comments Disparaging Troops Never Happened!

We tell lies when we are afraid ... afraid of what we do n't know , afraid of what others @ @ @ @ @ what will be found out about us .
But every time we tell a lie @ @ @ @ @ fear grows stronger .
Tad Williamshttps : //t.co/VWciH2RNHB — Essence of Lursa is Voting for @ @ @ @ @ ) September 4 , 2020

We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.
Tad Williamshttps://t.co/VWciH2RNHB
— Essence of Lursa is Voting for Joe Biden🐾☂🦎🌊 (@KapeciaResists) September 4, 2020


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--Missouri Trump Supporters Came To Kenosha To 'Pick People Off'

Two MAGAts from Missouri , Michael M. Karmo , 40 , and Cody E. Smith , 33 , were arrested by federal agents in a hotel near Kenosha .
In their possession were a AR-15 , a 12 gauge shotgun , a 9mm handgun , a homemade silencer , lots of ammo , several knives and some pot .
That 's not the surprising part .
It 's almost a given nowadays that any MAGAt is also a gun nut .
The really outrageous part is why they had come all the way up from Missouri : A law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two men , and Kenosha police alerted the FBI that Karmo and an unidentified male were traveling to Kenosha to `` look and 'pick people off . '
'' In an interview with law enforcement , Smith claimed they attended a rally for President Donald Trump `` outside of a high school in Kenosha '' and wanted to see `` proof of the rioting . ''
In his interview with law enforcement , Karmo said he and Smith were roommates for about four weeks and were part of the 417 Second Amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see what `` Kenosha was like at night , '' and the group planned to go to Portland to see what was going on and were willing to `` take action '' if police were defunded .
Apparently , our homegrown domestic terrorists are n't good enough , they have to ship them in from othere states .
Undoubtedly , they were partially inspired to be copycats of Kyle Rittenhouse , the 17 year old that gunned down and killed two people in cold blood and injured a third person .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country has to deal with mostly because of Trump 's derisive , racist comments .
It would not be surprising if Trump soon praises these dirtballs as `` American heroes , '' offers them pardons and invites them to his next rally as guest speakers .

Two MAGAts from Missouri, Michael M. Karmo, 40, and Cody E. Smith, 33, were arrested by federal agents in a hotel near Kenosha. In their possession were a AR-15, a 12 gauge shotgun, a 9mm handgun, a homemade silencer, lots of ammo, several knives and some pot.
That's not the surprising part. It's almost a given nowadays that any MAGAt is also a gun nut. The really outrageous part is why they had come all the way up from Missouri:
A law enforcement agency alerted the Kenosha Police Department to the two men, and Kenosha police alerted the FBI that Karmo and an unidentified male were traveling to Kenosha to "look and 'pick people off.'" [...] In an interview with law enforcement, Smith claimed they attended a rally for President Donald Trump "outside of a high school in Kenosha" and wanted to see "proof of the rioting." In his interview with law enforcement, Karmo said he and Smith were roommates for about four weeks and were part of the 417 Second Amendment Militia. He also claimed to want to see what "Kenosha was like at night," and the group planned to go to Portland to see what was going on and were willing to "take action" if police were defunded.
Apparently, our homegrown domestic terrorists aren't good enough, they have to ship them in from othere states.
Undoubtedly, they were partially inspired to be copycats of Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17 year old that gunned down and killed two people in cold blood and injured a third person. But this is the kind of crap the country has to deal with mostly because of Trump's derisive, racist comments.
It would not be surprising if Trump soon praises these dirtballs as "American heroes," offers them pardons and invites them to his next rally as guest speakers.
Cross posted from Cog Dis


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--Friday News Dump: Trump Punishes Troops Because They Aren't Voting For Him, And Other News

This is shocking news .
Past presidents have defended the paper 's editorial independence , but Trump wants it gone .
Gee , I wonder why : Might have something to do with this ?
So , right after @ JeffreyGoldberg ’ s piece saying Trump thinks our war dead are “ suckers ” & “ losers ” , and right after polling indicates a maj of DOD personnel trend twd @ JoeBiden , trump murders Stars & Stripes .
Senate GOP , you could ’ ve gotten rid of him earlier this year .
But no .
Stars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of because reporters ask pesky questions — and besides , it 's just words on paper , which he imagines nobody ( read : him ) ever reads .
https : //t.co/qbyUIHMUR5 Feds arrest men after tip they were going to Kenosha to possibly 'loot , ' 'pick people off ' https : //t.co/Aba5IJxKlx The two men are part of the 417 2nd Amendment Militia of Missouri and they went to Kenosha to attend Trump 's rally .
They even had a silencer .
A Covid-19 vaccine developed and tested in Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects , and while the vaccine often caused side effects such as fever , they were mostly mild , according to data published in medical journal The Lancet https : //t.co/RVjMsMKfQG “ In a 2018 White House planning meeting for such an event , Trump asked his staff not to include wounded veterans , on grounds that spectators would feel uncomfortable in the presence of amputees .
‘ Nobody wants to see that , ’ he said.
” https : //t.co/Bxn2Grrpp5 I need a break from Twitter .
I ca n't do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am spinning ny wheels and going nowhere .
Everyone in the US - try to enjoy the weekend and remember how WE THE PEOPLE built this country✌🏼 Not the billionaire class .
Namaste .
pic.twitter.com/IFCdnMU8yH '' People who were very close to her are devastated .
People who don ’ t know her are aghast that she would perpetuate these lies and gain access to these spaces in the academy , the resources . ''
https : //t.co/zVYG6KEUXz You know you are a bad ass Speaker of the House when desperate people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you on getting your hair done .
pic.twitter.com/tiu37eVLrY DEPT .
OF FUN , PLEASURE , AND HOPE IN THE WORLD Week 13 !
!
!
Also Bunsen ’ s paw is cleared for adventure !
The joy on his face up on the high meadow was so life affirming .
It ’ s the simple things that can bring joy- like the crisp wind on a dogs face as he smells nature ’ s offering.
# FridayFeeling # FridayMotivation # dogs pic.twitter.com/3DLd7vxKc6 Feeling better ?
Have a happy Labor Day weekend !
Wear @ @ @

This is shocking news. Past presidents have defended the paper's editorial independence, but Trump wants it gone. Gee, I wonder why:
A sad day ... the Stars & Stripes has apparently been ordered to shutter with the last issue to be published on 30 September 2020.https://t.co/yLDO4NDrIo via @usatoday — Christopher Burgess (@burgessct) September 4, 2020
Might have something to do with this?
So, right after @JeffreyGoldberg’s piece saying Trump thinks our war dead are “suckers” & “losers”, and right after polling indicates a maj of DOD personnel trend twd @JoeBiden, trump murders Stars&Stripes.
Senate GOP, you could’ve gotten rid of him earlier this year. But no. — Aki Peritz (@AkiPeritz) September 4, 2020
Stars and Stripes, he'd just rather get rid of because reporters ask pesky questions — and besides, it's just words on paper, which he imagines nobody (read: him) ever reads. https://t.co/qbyUIHMUR5 — Greg Greene (@ggreeneva) September 4, 2020
Donald Trump, Militariest President
Genius Plan!
US National Security
- invisible planes
- eliminate slippery ramps
- arm soldiers with cans of soup
- kill enemy propaganda paper Stars & Stripes
- sink memory of John McCain
- sink Destroyer USS John McCain#TrumpHatesOurMilitary pic.twitter.com/GUmyWpR9Nr — Tomi T Ahonen (@tomiahonen) September 4, 2020
Speaking of the military, Stars & Stripes, as well as COVID. pic.twitter.com/yq9GBR0KlF — Zadidoll (@zadidoll) September 4, 2020
INBOX: Bipartisan group of 17 senators urging Defense Sec. Esper to reinstate funding for Stars & Stripes.
"We seek your written assurance that the Department will comply with this obligation and avoid steps that would preempt the funding prerogatives of Congress." pic.twitter.com/jNNn2ALev5 — Zach C. Cohen (@Zachary_Cohen) September 2, 2020
Chaos demon.
********************************************
Feds arrest men after tip they were going to Kenosha to possibly 'loot,' 'pick people off' https://t.co/Aba5IJxKlx The two men are part of the 417 2nd Amendment Militia of Missouri and they went to Kenosha to attend Trump's rally. They even had a silencer. — Sanho Tree (@SanhoTree) September 4, 2020
Donald Trump called our fallen troops "suckers" and "losers."
They can't speak for themselves, but these 6 Gold Star families speak for our fallen.
Here is their POWERFUL message.#GoldStarParentsAgainstTrump #VeteransAgainstTrump pic.twitter.com/ZnbFevqkNR — VoteVets (@votevets) September 4, 2020
Troops: White nationalism a national security threat equal to ISIS, al-Qaida https://t.co/wD4YfdKgYM — John Sipher (@john_sipher) September 4, 2020
ICYMI: A nationwide moratorium on evictions takes effect today. To be protected, renters must complete an affidavit that is contained in the order (see link in our blog post). https://t.co/pmCXaDT24J — ACHI (@ACHI_Net) September 4, 2020
A majority of young adults in the U.S. live with their parents for the first time since the Great Depressionhttps://t.co/zmsedkeZmm pic.twitter.com/ozM42dELEK — Catherine Rampell (@crampell) September 4, 2020
Pasco's sheriff uses data to guess who will commit a crime.
Then deputies "hunt down" and harass them. https://t.co/7wd72hwBRZ — Tampa Bay Times (@TB_Times) September 3, 2020
NATO calls for international response to Navalny poisoning https://t.co/AdKxGnxeY1 pic.twitter.com/bOV1mOvHeR — The Hill (@thehill) September 4, 2020
A Covid-19 vaccine developed and tested in Russia generated neutralizing antibodies in dozens of study subjects, and while the vaccine often caused side effects such as fever, they were mostly mild, according to data published in medical journal The Lancet https://t.co/RVjMsMKfQG — CNN International (@cnni) September 4, 2020
“In a 2018 White House planning meeting for such an event, Trump asked his staff not to include wounded veterans, on grounds that spectators would feel uncomfortable in the presence of amputees. ‘Nobody wants to see that,’ he said.” https://t.co/Bxn2Grrpp5 — Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) September 3, 2020
A controversial nonprofit promised cash giveaways to Black voters who came to pro-Trump rallies in apparent violation of its promises to the IRS, based on documents @CREWcrew obtained. Turns out the group was also reportedly lobbying for Turkish interests.https://t.co/IwZBMkrA6h — Noah Bookbinder (@NoahBookbinder) September 4, 2020
Media could do an enormous public service right now by revisiting what happened in Florida 2000 and how 5 GOP Supremes stopped votes from being counted after Election Day. — Simon Rosenberg (@SimonWDC) September 3, 2020
A task force commissioned by the D.C. government has recommended renaming, relocating or adding context to dozens of monuments, schools, parks and buildings because of their namesakes' participation in slavery or racial oppression. https://t.co/69hhvBfGe4 — Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 4, 2020
here’s the problem: CNN gives national platform to non-stop liar Barr, who lies non-stop during interview
then 30 hours later CNN fact-checks the lies, except CNN calls then “misleading statements”; https://t.co/NnW5MG6WAV — Eric Boehlert (@EricBoehlert) September 4, 2020
Federal Task Force Kills Portland Shooting Suspect While Attempting Arrest https://t.co/qd2SGa67CG via @TPM — Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) September 4, 2020
Dr. Glenn Hurst responds to @SenJoniErnst accusing Iowa medical providers of committing insurance fraud to get higher reimbursement rates. Facts matter. @glennhurstmd https://t.co/PxBXY4CsZe — JSCordon (@js_cordon) September 3, 2020
I need a break from Twitter. I can't do the anger right now. I feel like I am spinning ny wheels and going nowhere. Everyone in the US - try to enjoy the weekend and remember how WE THE PEOPLE built this country✌🏼 Not the billionaire class. Namaste. pic.twitter.com/IFCdnMU8yH — Sandy Blueocean (@sandyblueocean) September 4, 2020
Labor Unions Plan To Turn Out An Army Of Poll Workers For The Election | Via Huffpost https://t.co/iN6ISkB80S — SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) September 4, 2020
Great story by @donie - American journalist roped into working for another Prigozhin pseudo-media aimed at US audience after losing his job due to coronavirus https://t.co/cEcQAe8vGb — Mary Ilyushina (@maryilyushina) September 4, 2020
There's some serious chemistry behind the flavor in your favorite brew and esters are the compounds responsible for it. https://t.co/DsZAlfFXET — HowStuffWorks (@HowStuffWorks) September 4, 2020
Hong Kong security law 'may break international laws' | Via Guardian https://t.co/lt3JP1t3Dp — SafetyPin-Daily (@SafetyPinDaily) September 4, 2020
Trump has emboldened a network of influencers—including many QAnon believers—who view “alternative facts” less as a slogan than a business model. https://t.co/Mg7hrnUSye — The New Republic (@newrepublic) September 4, 2020
OG AT THE BUZZER! 😱 pic.twitter.com/44YbQ6E4Lk — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) September 4, 2020
"People who were very close to her are devastated. People who don’t know her are aghast that she would perpetuate these lies and gain access to these spaces in the academy, the resources." https://t.co/zVYG6KEUXz — Alec MacGillis (@AlecMacGillis) September 4, 2020
U.S. economy adds 1.4 million jobs in August as the unemployment rate hits single digits https://t.co/zFIWG9bsDf — The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) September 4, 2020
An excellent explainer by @jamestkeane on why the church is against priests and members of religious orders endorsing parties or candidates. https://t.co/cPP1kP7XGE — James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) September 4, 2020
You know you are a bad ass Speaker of the House when desperate people go out of their way to attack you on getting your hair done. pic.twitter.com/tiu37eVLrY — Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) September 3, 2020
“Most Americans no longer feel that the institutions of government are, or even could be, on their side. Because increasingly, in a very basic sense, they're not.” RIP David Graeber, postscript by @drakepbennett https://t.co/tVCJo3gjqR — Silvia Killingsworth (@silviakillings) September 4, 2020
Major General Paul Eaton (Ret.) "Mr. Trump, you're no patriot" https://t.co/lxvYykgncn — Mask Wearer for Truth (@Bobblespeak) September 4, 2020
A new @DHSgov intelligence bulletin warns of Russian disinformation on mail-in voting: “We assess that Russia is likely to continue amplifying criticisms of vote-by-mail and shifting voting processes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to undermine public trust in the electoral process” pic.twitter.com/mZAUzEKbud — jonkarl (@jonkarl) September 3, 2020
Political journalists are doing voter interviews all wrong https://t.co/69IEHMIr78 via @froomkin — Suburban Guerrilla Ω (@SusieMadrak) September 4, 2020
A controversial nonprofit promised cash giveaways to Black voters who came to pro-Trump rallies in apparent violation of its promises to the IRS, based on documents @CREWcrew obtained. Turns out the group was also reportedly lobbying for Turkish interests.https://t.co/IwZBMkrA6h — Noah Bookbinder (@NoahBookbinder) September 4, 2020
If Dems win unified control they need to kill the filibuster and pass a new voting rights act.
And it should include criminalizing intentional disinformation about federal elections. Enough with this shit. https://t.co/Hxx6Y9ReBi — Joshua Holland 🔥 (@JoshuaHol) September 4, 2020
DEPT. OF FUN, PLEASURE, AND HOPE IN THE WORLD
I guess we're doing feel good Fridays now: A beautiful old van, a lifelong dream, books for a good cause... What else do you want? https://t.co/uCYU7lff3c — Literary Hub (@lithub) September 4, 2020
Alex, a 5-year-old cancer survivor from Camden, New Jersey, recorded his very own tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Alex, who has been in remission for 4 years, can be heard telling his hero ‘We’ll miss you, Black Panther.’ pic.twitter.com/8UyQnzfbUM — NowThis (@nowthisnews) September 4, 2020
My husband is Q from QAnon and I have some things to say!! pic.twitter.com/3aTVa973hJ — blaire erskine (@blaireerskine) September 4, 2020
Kittens and a $2 WrestleMania, thrift store find 😂 pic.twitter.com/AyX82E8inO — RealJesusChrysler aka Captain Clorox (@ChryslerReal) August 31, 2020
Best thing you'll see today 😍 pic.twitter.com/NiwC8SDECh — Akki (@akkitwts) September 1, 2020
Week 13!!! Also Bunsen’s paw is cleared for adventure!
The joy on his face up on the high meadow was so life affirming.
It’s the simple things that can bring joy- like the crisp wind on a dogs face as he smells nature’s offering.#FridayFeeling #FridayMotivation #dogs pic.twitter.com/3DLd7vxKc6 — Bunsen and Beaker (@bunsenbernerbmd) September 4, 2020
so many toys around and he finds joy in a brick 😂
(jukin copyright management) pic.twitter.com/rVdJPkCEUc — Humor And Animals (@humorandanimals) September 3, 2020
Time for my head massage 💆💆♂
🎥: cockertwinss (IG)#mydogiscutest pic.twitter.com/p0kizwPmL6 — My Dog Is Cutest (@mydogiscutest) September 3, 2020
The perfect video doesn’t exi- pic.twitter.com/ejLKNZ5mMN — Amrith Shanbhag ✊🏽 (@amrith) August 30, 2020
Feeling better? Have a happy Labor Day weekend! Wear your masks!


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--UPDATED:  Pentagon Orders 'Stars And Stripes' Shut Down

( A video from CNN 's Reliable Sources , from back in February . )
The Pentagon has ordered Stars and Stripes to shut down for no good reason was the actual title of Kathy Kiely 's piece in today 's Stars and Stripes .
Just yesterday they published an Associated Press story entitled , Report claims Trump disparaged US war dead as 'losers , ' 'suckers ' .
Such reports have had the Stars & Stripes , a venerable publication since 1861 in Donald Trump 's crosshairs almost his entire presidency .
I 'm almost never shocked at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this really is beyond the pale .
Back in February the Stars and Stripes was notified their funding would be cut in 2021 .
Their editorial independence from Pentagon oversight proving too much to bear for Trump .
One assumes the sudden shutdown was related to the coming election , when all dissent must be squashed beforehand .
Even for those of us who are all too wearily familiar with President Donald Trump ’ s disdain for journalists , his administration ’ s latest attack on the free press is a bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent memo , the Pentagon delivered an order to shutter Stars and Stripes , a newspaper that has been a lifeline and a voice for American troops since the Civil War .
The memo orders the publisher of the news organization ( which now publishes online as well as in print ) to present a plan that “ dissolves the Stars and Stripes ” by Sept. 15 including `` specific timeline for vacating government owned/leased space worldwide.
” “ The last newspaper publication ( in all forms ) will be September 30 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jr. , the memo ’ s author .
The first Stars and Stripes rolled off presses Nov. 9 , 1861 in Bloomfield , Missouri when forces headed by Ulysses Grant overran the tiny town on the way to Cape Girardeau .
A group of Grant ’ s troops who had been pressmen before the war set up shop at a local newspaper office abandoned by its Confederate sympathizer publisher .
Since then Stars and Stripes has launched the careers of famous journalists such as cartoonist Bill Mauldin and TV commentator Andy Rooney .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been guaranteed by such distinguished military leaders at Gens .
John G. Pershing , George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower .
Eisenhower once reprimanded Gen. George Patton for trying to censor Mauldin cartoons he didn ’ t like .
A bipartisan group of Senators is pushing back on the plan .
UPDATE : President Shit-for-Brains seems to have gotten cold feet after the immediate backlash .

(A video from CNN's Reliable Sources, from back in February.)
The Pentagon has ordered Stars and Stripes to shut down for no good reason
was the actual title of Kathy Kiely's piece in today's Stars and Stripes. Just yesterday they published an Associated Press story entitled, Report claims Trump disparaged US war dead as 'losers,' 'suckers'. Such reports have had the Stars & Stripes, a venerable publication since 1861 in Donald Trump's crosshairs almost his entire presidency. I'm almost never shocked at the depths that Trump will stoop to but this really is beyond the pale.
Back in February the Stars and Stripes was notified their funding would be cut in 2021. Their editorial independence from Pentagon oversight proving too much to bear for Trump. One assumes the sudden shutdown was related to the coming election, when all dissent must be squashed beforehand.
Source: USA Today
Even for those of us who are all too wearily familiar with President Donald Trump’s disdain for journalists, his administration’s latest attack on the free press is a bit of a jaw-dropper. In a heretofore unpublicized recent memo, the Pentagon delivered an order to shutter Stars and Stripes, a newspaper that has been a lifeline and a voice for American troops since the Civil War. The memo orders the publisher of the news organization (which now publishes online as well as in print) to present a plan that “dissolves the Stars and Stripes” by Sept. 15 including "specific timeline for vacating government owned/leased space worldwide.” “The last newspaper publication (in all forms) will be September 30, 2020,” writes Col. Paul Haverstick Jr., the memo’s author. The first Stars and Stripes rolled off presses Nov. 9, 1861 in Bloomfield, Missouri when forces headed by Ulysses Grant overran the tiny town on the way to Cape Girardeau. A group of Grant’s troops who had been pressmen before the war set up shop at a local newspaper office abandoned by its Confederate sympathizer publisher. Since then Stars and Stripes has launched the careers of famous journalists such as cartoonist Bill Mauldin and TV commentator Andy Rooney. And its independence from the Pentagon brass has been guaranteed by such distinguished military leaders at Gens. John G. Pershing, George Marshall and Dwight Eisenhower. Eisenhower once reprimanded Gen. George Patton for trying to censor Mauldin cartoons he didn’t like.
A bipartisan group of Senators is pushing back on the plan.
Fifteen senators signed a letter urging Defense Secretary Mark Esper to maintain support for Stars and Stripes. https://t.co/RssPEz8ELG — Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) September 3, 2020
Trump is killing Stars and Stripes while the Bannon associate he appointed to oversee Voice of America, Michael Pack, is turning that agency into Breitbart International, and Bill Barr is selling propaganda on TV. The fascist coup is in its final stages. https://t.co/5cNCrjI7lI — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) September 4, 2020
UPDATE: President Shit-for-Brains seems to have gotten cold feet after the immediate backlash.
The United States of America will NOT be cutting funding to @starsandstripes magazine under my watch. It will continue to be a wonderful source of information to our Great Military! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2020
Sure, Jan.


crooksandliars--2020-09-04--NYT: Trump Will Probably Pull Out Of NATO If He Gets A Second Term

Well , of course he will .
Who will try to stop him ?
Via the New York Times : For nearly four years , President Trump has publicly railed against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization , angrily demanding that its members pay more for Europe ’ s collective defense .
In private , Mr. Trump has gone further — speaking repeatedly about withdrawing altogether from the 71-year-old military alliance , according to those familiar with the conversations .
In a second term , he may get his chance .
Recent accounts by former senior national security officials in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Capitol Hill and across Europe .
They lend credence to a scenario in which Mr. Trump , emboldened by re-election and potentially surrounded by an inexperienced second-term national security team , could finally move to undermine — or even end — the United States ’ NATO membership .
These former officials warn that such a move would be one of the biggest global strategic shifts in generations and a major victory for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia .
John Bolton 's book talked about it .
So did Michael Schmidt 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying “ one of the most difficult tasks he faced with Trump was trying to stop him from pulling out of NATO.
” But really , I can see him doing it because NATO leaders made fun of him .
He always wants to get even .
And this sounds a lot like something Trump would do : Congress would most likely move to block any effort by Mr. Trump to exit the alliance altogether , but experts said he could deal it a near-lethal blow in other ways .
One would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treaty , Article 5 , that calls for collective self-defense .
Previous presidents have interpreted it as a promise to defend any member from military attacks , but Mr. Trump has questioned it .
“ He could just reinterpret it as , ‘ I could just send a strongly worded letter , ’ ” Mr. Wright said .

Well, of course he will. Who will try to stop him? Via the New York Times:
For nearly four years, President Trump has publicly railed against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, angrily demanding that its members pay more for Europe’s collective defense. In private, Mr. Trump has gone further — speaking repeatedly about withdrawing altogether from the 71-year-old military alliance, according to those familiar with the conversations. In a second term, he may get his chance. Recent accounts by former senior national security officials in the Trump administration have contributed to growing unease on Capitol Hill and across Europe. They lend credence to a scenario in which Mr. Trump, emboldened by re-election and potentially surrounded by an inexperienced second-term national security team, could finally move to undermine — or even end — the United States’ NATO membership. These former officials warn that such a move would be one of the biggest global strategic shifts in generations and a major victory for President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.
John Bolton's book talked about it. So did Michael Schmidt's, in which he recounted John Kelly saying “one of the most difficult tasks he faced with Trump was trying to stop him from pulling out of NATO.”
But really, I can see him doing it because NATO leaders made fun of him. He always wants to get even. And this sounds a lot like something Trump would do:


crooksandliars--2020-09-05--New Song, 'Baby Man Hands,' Is Not Safe For Work

Behold the righteous anger of a person who possesses actual bravery and honor , and who has devoted his life @ @ @ @ @ tells Joy Reid that someone needs to `` recalibrate '' Donald Trump .

Can you help us out?
For 18 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.


crooksandliars--2020-09-05--Malcolm Nance: Donald Trump Is The 'Drunk, Dancing Monkey With An AK-47'

After opening her show with a summary of the gut punch this last 24 hours has been to the military , Joy Reid threw the floor to Malcolm Nance for his reaction .
Under normal circumstances , Nance is a passionate and emphatic speaker .
He has correctly predicted for YEARS the danger Donald Trump presented , and the likelihood he had shady ties to Russia that would render him a humiliating lapdog to Putin .
All of it has proven true .
Tonight , the Malcolm Nance who sounds the alarm bell gave way to the Malcolm Nance giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member of the military Donald Trump denigrated with his sneering insults that they were `` losers '' and `` suckers '' for choosing a path of service and danger , rather than ease and wealth .
[ ... ] What I would like to say is this , because the president is surrounded by Navy chiefs and at any time he could ask them their opinion and he would give it to them .
I am going to ask the question that many , many chiefs who all around the world ask on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president needs to be asked with great respect .
And that question quite simply is , `` What is wrong with you , really ? ''
What is the malfunction of this president ?
NANCE : I appreciate that .
I am a Navy Chief .
I am a retired Senior Navy Petty Officer .
And I would like to ask a question to the president that I 'm sure someone should have asked him in the last four years.
[ ... ] What I would like to say is this , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at any time he could ask them their opinion and he would give it to them .
I am going to ask the question that many , many chiefs who all around the world ask on a daily basis , but that the president needs to be asked with great respect .
And that question quite simply is , This is not the first time we have sat here .
And as any chief in this world , that is exactly what I would like to know .
Because as Commander in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sailors , airmen , and Marines .
And you know what ?
He does n't respect them .
For him to call people suckers , I have been to the village of Bello in France and stood in the Bello Wood and I have sat there with reverence about the sacrifice that our Marines in World War I gave there .
This president calls them `` suckers . ''
They 're not suckers .
[ ... ] I swear to you , someone in the chain of command pull that man aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done right now is he has revealed himself for the awful figure that he is .
The only thing that we can use , the only way we can resolve this as we do in the armed forces , is he must be relieved of his command .
And the only way to relieve him of his command , is in 60 days you have to put him out of office .
He is a dangerous entity .
He is the drunk , dancing monkey with an AK-47 who just shoots off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person we all look for , as senior enlisted personnel , to see whether they are endangering our troops .
Joy Reid then played tape of Trump denying , of course , that he said what multiple sources claimed he did .
This Atlantic story is so deeply sourced , even Fox News is confirming it .
THAT 'S how solid it is .
But , of course , Trump knows nothing of truth , so he is calling it a hoax .
After playing tapes of his denials , Reid noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to visit our war dead , he hung out with Vladimir Putin . ''
NANCE : You know , it 's very funny , because I have been accused of being over the top about Donald Trump and his relationship with Putin over these last few years .
But he will insult the dead of the U.S. Armed Forces who served honorably and proudly and meet with an ex-KGB officer and show him the love that he could not give to the people who fought in World War I , and any of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war .
Why ?
That is to be left to the ages .
But I will make one prediction , Joy , because I 've made a lot on this show before .
I trust that at some point in American history Donald Trump 's presidential portrait will have a black shroud over it .

After opening her show with a summary of the gut punch this last 24 hours has been to the military, Joy Reid threw the floor to Malcolm Nance for his reaction. Under normal circumstances, Nance is a passionate and emphatic speaker. He has correctly predicted for YEARS the danger Donald Trump presented, and the likelihood he had shady ties to Russia that would render him a humiliating lapdog to Putin. All of it has proven true.
Tonight, the Malcolm Nance who sounds the alarm bell gave way to the Malcolm Nance giving voice to the righteous anger of every member of the military Donald Trump denigrated with his sneering insults that they were "losers" and "suckers" for choosing a path of service and danger, rather than ease and wealth.
[...]
What I would like to say is this, because the president is surrounded by Navy chiefs and at any time he could ask them their opinion and he would give it to them. I am going to ask the question that many, many chiefs who all around the world ask on a daily basis, but that the president needs to be asked with great respect. And that question quite simply is, "What is wrong with you, really?" What is the malfunction of this president? NANCE: I appreciate that. I am a Navy Chief. I am a retired Senior Navy Petty Officer. And I would like to ask a question to the president that I'm sure someone should have asked him in the last four years.[...]What I would like to say is this, because the president is surrounded by Navy chiefs and at any time he could ask them their opinion and he would give it to them. I am going to ask the question that many, many chiefs who all around the world ask on a daily basis, but that the president needs to be asked with great respect. And that question quite simply is, This is not the first time we have sat here. And as any chief in this world, that is exactly what I would like to know. Because as Commander in Chief, he is endangering our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. And you know what? He doesn't respect them. For him to call people suckers, I have been to the village of Bello in France and stood in the Bello Wood and I have sat there with reverence about the sacrifice that our Marines in World War I gave there. This president calls them "suckers." They're not suckers.
[...]
I swear to you, someone in the chain of command pull that man aside and recalibrate him. Because what he has done right now is he has revealed himself for the awful figure that he is. The only thing that we can use, the only way we can resolve this as we do in the armed forces, is he must be relieved of his command. And the only way to relieve him of his command, is in 60 days you have to put him out of office. He is a dangerous entity. He is the drunk, dancing monkey with an AK-47 who just shoots off at the mouth. He is the person we all look for, as senior enlisted personnel, to see whether they are endangering our troops.
Joy Reid then played tape of Trump denying, of course, that he said what multiple sources claimed he did. This Atlantic story is so deeply sourced, even Fox News is confirming it. THAT'S how solid it is. But, of course, Trump knows nothing of truth, so he is calling it a hoax. After playing tapes of his denials, Reid noted that "The day after Donald Trump refused to visit our war dead, he hung out with Vladimir Putin."
NANCE: You know, it's very funny, because I have been accused of being over the top about Donald Trump and his relationship with Putin over these last few years. But he will insult the dead of the U.S. Armed Forces who served honorably and proudly and meet with an ex-KGB officer and show him the love that he could not give to the people who fought in World War I, and any of the people that fought in any other war. Why? That is to be left to the ages. But I will make one prediction, Joy, because I've made a lot on this show before. I trust that at some point in American history Donald Trump's presidential portrait will have a black shroud over it.


crooksandliars--2020-09-05--BEST METAPHOR EVER: Multiple Boats 'In Distress' At Trump Boat Parade

A Boaters for Trump parade in Lake Travis , Texas is not going very well , based on reports from @ @ @ @ @ was organized on Facebook and over 2,000 people said they were going .
Well , @ @ @ @ @ well .
Shortlly after it began , 911 calls started rolling in about numerous boats @ @ @ @ @ some actually SINKING !
If that is n't a metaphor , I do n't know @ @ @ @ @ 's office confirmed to CBS that `` multiple boats have been sinking and are in @ @ @ @ @ real time updates on what is going on at the parade .
This pretty much @ @ @ @

A Boaters for Trump parade in Lake Travis, Texas is not going very well, based on reports from CBS Austin. The parade was organized on Facebook and over 2,000 people said they were going.
Well, it is not going very well.
Shortlly after it began, 911 calls started rolling in about numerous boats being in distress - with some actually SINKING! If that isn't a metaphor, I don't know what is.
The sheriff's office confirmed to CBS that "multiple boats have been sinking and are in distress."
Here are real time updates on what is going on at the parade.
Twitter erupted:
Okay, who gave Antifa the nuclear submarines? Fess up https://t.co/LJkhQM0n0v — Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) September 5, 2020
“Hello, I’d like to report an excessively on-the-nose metaphor in progress.” https://t.co/526kJJixZY — Josh Barro (@jbarro) September 5, 2020
yes sex is great but have you tried watching this story develop in real time https://t.co/Z32sbUsiYC — vanessa a. bee 🐝✌🏾 (@Vanessa_ABee) September 5, 2020
Swamped boat near Emerald Point as hundreds of boats parade for President Donald Trump, at least three craft swamped with no injuries reported #statesman @bobphoto pic.twitter.com/eY3yyAXvyp — bobphoto (@bobphoto) September 5, 2020
Real suckers and losers at Trump boat parade in Texas today pic.twitter.com/OXMkWBniJO — Daniel Uhlfelder (@DWUhlfelderLaw) September 5, 2020
“Let’s now go live to Lake Travis. Scene of today’s Trump boat parade...” pic.twitter.com/kNvJsp6sJC — The Hoarse Whisperer (@TheRealHoarse) September 5, 2020
Apparently there was an impromptu boat parade on Lake Travis today with a bunch of boats goofing and going way too fast... and not just one, but ALL of the boats are sinking and calling the police for help. pic.twitter.com/HHdKoKw5IJ — Ky Krebs 🎤🏳🌈 (@kykrebs) September 5, 2020
Here are more updates with more sunken boats. It just keeps on coming. pic.twitter.com/DJePQSKnDH — Ky Krebs 🎤🏳🌈 (@kykrebs) September 5, 2020
#Breaking Boat catches fire in Thompson bay #LakeHavasu after participating in a Trump parade. pic.twitter.com/C7C6fkeIy7 — AlexVnews (@alexvnews) September 5, 2020
This pretty much sums it up:


crooksandliars--2020-09-05--Report: Police Are Too Often Connected To The Racist Far Right

The gorilla in the room—the thing no one wants to acknowledge , but has grown too big to ignore—of our national discussion over the need for police reform , amid the seemingly endless violent mishandling of Black people by arresting officers , is their nakedly preferential treatment of right-wing extremists .
This is accompanied by vicious retaliation against marching citizens in too many street clashes , particularly since police brutality protests broke out when George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officers on May 28 .
This cooperation only deepens the growing suspicions that not only are police officers sympathetic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many cops may in fact be active hate group members themselves .
“ Some of those that work forces , are the same that burn crosses ” —a line from the song “ Killing in the Name ” by Rage Against the Machine—is a common adage among leftist protest groups .
Now , a report by the Brennan Center for Justice authored by a respected law enforcement analyst and former FBI agent—titled “ Hidden in Plain Sight : Racism , White Supremacy , and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement ” —confirms that those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The author of the report , Michael German , worked undercover on cases involving far-right extremists in the 1990s for the FBI , and since then has been involved in analyzing federal counterterrorism efforts for the ACLU and the Brennan Center ; he served as an adviser to the recent Reveal News/Type Investigations report on domestic terrorism during the Trump years that revealed a rapidly amassing violent white nationalist terrorist trend .
German recently testified before a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing ostensibly directed at “ protecting speech ” from “ anarchist violence ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz ) , warning the senators : “ We ’ re all concerned about protest violence , but framing the issue as a problem of anarchist violence only spreads misinformation that puts law enforcement officers and the communities they serve at greater risk .
It also distracts from the police accountability and anti-discrimination issues that millions of Black Lives Matter supporters come into the streets to support.
” Later in the hearing , he discussed how too many police departments—including those in Portland , where ongoing protests against police violence are continuing daily—rely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1960s that has been long discredited and displaced with more temperate models that rely less on the use of force .
“ It ’ s very important to look at the research and develop our tactics for reducing police violence based on objective research , and not adopt tactics that were discredited decades ago , ” he said .
In his report on the presence of white supremacists in police ranks for the Brennan Center , German explained that ” only a tiny percentage of law enforcement officials are likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the evidence of “ overt and explicit racism within law enforcement ” is also well established : The report goes on the explore the utterly inadequate response within the ranks of law enforcement , or the officialdom charged with oversight of them , to known affiliations with white supremacist and militant groups by law enforcement officers .
He noted the FBI ’ s 2015 counterterrorism policy “ indicates not just that members of law enforcement might hold white supremacist views , but that FBI domestic terrorism investigations have often identified ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these investigations and law enforcement officials.
” The response to the exposure of those links is instructive : Agents are instructed simply to use a website function that would screen potential subjects of investigation from knowledge of FBI scrutiny—and its only concern is that its agents be shielded from culpability for those active links .
This has been going on a long time , and is “ hiding in plain sight , ” as German ’ s report details .
He identifies three core problems : • A lack of mitigation policies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A failure by the Department of Justice to vigorously police law enforcement misconduct , as is its duty • The behavior of police departments in protest situations inflamed by police violence has only inflamed further violence , and reveals a deep bias within law-enforcement departments The latter , as German notes , directly undermines police safety , security , and lives , especially considering how often far-right militants have killed police officers : “ The overlap between militia members and the Boogaloo movement—whose adherents have been arrested for manufacturing Molotov cocktails in preparation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter protest in Nevada , inciting a riot in South Carolina , and shooting , bombing , and killing police officers in California—highlights the threat that police engagement with these groups poses to their law enforcement partners.
” In a follow-up piece for The Guardian , German observed how blinkered our national culture—not just within law enforcement , but within the halls of officialdom and in the national media—has become about the real threat posed by white nationalists :

The gorilla in the room—the thing no one wants to acknowledge, but has grown too big to ignore—of our national discussion over the need for police reform, amid the seemingly endless violent mishandling of Black people by arresting officers, is their nakedly preferential treatment of right-wing extremists. This is accompanied by vicious retaliation against marching citizens in too many street clashes, particularly since police brutality protests broke out when George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police officers on May 28. This cooperation only deepens the growing suspicions that not only are police officers sympathetic to white supremacists, but that too many cops may in fact be active hate group members themselves.
“Some of those that work forces, are the same that burn crosses”—a line from the song “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine—is a common adage among leftist protest groups. Now, a report by the Brennan Center for Justice authored by a respected law enforcement analyst and former FBI agent—titled “Hidden in Plain Sight: Racism, White Supremacy, and Far-Right Militancy in Law Enforcement”—confirms that those suspicions are very well-founded, indeed.
The author of the report, Michael German, worked undercover on cases involving far-right extremists in the 1990s for the FBI, and since then has been involved in analyzing federal counterterrorism efforts for the ACLU and the Brennan Center; he served as an adviser to the recent Reveal News/Type Investigations report on domestic terrorism during the Trump years that revealed a rapidly amassing violent white nationalist terrorist trend.
German recently testified before a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing ostensibly directed at “protecting speech” from “anarchist violence” (chaired by a prevaricating Sen. Ted Cruz), warning the senators: “We’re all concerned about protest violence, but framing the issue as a problem of anarchist violence only spreads misinformation that puts law enforcement officers and the communities they serve at greater risk. It also distracts from the police accountability and anti-discrimination issues that millions of Black Lives Matter supporters come into the streets to support.”
Later in the hearing, he discussed how too many police departments—including those in Portland, where ongoing protests against police violence are continuing daily—rely on a model of protest control from the 1960s that has been long discredited and displaced with more temperate models that rely less on the use of force.
“It’s very important to look at the research and develop our tactics for reducing police violence based on objective research, and not adopt tactics that were discredited decades ago,” he said.
In his report on the presence of white supremacists in police ranks for the Brennan Center, German explained that ”only a tiny percentage of law enforcement officials are likely to be active members of white supremacist groups.” However, the evidence of “overt and explicit racism within law enforcement” is also well established:
Since 2000, law enforcement officials with alleged connections to white supremacist groups or far-right militant activities have been exposed in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and elsewhere. Research organizations have uncovered hundreds of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials participating in racist, nativist, and sexist social media activity, which demonstrates that overt bias is far too common. These officers’ racist activities are often known within their departments, but only result in disciplinary action or termination if they trigger public scandals.
The report goes on the explore the utterly inadequate response within the ranks of law enforcement, or the officialdom charged with oversight of them, to known affiliations with white supremacist and militant groups by law enforcement officers. He noted the FBI’s 2015 counterterrorism policy “indicates not just that members of law enforcement might hold white supremacist views, but that FBI domestic terrorism investigations have often identified ‘active links’ between the subjects of these investigations and law enforcement officials.”
The response to the exposure of those links is instructive: Agents are instructed simply to use a website function that would screen potential subjects of investigation from knowledge of FBI scrutiny—and its only concern is that its agents be shielded from culpability for those active links.
This has been going on a long time, and is “hiding in plain sight,” as German’s report details. He identifies three core problems:
A lack of mitigation policies to protect communities against biased police officers
A failure by the Department of Justice to vigorously police law enforcement misconduct, as is its duty
The behavior of police departments in protest situations inflamed by police violence has only inflamed further violence, and reveals a deep bias within law-enforcement departments
The latter, as German notes, directly undermines police safety, security, and lives, especially considering how often far-right militants have killed police officers: “The overlap between militia members and the Boogaloo movement—whose adherents have been arrested for manufacturing Molotov cocktails in preparation for an attack at a Black Lives Matter protest in Nevada, inciting a riot in South Carolina, and shooting, bombing, and killing police officers in California—highlights the threat that police engagement with these groups poses to their law enforcement partners.”
In a follow-up piece for The Guardian, German observed how blinkered our national culture—not just within law enforcement, but within the halls of officialdom and in the national media—has become about the real threat posed by white nationalists:
If the government knew that al-Qaida or Isis had infiltrated American law enforcement agencies, it would undoubtedly initiate a nationwide effort to identify them and neutralize the threat they posed. Yet white supremacists and far-right militants have committed far more attacks and killed more people in the U.S. over the last 10 years than any foreign terrorist movement. The FBI regards them as the most lethal domestic terror threat. The need for national action is even more critical.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.