crooksandliars--2020-08-29--Elie Mystal Teaches Master Class In Civics To CSPAN Caller On How Bills Become Law

It 's amazing how just the teensiest bit of work — really , just one more step of the thought or study process — would be enough to dispel so many of the GOP lies .
Elie Mystal , clearly animated and willing to share his limitless knowledge , helps this CSPAN caller along when she asks him why , if Democrats liked some of the things in Sen. Tim Scott 's bill on criminal justice reform , they would n't negotiate .
Caller : What is your thought on the justice act that was proposed by Tim Scott ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed in and you wanted and could be negotiated on and Democrats would n't negotiate on it .
Why do you think that is ?
MYSTAL : Nope !
That 's not true .
That 's not true that the Democrats would not negotiate on it .
Look , I thought Tim Scott 's bill was underwhelming , but it 's a starting point .
There is much more that I want than what Tim Scott had in that bill , but it would be a legitimate starting point for the conversation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not want to negotiate on it . ''
And I can PROVE that to you , Tammy !
Because , who controls the Senate , where Tim Scott works ?
That 's Republicans who control that Senate .
That 's Mitch McConnell who controls that Senate .
They could pass a bill tomorrow if they wanted to .
Mitch McConnell could bring Tim Scott 's bill to the floor tomorrow , and according to Tim Scott -- if you thought the Democrats were the only ones standing in the way , then Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass his bill .
Tim Scott could pass the bill in the Senate .
Nancy Pelosi could pass a bill in the House , and then they could negotiate the terms .
That 's how government is supposed to work .
That is how a bill becomes a law .
That 's how our civics is supposed to proceed .
And it does n't proceed that way because the Republicans wo n't allow government to operate , and then lie to you about why it 's not operating .
So , if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good idea , and if you think that it was a good starting point for this discussion about police violence and police brutality , please call Mitch McConnell and tell him to bring that bill to the floor .
Because if he brought it to the floor tomorrow , it would pass tomorrow .
It is deeply frustrating to hear such lies propagated .
Is it really all Republicans have to do to convince people ?
Say it , and it 's so ?
`` Democrats wo n't negotiate . ''
Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't NEED them to - that 's what having a majority means .
Democrats are not the reason government is n't working .
Republicans are .
Who has acres of paper clogging up the works in the form of bills he wo n't even bring to the floor for debate ?
MITCH MCCONNELL .
Why ?
Because he knows they would pass !
He has prided himself on his nickname of Grim Reaper of the Senate .
So , how does it become the talking point that it 's the Democrats that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and do n't , under any circumstance , miss the :57 mark in the video , when you can spot the usually unbiased poker-faced Greta Brawner sporting a sly , deeply satisfying grin .
Who can blame her ?
It 's a gift to watch Mystal at work .

It's amazing how just the teensiest bit of work — really, just one more step of the thought or study process — would be enough to dispel so many of the GOP lies.
Elie Mystal, clearly animated and willing to share his limitless knowledge, helps this CSPAN caller along when she asks him why, if Democrats liked some of the things in Sen. Tim Scott's bill on criminal justice reform, they wouldn't negotiate.
Caller: What is your thought on the justice act that was proposed by Tim Scott? It had things that you said you believed in and you wanted and could be negotiated on and Democrats wouldn't negotiate on it. Why do you think that is? MYSTAL: Nope! That's not true. That's not true that the Democrats would not negotiate on it. Look, I thought Tim Scott's bill was underwhelming, but it's a starting point. There is much more that I want than what Tim Scott had in that bill, but it would be a legitimate starting point for the conversation. It is NOT "The Democrats did not want to negotiate on it." And I can PROVE that to you, Tammy! Because, who controls the Senate, where Tim Scott works? That's Republicans who control that Senate. That's Mitch McConnell who controls that Senate. They could pass a bill tomorrow if they wanted to. Mitch McConnell could bring Tim Scott's bill to the floor tomorrow, and according to Tim Scott -- if you thought the Democrats were the only ones standing in the way, then Tim Scott doesn't need the Democrats to pass his bill. Tim Scott could pass the bill in the Senate. Nancy Pelosi could pass a bill in the House, and then they could negotiate the terms. That's how government is supposed to work. That is how a bill becomes a law. That's how our civics is supposed to proceed. And it doesn't proceed that way because the Republicans won't allow government to operate, and then lie to you about why it's not operating. So, if you think that Tim Scott's bill was a good idea, and if you think that it was a good starting point for this discussion about police violence and police brutality, please call Mitch McConnell and tell him to bring that bill to the floor. Because if he brought it to the floor tomorrow, it would pass tomorrow.
It is deeply frustrating to hear such lies propagated. Is it really all Republicans have to do to convince people? Say it, and it's so? "Democrats won't negotiate." Well, SO WHAT? Mitch McConnell doesn't NEED them to - that's what having a majority means.
Democrats are not the reason government isn't working. Republicans are. Who has acres of paper clogging up the works in the form of bills he won't even bring to the floor for debate? MITCH MCCONNELL. Why? Because he knows they would pass! He has prided himself on his nickname of Grim Reaper of the Senate.
So, how does it become the talking point that it's the Democrats that are gumming up the works?
Oh, and don't, under any circumstance, miss the :57 mark in the video, when you can spot the usually unbiased poker-faced Greta Brawner sporting a sly, deeply satisfying grin. Who can blame her? It's a gift to watch Mystal at work.


crooksandliars--2020-08-29--Melania Wore A Green Screen Dress, So The Internet Pounced

Sometimes you have to wonder if they do this **** on purpose , for the attention , or they just do n't care .
Either way , Melania Trump got the attention she was craving with her 'Green Screen ' dress at TrumpFest .
It 's hard to Be Best when you 're surrounded by racist stepchildren , ethical violations , and sweaty old white men , so Melania Trump decided to Be Memes instead .
After turning up for her own speech on Wednesday in a decidedly militaristic khaki getup ( because we know she loves a khaki statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the final night of the Republican National Convention in green again .
An odd , clashy choice , not just against the red party and the red carpet and the red and blue flags arrayed behind her in their dozens , but also because the pleated Valentino gown is the exact shade of eye-blistering electric lime used for green screen effects .
[ ... ] Soon , the First Lady was sporting a belted A-line gown in such fetching prints as Coronavirus , U.S. Pandemic Death Stats , and Weather Report .

Sometimes you have to wonder if they do this **** on purpose, for the attention, or they just don't care. Either way, Melania Trump got the attention she was craving with her 'Green Screen' dress at TrumpFest.
Source: Mashable
It's hard to Be Best when you're surrounded by racist stepchildren, ethical violations, and sweaty old white men, so Melania Trump decided to Be Memes instead.
After turning up for her own speech on Wednesday in a decidedly militaristic khaki getup (because we know she loves a khaki statement piece), the First Lady returned to the final night of the Republican National Convention in green again.
An odd, clashy choice, not just against the red party and the red carpet and the red and blue flags arrayed behind her in their dozens, but also because the pleated Valentino gown is the exact shade of eye-blistering electric lime used for green screen effects.
[...]
Soon, the First Lady was sporting a belted A-line gown in such fetching prints as Coronavirus, U.S. Pandemic Death Stats, and Weather Report.


crooksandliars--2020-08-29--Law Professor Makes Opening Statement Against Breonna Taylor's Killers In Imagined Trial

It has been more than six months since 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot to death during a no-knock warrant executed in the middle of the night by police in Louisville , KY. We know who the people are who shot so many bullets around her apartment and her neighbor 's that they had to stop to reload their weapons .
And yet , they are free .
No charges have been brought against the three police officers .
They enjoy complete freedom while Ms. Taylor 's boyfriend and her family have a chasm in their lives that will never be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analyst , and Georgetown Law professor , Paul Butler , knows it should not be that way .
He released a video of what would be his opening argument in front of a judge and jury , if justice prevailed .
If Breonna Taylor 's killers were arrested .
Charged .
Brought to trial .
Judged by a jury .
And it is a thing of deep , abiding idealism .
What we could accomplish if justice were appropriately meted out .
PROF. BUTLER : Ladies and gentlemen of the jury , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find that these men disregarded a substantial risk that when you shoot up an apartment complex , that you 're going to hurt innocent people .
The evidence will show that the officers knew that when they blindly fired twenty bullets into eight different rooms in two different apartments , they knew that there was a big chance that innocent people would be harmed .
Sergeant Hankinson was n't even in the apartment when he fired his gun .
He was shooting through a patio door that was closed and covered .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shooting .
His own boss , Chief of Police , said that Hankinson displayed , and I 'm quoting , `` extreme indifference to human life . ''
It 's ten minutes long so I am not going to include the transcript here .
Trust , though — it 's powerful , compelling , and absolutely unassailable .
Watch it yourself .
I promise .
If you were on that jury , he would have you on his side by the end of it .

It has been more than six months since 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot to death during a no-knock warrant executed in the middle of the night by police in Louisville, KY. We know who the people are who shot so many bullets around her apartment and her neighbor's that they had to stop to reload their weapons. And yet, they are free. No charges have been brought against the three police officers.
They enjoy complete freedom while Ms. Taylor's boyfriend and her family have a chasm in their lives that will never be filled.
Well, frequent MSNBC legal analyst, and Georgetown Law professor, Paul Butler, knows it should not be that way. He released a video of what would be his opening argument in front of a judge and jury, if justice prevailed. If Breonna Taylor's killers were arrested. Charged. Brought to trial. Judged by a jury. And it is a thing of deep, abiding idealism. What we could accomplish if justice were appropriately meted out.
PROF. BUTLER: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you must convict of second-degree manslaughter if you find that these men disregarded a substantial risk that when you shoot up an apartment complex, that you're going to hurt innocent people. The evidence will show that the officers knew that when they blindly fired twenty bullets into eight different rooms in two different apartments, they knew that there was a big chance that innocent people would be harmed. Sergeant Hankinson wasn't even in the apartment when he fired his gun. He was shooting through a patio door that was closed and covered. He couldn't see who or what he was shooting. His own boss, Chief of Police, said that Hankinson displayed, and I'm quoting, "extreme indifference to human life."
It's ten minutes long so I am not going to include the transcript here. Trust, though — it's powerful, compelling, and absolutely unassailable. Watch it yourself. I promise. If you were on that jury, he would have you on his side by the end of it.


crooksandliars--2020-08-29--Melissa Francis Whines About Democrats ‘Crowd Shaming’ Trump

Today , Joe Biden smacked down Trump ’ s reckless endangerment of lives so that he could have an adoring crowd before him .
But even as Francis acknowledged it ’ s a legitimate point , she did her best to wrap it in bothsidesism , with extra smears of Democrats .
First , she primed the viewers to think the criticism was a way for Democrats to deflect from her imaginary conspiracy theory that the party is plotting to keep Biden from having to debate Trump .
In fact , Biden has already agreed to the standard three debates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snickered because Nancy Pelosi walked back her suggestion that Biden decline to debate Trump , Francis baselessly argued that that , along with the “ crowd shaming ” was just part of the same diabolical plot to keep Biden hidden : FRANCIS : I have another theory .
So I think that all of the Democrats , I mean , they ’ d like to keep this election as quiet as possible .
they would like to keep vice president Biden in the basement .
they would like to just freeze time until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And so I think they keep sending people out there , like Nancy Pelosi , to float this trial balloon and see if they can get away with not going to the debates .
they are doing everything to kind of just keep the lid on it .
They ’ ll continue to crowd-shame president Trump , which , we have to get that in there .
that is fair about last night .
There was a huge crowd , they were close together , they were n't wearing masks .
they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , they ’ re gon na continue to say , `` look at the president , he 's having these dangerous crowds . ''
the people look like they 're having a great time and they ’ re really enthusiastic , but they are awful people for being there and being together , and we ’ ll see which prevails and works .
But I think with the debate , they would love , love , love to not have them .
Francis knows Trump needlessly put American lives at risk last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that as `` crowd shaming '' is well , sick .

Today, Joe Biden smacked down Trump’s reckless endangerment of lives so that he could have an adoring crowd before him.
Mr. President, Americans are canceling weddings and holding funerals without family. They're sacrificing so more Americans don't have to die.
But instead of leading by example, you hosted a super spreader event on the South Lawn.
When will you take the presidency seriously? https://t.co/DcVUGsZ9a5 — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 28, 2020
But even as Francis acknowledged it’s a legitimate point, she did her best to wrap it in bothsidesism, with extra smears of Democrats.
First, she primed the viewers to think the criticism was a way for Democrats to deflect from her imaginary conspiracy theory that the party is plotting to keep Biden from having to debate Trump. In fact, Biden has already agreed to the standard three debates.
After cohosts Harris Faulkner and Kennedy snickered because Nancy Pelosi walked back her suggestion that Biden decline to debate Trump, Francis baselessly argued that that, along with the “crowd shaming” was just part of the same diabolical plot to keep Biden hidden:
FRANCIS: I have another theory. So I think that all of the Democrats, I mean, they’d like to keep this election as quiet as possible. they would like to keep vice president Biden in the basement. they would like to just freeze time until the day everybody goes and votes. And so I think they keep sending people out there, like Nancy Pelosi, to float this trial balloon and see if they can get away with not going to the debates. they are doing everything to kind of just keep the lid on it. They’ll continue to crowd-shame president Trump, which, we have to get that in there. that is fair about last night. There was a huge crowd, they were close together, they weren't wearing masks. they weren't being tested. So, you know, they’re gonna continue to say, "look at the president, he's having these dangerous crowds." the people look like they're having a great time and they’re really enthusiastic, but they are awful people for being there and being together, and we’ll see which prevails and works. But I think with the debate, they would love, love, love to not have them.
Francis knows Trump needlessly put American lives at risk last night. For her to characterize criticism of that as "crowd shaming" is well, sick.


crooksandliars--2020-08-29--The Re-Nomination Of The Mayor Of Shark City

At the beginning of the pandemic , I compared President Stupid to the mayor in Jaws .
This is no @ @ @ @ @ , after enough people had died and the existence of a man-eating shark was confirmed @ @ @ @ @ in broad daylight and ate a kid in front of the entire town on the @ @ @ @ @ shaken mayor finally relented and authorized spending whatever was necessary to kill the shark and @ @ @ @ @ here in the real world , as the death toll tops 180,000 , President Stupid @ @ @ @ @ town drunk , the town crackpot and his own idiot son-in-law in charge of shark @ @ @ @ @ over the shark even as a feeding frenzy of thousands of sharks turns the beach @ @ @ @ @ ... ... put his idiot children in charge of telling everyone how awesomely their daddy @ @ @ @ @ ... and ordered that his renomination party be held waist-deep in the shark-infested waters .
@ @ @ @ @ than Donald John Trump and the Republican Party .

At the beginning of the pandemic, I compared President Stupid to the mayor in Jaws.
This is no longer true.
In Jaws, after enough people had died and the existence of a man-eating shark was confirmed when it literally swam up in broad daylight and ate a kid in front of the entire town on the Fourth of July, the shaken mayor finally relented and authorized spending whatever was necessary to kill the shark and save the town.
But here in the real world, as the death toll tops 180,000, President Stupid has...
...fired the sheriff...
...fired the shark expert...
...fired the professional shark-hunter...
...put the town drunk, the town crackpot and his own idiot son-in-law in charge of shark stuff...
...declared victory over the shark even as a feeding frenzy of thousands of sharks turns the beach red with blood every day...
...put his idiot children in charge of telling everyone how awesomely their daddy handled the shark thingie...
...and ordered that his renomination party be held waist-deep in the shark-infested waters.
The Unmasked Ball: Trump Creates His Own Pandemic-Free Reality Borrowing the White House as a campaign stage, the R.N.C. closed by garden-partying like Covid-19 was over.
COVID-19 has no greater ally than Donald John Trump and the Republican Party.
Republished with permission from Driftglass.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--CBS Host Grills DHS Chief For Refusing To Condemn Violent Trump Supporters: 'So You Endorse This?'

Department of Homeland acting Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Sunday declined to condemn Trump supporters who have instigated or incited violence at Black Lives Matter protests around the country .
During an interview on CBS , host Margaret Brennan noted that President Donald Trump has tweeted praise for supporters who have staged counter-protests against Black Lives Matter in cities like Portland .
`` Will the Trump administration ask for everyone -- including those pro-Trump supporters -- to pull back ? ''
Brennan wondered .
`` Well , we 've been asking Portland to do their job really for over three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But I 'm asking about the pro-Trump supporters , '' Brennan noted .
Wolf , however , accused Portland officials of `` fostering an environment of this lawlessness and chaos . ''
`` Address the violence so you do n't have dueling demonstrations , you do n't have this violence , '' he insisted .
`` We need them to do their job and if they ca n't , if they do n't have the ability or the resources , ask the federal government . ''
`` I hear what you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the president has tweeted about Portland 12 times in the past 48 hours , including retweeting a video of his supporters -- people with Trump flags flying -- driving into Portland and he called them great patriots .
Does n't that heighten tensions when you say you are trying to lower it ? ''
`` Do you endorse this as the president appears to be doing ? ''
Brennan queried .
Wolf continued to blame `` local officials not doing their job . ''
`` So are you saying that the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters ? ''
Brennan asked .
`` Because the president seems to be endorsing them . ''
`` They failed to protect their communities specifically in Portland , '' Wolf responded cryptically .
`` We need Portland to step up , bring this violence to a close . ''
Brennan attempted to summarize Wolf 's answer : `` It sounds then like you are asking Portland officials to crack down on the Trump supporters too . ''
`` I 'm asking Portland officials , that 's the mayor , that 's the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do their job to address any violent activity that is occurring in their streets , '' Wolf said .

Department of Homeland acting Security Secretary Chad Wolf on Sunday declined to condemn Trump supporters who have instigated or incited violence at Black Lives Matter protests around the country.
During an interview on CBS, host Margaret Brennan noted that President Donald Trump has tweeted praise for supporters who have staged counter-protests against Black Lives Matter in cities like Portland.
"Will the Trump administration ask for everyone -- including those pro-Trump supporters -- to pull back?" Brennan wondered.
"Well, we've been asking Portland to do their job really for over three months now," Wolf replied.
"But I'm asking about the pro-Trump supporters," Brennan noted.
Wolf, however, accused Portland officials of "fostering an environment of this lawlessness and chaos."
"Address the violence so you don't have dueling demonstrations, you don't have this violence," he insisted. "We need them to do their job and if they can't, if they don't have the ability or the resources, ask the federal government."
"I hear what you're saying," Brennan pressed. "But the president has tweeted about Portland 12 times in the past 48 hours, including retweeting a video of his supporters -- people with Trump flags flying -- driving into Portland and he called them great patriots. Doesn't that heighten tensions when you say you are trying to lower it?"
"Absolutely not," Wolf objected.
"Do you endorse this as the president appears to be doing?" Brennan queried.
Wolf continued to blame "local officials not doing their job."
"So are you saying that the local officials have failed to stop the Trump supporters?" Brennan asked. "Because the president seems to be endorsing them."
"They failed to protect their communities specifically in Portland," Wolf responded cryptically. "We need Portland to step up, bring this violence to a close."
Brennan attempted to summarize Wolf's answer: "It sounds then like you are asking Portland officials to crack down on the Trump supporters too."
"I'm asking Portland officials, that's the mayor, that's the governor and that's the local law enforcement to do their job to address any violent activity that is occurring in their streets," Wolf said.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Portland Mayor To Trump: 'You Want ME To Stop The Violence YOU Create'

During a Sunday afternoon press conference , Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler took a few minutes to explain who is responsible for the violence and hate which resulted in a man being shot in downtown Portland during a parade of Trumpers in trucks shooting paintballs and tear gas .
Yesterday 's events began with hundreds of cars filled with supporters of the President rallying in Clackamas County and then driving through downtown Portland .
They were supported and energized by the president himself .
President Trump , for four years , we 've had to live with you and your racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early about your sexist attitudes towards women .
We 've had to endure clips of you mocking a disabled man .
We 've had to listen to your anti-democratic attacks on journalists .
We 've read your tweets slamming private citizens to the point of receiving death threats , and we 've listened to your attacks on immigrants .
We 've listened to you label Mexicans rapists .
We 've had heard you say that John McCain was n't a hero because he was a prisoner of war .
And now you 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of democracy that have served this nation well since its founding .
Then do you seriously wonder , Mr. President , why this is the first time in decades that America has seen this level of violence ?
It 's you who have created the hate and the division .
It 's you who have not found a way to say the names of Black people killed by police officers , even as people in law enforcement have , and it 's you who claimed that white supremacists are good people .
Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything you have done to create hate and vitriol in our beautiful country .
You 've tried to divide us more than any other figure in modern history , and now you want me to stop the violence that you helped create .
What America needs is for you to be stopped , so that we can come back together as one America while recognizing that we must demand that all people , black , brown , white , every color from every political persuasion , pull together and hold all people accountable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together are peaceful again under new leadership that reflects who we really are .
We the people of this great nation .
President Trump , you bring no peace .
You bring no respect to our democracy .
You , Mr. President , need to do your job as the leader of this nation , and I , Mr. President , will do my job as the mayor of this city .
We will both be held accountable , as we should .

During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler took a few minutes to explain who is responsible for the violence and hate which resulted in a man being shot in downtown Portland during a parade of Trumpers in trucks shooting paintballs and tear gas.
Wheeler was blunt:
Yesterday's events began with hundreds of cars filled with supporters of the President rallying in Clackamas County and then driving through downtown Portland. They were supported and energized by the president himself.
President Trump, for four years, we've had to live with you and your racist attacks on Black people. We learned early about your sexist attitudes towards women. We've had to endure clips of you mocking a disabled man. We've had to listen to your anti-democratic attacks on journalists. We've read your tweets slamming private citizens to the point of receiving death threats, and we've listened to your attacks on immigrants. We've listened to you label Mexicans rapists. We've had heard you say that John McCain wasn't a hero because he was a prisoner of war. And now you're attacking Democratic mayors in the very institutions of democracy that have served this nation well since its founding.
Then do you seriously wonder, Mr. President, why this is the first time in decades that America has seen this level of violence?
It's you who have created the hate and the division.
It's you who have not found a way to say the names of Black people killed by police officers, even as people in law enforcement have, and it's you who claimed that white supremacists are good people.
Your campaign of fear is as anti-democratic as anything you have done to create hate and vitriol in our beautiful country.
You've tried to divide us more than any other figure in modern history, and now you want me to stop the violence that you helped create.
What America needs is for you to be stopped, so that we can come back together as one America while recognizing that we must demand that all people, black, brown, white, every color from every political persuasion, pull together and hold all people accountable in stopping racism and violence. We together are peaceful again under new leadership that reflects who we really are. We the people of this great nation.
President Trump, you bring no peace. You bring no respect to our democracy. You, Mr. President, need to do your job as the leader of this nation, and I, Mr. President, will do my job as the mayor of this city. We will both be held accountable, as we should.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--AMJoy Panelist Warns: Our Choice Isn't Biden Or Trump, But Democracy Or Fascism

On Saturday a huge convoy of trucks sporting Trump and Gadsden flags rolled into downtown Portland , shooting paintballs and tear gas at protesters , all with the full blessing and support of Donald J. Trump .
It was a stunning example of hooliganism to score some political points and ads for Donald Trump 's re-election campaign , because Trump understands that if he can deflect from the coronavirus disaster and focus on racial tensions and violence , he has a better chance of winning .
Unfortunately , a man in Portland was shot and killed last night .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a hat with the insignia of Patriot Prayer , a far right wing group but that is unconfirmed .
Here is the video of that : If the report is true , Trump has his martyr , along with young Kyle Rittenhouse , who is apparently going to be hailed for murdering two people in cold blood .
All of these things , along with Trump interfering with Congressional briefings about Russian election interference , his lawless administration , his promise to end Social Security and Medicare , his refusal to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ souls lost to the coronavirus and more point to his commitment to turn the United States into a fascist state .
On AM Joy Sunday , Jason Johnson laid out the choice in front of voters this fall while discussing Trump 's Black friends making a play during the Republican convention for Black voters .
Make no mistake , this is not at all a choice between the lesser of two evils .
`` All Trump and the Republicans are doing is trying to consolidate power , it 's not good and evil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's between fascism and a dictatorship and the remnants of democracy we still have . ''
Not Biden versus Trump , not Democrat versus Republican .
Fascism and dictatorship versus the remnants of democracy .
`` If we do not vote Donald Trump out , if Black people and white people do n't vote , we wo n't have another free election for another 20 years , '' he warned .
`` That is not hyperbole .
That 's what we have to remember .
No matter what he tries to do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on it because this time they do . ''
He 's not exaggerating .
Not in the least .
We not only have to vote like our lives depend on it , we have to get everyone we know to vote .
Take them to the polls or help them request and complete an absentee ballot .
Get them to vote early but above all , get them to vote .

On Saturday a huge convoy of trucks sporting Trump and Gadsden flags rolled into downtown Portland, shooting paintballs and tear gas at protesters, all with the full blessing and support of Donald J. Trump. It was a stunning example of hooliganism to score some political points and ads for Donald Trump's re-election campaign, because Trump understands that if he can deflect from the coronavirus disaster and focus on racial tensions and violence, he has a better chance of winning.
Unfortunately, a man in Portland was shot and killed last night. The New York Times reports that he was wearing a hat with the insignia of Patriot Prayer, a far right wing group but that is unconfirmed. Here is the video of that:
If the report is true, Trump has his martyr, along with young Kyle Rittenhouse, who is apparently going to be hailed for murdering two people in cold blood.
All of these things, along with Trump interfering with Congressional briefings about Russian election interference, his lawless administration, his promise to end Social Security and Medicare, his refusal to deal with or even care about the 180,000 souls lost to the coronavirus and more point to his commitment to turn the United States into a fascist state.
On AM Joy Sunday, Jason Johnson laid out the choice in front of voters this fall while discussing Trump's Black friends making a play during the Republican convention for Black voters. Make no mistake, this is not at all a choice between the lesser of two evils.
"All Trump and the Republicans are doing is trying to consolidate power, it's not good and evil," Johnson explained. "It's between fascism and a dictatorship and the remnants of democracy we still have."
Not Biden versus Trump, not Democrat versus Republican. Fascism and dictatorship versus the remnants of democracy.
"If we do not vote Donald Trump out, if Black people and white people don't vote, we won't have another free election for another 20 years," he warned. "That is not hyperbole. That's what we have to remember. No matter what he tries to do we still have to vote like our lives depend on it because this time they do."
He's not exaggerating. Not in the least. We not only have to vote like our lives depend on it, we have to get everyone we know to vote. Take them to the polls or help them request and complete an absentee ballot. Get them to vote early but above all, get them to vote.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Hurricane Victim Begs Trump For Help In Tearful Fox News Interview

The owner of a bridal shop in Lake Charles , Louisiana excoriated the federal government 's hurricane response on Sunday .
During an appearance on Fox News , Victoria Huber explained that the business of her dreams had been destroyed by storms that recently hit the area .
`` Our community is in dire need right now , '' she told Fox News host Arthel Neville .
`` What we see now is the worst disaster that I think Louisiana has ever seen .
They 're telling us it could be up to four weeks without water .
We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There 's no N95 masks for people to get into their homes to try to save anything that 's left . ''
According to Huber , some people had declined to evacuate because the COVID-19 pandemic had left them with financial hardship .
`` They do n't have money because of corona , '' she said .
`` They do n't have the funds to be able to get out of here .
We found out that some of our employees are sleeping in vehicles . ''
`` I 'm horrified to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been sent away , '' Huber continued .
`` I really need to plead with our community and our nation , people do n't realize how bad it is here .
One out of every five people I know have nothing . ''
The business owner also accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) of failing to provide adequate help .
`` People are broke around here because of corona , '' she pointed out .
`` They stayed in their homes when they should n't have because they did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , they 're applying with FEMA and being denied .
What happens to these people who do n't have a dollar in their checking account ? ''
`` I do n't know one person that has been approved by FEMA , '' Huber added .
`` Not one person . ''
After Neville pointed out that insurance will not cover the full cost of rebuilding her business , Huber began to cry .
`` It 's not about making them whole , '' Huber wept .
`` There are elderly people sleeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't even get out of their homes .
I have been feeding homeless people walking around without water , without food .
They are setting up food tents but the food is gone within the first 30 minutes . ''
Before ending the interview , Neville asked Huber if she had a personal message for the president .
`` I want help for my community ! ''
she cried .
`` I do n't want people turned away .
I want people here helping these people get out of this area .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have single moms sleeping in cars with kids . ''
`` This is going to get horrific , '' Huber predicted .
`` There 's no water .
People ca n't bathe .
I mean , they 're drinking out of swimming pools .
It is horrific !
And to not see what is going on here ... this is ridiculous ! ''

The owner of a bridal shop in Lake Charles, Louisiana excoriated the federal government's hurricane response on Sunday.
During an appearance on Fox News, Victoria Huber explained that the business of her dreams had been destroyed by storms that recently hit the area.
"Our community is in dire need right now," she told Fox News host Arthel Neville. "What we see now is the worst disaster that I think Louisiana has ever seen. They're telling us it could be up to four weeks without water. We have no water. We have no electricity. There's no N95 masks for people to get into their homes to try to save anything that's left."
According to Huber, some people had declined to evacuate because the COVID-19 pandemic had left them with financial hardship.
"They don't have money because of corona," she said. "They don't have the funds to be able to get out of here. We found out that some of our employees are sleeping in vehicles."
"I'm horrified to think that some of our help has been sent away," Huber continued. "I really need to plead with our community and our nation, people don't realize how bad it is here. One out of every five people I know have nothing."
The business owner also accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of failing to provide adequate help.
"People are broke around here because of corona," she pointed out. "They stayed in their homes when they shouldn't have because they didn't have the money to evacuate. And now, they're applying with FEMA and being denied. What happens to these people who don't have a dollar in their checking account?"
"I don't know one person that has been approved by FEMA," Huber added. "Not one person."
After Neville pointed out that insurance will not cover the full cost of rebuilding her business, Huber began to cry.
"It's not about making them whole," Huber wept. "There are elderly people sleeping in mold and wet conditions. They can't even get out of their homes. I have been feeding homeless people walking around without water, without food. They are setting up food tents but the food is gone within the first 30 minutes."
Before ending the interview, Neville asked Huber if she had a personal message for the president.
"I want help for my community!" she cried. "I don't want people turned away. I want people here helping these people get out of this area. There's no hotel vouchers left. You have single moms sleeping in cars with kids."
"This is going to get horrific," Huber predicted. "There's no water. People can't bathe. I mean, they're drinking out of swimming pools. It is horrific! And to not see what is going on here... this is ridiculous!"


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Anti-masker Accuses Walmart Employees Of 'Service To Satan' During Public Meltdown

A man at an Alaska Walmart had a public meltdown because he did not want to wear a mask .
Video of the incident was posted on social media by the Twitter account `` Fifty Shades of Whey . ''
`` Get back from your highway to Hell ! ''
the man shouts at a Black employee as the video begins .
`` Have a good day , '' another man says to the angry customer , who appears to be leaving the building .
At that point , the man turns and accuses store employees of `` blind ignorance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to even come up with your own fucking ideas ! ''
the man shouts .
`` Are you exercising your rights as a private company [ to refuse service ] ? ''
`` Sir , you do n't have to yell , '' another staffer advises .
`` I am choosing to yell !
And you can not stop me ! ''
the man screams before holding up a middle finger and accusing the employees of being `` in service to Satan . ''
`` I have a right to life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the man rants .
`` My happiness is best served by standing in your face and saying you 're a fool and wrong and have no authority over me ! ''
After the man calls another employee a `` bitch , '' the video ends .

A man at an Alaska Walmart had a public meltdown because he did not want to wear a mask.
Video of the incident was posted on social media by the Twitter account "Fifty Shades of Whey."
"Get back from your highway to Hell!" the man shouts at a Black employee as the video begins.
"Have a good day," another man says to the angry customer, who appears to be leaving the building.
At that point, the man turns and accuses store employees of "blind ignorance."
"You don't have the ability to even come up with your own fucking ideas!" the man shouts. "Are you exercising your rights as a private company [to refuse service]?"
"Yes," someone answers.
"Sir, you don't have to yell," another staffer advises.
"I am choosing to yell! And you cannot stop me!" the man screams before holding up a middle finger and accusing the employees of being "in service to Satan."
"Have a good day, sir," a woman tells the man.
"I have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," the man rants. "My happiness is best served by standing in your face and saying you're a fool and wrong and have no authority over me!"
After the man calls another employee a "bitch," the video ends.
Watch the video below.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Trump Moves To Shut Congress Out Of Intelligence On Russian Election Interference

The squatter in the Oval Office , and all of the people intent on keeping him there , are at this point not even bothering to pretend they will do anything to make that happen .
Including going back to the well of foreign interference and hog-tying Congress to keep the American public in the dark about it .
This chapter of the story starts in February , a lifetime ago when coronavirus was just a thing lurking in our side vision , when Trump purged everyone in intelligence services who were working to keep Russia at bay by keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interference .
Trump 's Office of the Director of National Intelligence has closed that circle now , CNN has learned , by announcing that it will not be holding in-person briefings with the intelligence communities , but will instead provide information in writing .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff responded following the ODNI 's announcement : `` This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed , and a betrayal of the public ’ s right to know how foreign powers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence belongs to the American people , not the agencies which are its custodian .
And the American people have both the right and the need to know that another nation , Russia , is trying to help decide who their president should be . ''
In-person briefing are critical to lawmakers ' ability to ask questions , investigate , challenge assumptions , and be fully apprised of what 's happening .
`` With a written release or a written report , you avoid the back-and-forth of questions , some of which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think the DNI would like to avoid that and avoid the risk of saying something that might incur the wrath of the President , '' former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told CNN on Saturday .
`` I think this is a terrible thing with respect to the need to inform the electorate about what foreign nations are doing to interfere in our political process , most notably the Russians , '' he added .
Clearly , Trump does n't want the nation to hear that Russia is at it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pelosi , Schiff , and Sens .
Chuck Schumer and Mark Warner—the Democrats in the Gang of Eight read into classified intelligence—to know what 's going on .
“ We expect the Administration and Intelligence Community to keep us fully and accurately informed , and resume the briefings , ” Pelosi and Schiff wrote .
” If they are unwilling to , we will consider the full range of tools available to the House to compel compliance.
” It helps to remember how we got here .
It all with a briefing by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Intelligence Committee in mid-February on the topic of election security , specifically “ election security and foreign interference in the run-up to the 2020 election.
” Trump became enraged , presumably , because “ the information would be helpful to Democrats if it were released publicly , the people familiar with the matter said.
” So Trump then hauled in then-acting director of national intelligence Joseph Maguire , fired him and several of this deputies .
He replaced Maguire , temporarily , a loyalist with no intelligence experience , Ric Grenell , eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican congressman who was on the intelligence committee , had heard that briefing , rushed to the White House to inform Trump what they—and Democrats—had been told .
And now , Ratcliffe is in charge and he 's not going to be working with Congress any more .
Back in March , when Grenell was still in the acting ODNI capacity , he ditched a congressional briefing on Russia 's election meddling , reportedly to avoid the subject that spurred the intelligence purge .
It appears that will now be official policy—no transparency @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The squatter in the Oval Office, and all of the people intent on keeping him there, are at this point not even bothering to pretend they will do anything to make that happen. Including going back to the well of foreign interference and hog-tying Congress to keep the American public in the dark about it. This chapter of the story starts in February, a lifetime ago when coronavirus was just a thing lurking in our side vision, when Trump purged everyone in intelligence services who were working to keep Russia at bay by keeping Congress and the public informed on election interference. Trump's Office of the Director of National Intelligence has closed that circle now, CNN has learned, by announcing that it will not be holding in-person briefings with the intelligence communities, but will instead provide information in writing.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff responded following the ODNI's announcement: "This is a shocking abdication of its lawful responsibility to keep the Congress currently informed, and a betrayal of the public’s right to know how foreign powers are trying to subvert our democracy. This intelligence belongs to the American people, not the agencies which are its custodian. And the American people have both the right and the need to know that another nation, Russia, is trying to help decide who their president should be." In-person briefing are critical to lawmakers' ability to ask questions, investigate, challenge assumptions, and be fully apprised of what's happening.
"With a written release or a written report, you avoid the back-and-forth of questions, some of which could be quite probing. And I think, I think the DNI would like to avoid that and avoid the risk of saying something that might incur the wrath of the President," former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told CNN on Saturday. "I think this is a terrible thing with respect to the need to inform the electorate about what foreign nations are doing to interfere in our political process, most notably the Russians," he added.
Clearly, Trump doesn't want the nation to hear that Russia is at it again, and really doesn't want Pelosi, Schiff, and Sens. Chuck Schumer and Mark Warner—the Democrats in the Gang of Eight read into classified intelligence—to know what's going on. “We expect the Administration and Intelligence Community to keep us fully and accurately informed, and resume the briefings,” Pelosi and Schiff wrote. ”If they are unwilling to, we will consider the full range of tools available to the House to compel compliance.”
It helps to remember how we got here. It all with a briefing by intelligence officer Shelby Pierson to the House Intelligence Committee in mid-February on the topic of election security, specifically “election security and foreign interference in the run-up to the 2020 election.”
Trump became enraged, presumably, because “the information would be helpful to Democrats if it were released publicly, the people familiar with the matter said.” So Trump then hauled in then-acting director of national intelligence Joseph Maguire, fired him and several of this deputies. He replaced Maguire, temporarily, a loyalist with no intelligence experience, Ric Grenell, eventually installing John Ratcliffe as DNI, a Republican congressman who was on the intelligence committee, had heard that briefing, rushed to the White House to inform Trump what they—and Democrats—had been told. And now, Ratcliffe is in charge and he's not going to be working with Congress any more.
Back in March, when Grenell was still in the acting ODNI capacity, he ditched a congressional briefing on Russia's election meddling, reportedly to avoid the subject that spurred the intelligence purge. It appears that will now be official policy—no transparency from top intelligence on election security.
Posted with permission from Daily Kos.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Trump's NH Rally Goes Off The Racist Rails With Claims About Kamala Harris' 'Incompetence'

Not content that he had an opportunity to drone at America for roughly 27 hours on Thursday evening , Donald Trump went up to Londonderry , New Hampshire to arrange another super-spreader event on Friday night .
In addition to explaining to the crowd how he does not talk about his ass , Trump went on to claim that Kamala Harris is “ not competent ” to be vice president .
Kamala Harris served seven years as a district attorney , seven more as state attorney general , and has been one of the leading figures in the Senate since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first woman of color nominated by either party , enthusiasm for her presence on the Democratic ticket hasn ’ t just been palpable , it ’ s been visible in the polls .
Harris has higher favorability ratings among registered voters than Donald Trump and her nomination both helped unify the Democratic Party , as well as being met by approval by a majority of voters .
There ’ s absolutely no doubt that Kamala Harris is qualified for vice-president—and for president .
But , as CNN reports , Trump sees a candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You know , I want to see the first woman president also , ” claimed Trump , “ but I do n't want to see a woman president get into that position the way she 'd do it—and she 's not competent .
She 's not competent .
They 're all saying , 'We want Ivanka . '
I do n't blame you . ''
What are Ivana junior ’ s qualifications other than her name ?
Well … she is blond .
Like the 1,500 people who besmirched the White House lawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greeted him in New Hampshire were almost uniformly maskless .
As The Washington Post reports , that includes a man wearing a shirt saying “ Covid-19 just tested positive for fraud.
” When organizers attempted to hand out masks and made an announcement encouraging people to wear then , they were booed .
If that crowd sounds small … that ’ s because it was .
And it wasn ’ t the only one .
More people actually watched Kamala Harris speak at the DNC than tuned in for Trump ’ s acceptance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to every twitch of the TV ratings , that had to burn .
But then , Trump doesn ’ t need encouragement to disparage Black people .
It wasn ’ t just President Barack Obama ’ s birth certificate that Trump demanded to see , he also went after Obama ’ s college records , claiming that the editor of the Harvard Law Review was a `` terrible student . ''
Trump ’ s previous attacks on Kamala Harris have included claims that she was soft on crime when it was committed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct comparison to the execrable and overtly racist Willie Horton episode during George H. W. Bush ’ s 1988 campaign .
But then , Trump doesn ’ t need Lee Atwater and Roger Ailes to do his racism ; he ’ s perfectly happy to perform that role in person .
Kamala Harris has regularly demonstrated her competence in every role she ’ s held .
She ’ s demonstrated it in California , and she ’ s demonstrated it in the Senate .
Not only is she the sponsor or co-sponsor on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last session , her incisive questioning of witnesses like vastly unqualified Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh showcased her insightful reasoning and ability to cut through bulls # it and get to the truth .
How racist was Trump ’ s statement ?
Racist enough that he recognized it as such .
And how boring was his acceptance speech on Thursday ?
Boring enough that he knew not even his rally crowd would sit still for it .
`` If I did last night 's speech here , right now you would have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And if I did tonight 's speech there , I would have been criticized by being slightly radical . ''
What makes Ivanka competent to be president ?
Well … she knows how to sit on a parrot .
And she ’ s been practicing that soulless , adoring gaze for decades .

Not content that he had an opportunity to drone at America for roughly 27 hours on Thursday evening, Donald Trump went up to Londonderry, New Hampshire to arrange another super-spreader event on Friday night. In addition to explaining to the crowd how he does not talk about his ass, Trump went on to claim that Kamala Harris is “not competent” to be vice president.
Kamala Harris served seven years as a district attorney, seven more as state attorney general, and has been one of the leading figures in the Senate since her election in 2017. As the first woman of color nominated by either party, enthusiasm for her presence on the Democratic ticket hasn’t just been palpable, it’s been visible in the polls. Harris has higher favorability ratings among registered voters than Donald Trump and her nomination both helped unify the Democratic Party, as well as being met by approval by a majority of voters. There’s absolutely no doubt that Kamala Harris is qualified for vice-president—and for president.
But, as CNN reports, Trump sees a candidate of a decidedly different shade. "You know, I want to see the first woman president also,” claimed Trump, “but I don't want to see a woman president get into that position the way she'd do it—and she's not competent. She's not competent. They're all saying, 'We want Ivanka.' I don't blame you." What are Ivana junior’s qualifications other than her name? Well … she is blond.
Like the 1,500 people who besmirched the White House lawn on Thursday evening, the 500 who greeted him in New Hampshire were almost uniformly maskless. As The Washington Post reports, that includes a man wearing a shirt saying “Covid-19 just tested positive for fraud.” When organizers attempted to hand out masks and made an announcement encouraging people to wear then, they were booed.
If that crowd sounds small … that’s because it was. And it wasn’t the only one. More people actually watched Kamala Harris speak at the DNC than tuned in for Trump’s acceptance speech. Considering how sensitive Trump is to every twitch of the TV ratings, that had to burn. But then, Trump doesn’t need encouragement to disparage Black people. It wasn’t just President Barack Obama’s birth certificate that Trump demanded to see, he also went after Obama’s college records, claiming that the editor of the Harvard Law Review was a "terrible student."
Trump’s previous attacks on Kamala Harris have included claims that she was soft on crime when it was committed by Blacks or immigrants—a claim that has drawn direct comparison to the execrable and overtly racist Willie Horton episode during George H. W. Bush’s 1988 campaign. But then, Trump doesn’t need Lee Atwater and Roger Ailes to do his racism; he’s perfectly happy to perform that role in person.
Kamala Harris has regularly demonstrated her competence in every role she’s held. She’s demonstrated it in California, and she’s demonstrated it in the Senate. Not only is she the sponsor or co-sponsor on some of most important bills of the last session, her incisive questioning of witnesses like vastly unqualified Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh showcased her insightful reasoning and ability to cut through bulls#it and get to the truth.
How racist was Trump’s statement? Racist enough that he recognized it as such. And how boring was his acceptance speech on Thursday? Boring enough that he knew not even his rally crowd would sit still for it. "If I did last night's speech here, right now you would have all been walking out," said Trump. "And if I did tonight's speech there, I would have been criticized by being slightly radical."
What makes Ivanka competent to be president? Well … she knows how to sit on a parrot. And she’s been practicing that soulless, adoring gaze for decades.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Rep. Adam Schiff: Trump's Goal To Suppress Information On Russian Election Interference

House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff responded to Trump and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe 's lame excuse for his recent announcement that he will no longer give in-person briefings on election security to Congress .
CNN 's Dana Bash asked Schiff if he or anyone on his staff or committee had leaked information as Trump accused them of doing , and as Schiff explained , he “ ca n't speak for what all the members of the committee have done or not done including a lot of the Republican members , ” but this is just “ another lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say we 're going to put it on paper so it ca n't leak rather than speak to the Congress ” which “ does n't make any sense.
” But what is more , Dana , you can tell this is another falsehood , a false rationalization by the president .
After the last set of briefings before Congress , the Director of National Intelligence offered to brief Congress again .
They were n't concerned about leaks after the last briefing or they would n't have come back to offer another briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed is the president , probably in another fit , saying I do n't want Congress informed .
Because the last time that Congress was informed , the Director of National Intelligence had to put out another statement to acknowledge the fact that the Russians are helping Donald Trump again .
[ … ] That 's his goal to suppress that information .
Schiff also reminded everyone who this information belongs to when asked by Bash if he 'd be willing to subpoena intelligence officials to appear in public in a hearing before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence community to give Congress the information that we need , also to speak plainly to the American people because this information , this intelligence paid for by taxpayers does n't belong to Donald Trump , it does n't belong to the intelligence agencies , it belongs to the American people .
SCHIFF : That is certainly one of the tools we may use .
I ca n't speak for what decision ultimately we 'll make .
That 's a decision that has to go to the speaker .
The agencies are merely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people ought to know what Russia is doing , they ought to know their president is unwilling to stand up to Vladimir Putin , they ought to know that senators like Ron Johnson are pushing a Kremlin false narrative about Joe Biden and doing it knowingly .
And that information belongs to the American people , it does n't belong to Donald Trump .

House Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff responded to Trump and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe's lame excuse for his recent announcement that he will no longer give in-person briefings on election security to Congress.
CNN's Dana Bash asked Schiff if he or anyone on his staff or committee had leaked information as Trump accused them of doing, and as Schiff explained, he “can't speak for what all the members of the committee have done or not done including a lot of the Republican members,” but this is just “another lie” which “is an illogical inconsistency to say we're going to put it on paper so it can't leak rather than speak to the Congress” which “doesn't make any sense.”
But what is more, Dana, you can tell this is another falsehood, a false rationalization by the president. After the last set of briefings before Congress, the Director of National Intelligence offered to brief Congress again. They weren't concerned about leaks after the last briefing or they wouldn't have come back to offer another briefing.
SCHIFF: Something changed, Dana. What changed is the president, probably in another fit, saying I don't want Congress informed. Because the last time that Congress was informed, the Director of National Intelligence had to put out another statement to acknowledge the fact that the Russians are helping Donald Trump again. […] That's his goal to suppress that information.
Schiff also reminded everyone who this information belongs to when asked by Bash if he'd be willing to subpoena intelligence officials to appear in public in a hearing before the election.


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Mark Meadows: Social Justice Protests Are Not Part Of 'Donald Trump's America'

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows suggested on Sunday that there are two Americas and `` Donald Trump 's America '' is the `` peaceful '' one .
`` The president painted a picture of what he said would be Joe Biden 's America , '' NBC host Chuck Todd told Meadows , `` and I look at the violence this week , this is Donald Trump 's America .
How much responsibility should voters be giving the president for his inability to keep the streets safe ? ''
`` Well , I mean , you can try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied .
`` That 's just not accurate .
I can tell you that when we look at Kenosha and the phone calls that were made to the governor of Wisconsin , we offered help .
Help was denied .
Obviously , there was multiple gunshots and people lost their lives . ''
`` It 's interesting to see you frame Portland that way after 94 days , '' he continued .
`` But to suggest that somehow it 's been peaceful in Portland , Chuck , is just not looking at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is in Democrat cities .
You want to talk about Donald Trump 's America .
Most of Donald Trump 's America is peaceful .
It is a Democrat-led city in Portland . ''
Todd questioned Meadows about his suggestion that the protests are not part of `` Donald Trump 's America . ''
`` Are you saying there 's parts of the country the president does n't govern ? ''
Todd wondered .
`` I mean , is the president only in charge of places where he has supporters ?
You sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm just trying to understand , '' the NBC host said .
`` Does the president not believe he has responsibility of governing and leading the entire country . ''
`` He does govern and lead the entire country , '' Meadows opined .
`` But , Chuck , you 're smarter than that .
These are local law enforcement efforts that can be supported by a federal backstop . ''

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows suggested on Sunday that there are two Americas and "Donald Trump's America" is the "peaceful" one.
"The president painted a picture of what he said would be Joe Biden's America," NBC host Chuck Todd told Meadows, "and I look at the violence this week, this is Donald Trump's America. How much responsibility should voters be giving the president for his inability to keep the streets safe?"
"Well, I mean, you can try to reframe it that way," Meadows replied. "That's just not accurate. I can tell you that when we look at Kenosha and the phone calls that were made to the governor of Wisconsin, we offered help. Help was denied. Obviously, there was multiple gunshots and people lost their lives."
"It's interesting to see you frame Portland that way after 94 days," he continued. "But to suggest that somehow it's been peaceful in Portland, Chuck, is just not looking at the facts."
Meadows added: "It is in Democrat cities. You want to talk about Donald Trump's America. Most of Donald Trump's America is peaceful. It is a Democrat-led city in Portland."
Todd questioned Meadows about his suggestion that the protests are not part of "Donald Trump's America."
"Are you saying there's parts of the country the president doesn't govern?" Todd wondered. "I mean, is the president only in charge of places where he has supporters? You sort of leveled a weird charge."
"I'm just trying to understand," the NBC host said. "Does the president not believe he has responsibility of governing and leading the entire country."
"He does govern and lead the entire country," Meadows opined. "But, Chuck, you're smarter than that. These are local law enforcement efforts that can be supported by a federal backstop."


crooksandliars--2020-08-30--Kenosha Police Seize Church Truck With Snacks And Bandaids For Protesters, Arrest Drivers

The Kenosha police are showing no shame or remorse for their determination to shoot unarmed Black people and/or allow citizens to protest their lawlessness unhindered .
Last Wednesday , they confiscated a truck full of supplies donated by ZaoMKE Church — worth around $ 1000 — intended for protesters .
Those supplies included band-aids , Gatorade , water , snacks , and fire-extinguishers .
As if that was n't enough , the driver and passenger of the truck were arrested .
For what possible reason could this happen ?
What possible threat could these supplies pose ?
We all know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collecting supplies for protesters for months .
Pastors said this is the first time they 've ever been confiscated .
When WISN 12 News questioned the Kenosha police chief Friday afternoon , he said he did n't know about it .
`` I 'm not aware of that incident , '' Chief Daniel G. Miskinis said .
`` I have no idea how the police could interpret water , Gatorade , bags of chips and fire extinguishers as a threat .
And the fact that even after seeing all of that they confiscated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the driver and passenger is absolutely beyond me , '' Overton said .
Overton said they only know the driver and passenger by their first names .
They just came to the church for the supplies , so they have n't been able to track them down .
A word has not yet been invented for how despicable this is .
Oh , wait !
Yes , there is !
`` Facism . ''
If we get updated on the whereabouts of the drivers , we will let you know .

The police in Kenosha are showing no shame or remorse for their determination to shoot unarmed Black people and/or allow citizens to protest their lawlessness unhindered.
Last Wednesday, "the police or federal agents" confiscated a truck full of supplies donated by ZaoMKE Church — worth around $1000 — intended for protesters. Those supplies included band-aids, Gatorade, water, snacks, and fire-extinguishers. As if that wasn't enough, the driver and passenger of the truck were arrested. For what possible reason could this happen? What possible threat could these supplies pose?
We all know the answer.
According to WISN:
The church has been collecting supplies for protesters for months. Pastors said this is the first time they've ever been confiscated. When WISN 12 News questioned the Kenosha police chief Friday afternoon, he said he didn't know about it. "I'm not aware of that incident," Chief Daniel G. Miskinis said. The church wants answers. "I have no idea how the police could interpret water, Gatorade, bags of chips and fire extinguishers as a threat. And the fact that even after seeing all of that they confiscated it and continued to proceed to arrest the driver and passenger is absolutely beyond me," Overton said. Overton said they only know the driver and passenger by their first names. They just came to the church for the supplies, so they haven't been able to track them down.
A word has not yet been invented for how despicable this is. Oh, wait! Yes, there is! "Facism."
If we get updated on the whereabouts of the drivers, we will let you know.
The post has been corrected to reflect that it's still unclear whether the seizure was conducted by local Kenosha police or federal authorities.


crooksandliars--2020-08-31--Mark Meadows Repeatedly Refuses To Say Trump Should Tamp Down Racial Tensions

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows made it obvious on this Sunday 's Meet the Press that his boss has no intention of doing anything which could possibly offend his white supremacist base , and is more than happy to see tensions exploding across the country if it helps him win reelection this November .
Host Chuck Todd repeatedly asked Meadows whether Trump should do something to de-escalate the tensions among his supporters only to have Meadows give a series of non-answers before Todd finally threw up his hands and moved onto the next topic .
On the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people protesting outside of the White House following Trump 's abuse of power and violation of the Hatch Act by holding the RNC there : CHUCK TODD : Let me ask you this .
If the president is cheering on people that are going to go into Portland , those protesters , the president called them great patriots .
Do you think the president should be telling his supporters , `` Deescalate , do n't show up with long guns , do n't play vigilante '' ?
We haven ’ t heard the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deescalate the protests he does n't like .
He has not talked about deescalating the protests that support him that are showing up with long guns and certainly , trying to at least give a visual incentive to create a conflict ?
MARK MEADOWS : Listen , when we look at the Constitution , the Constitution is very clear .
It gives the right to peacefully protest .
It also gives the right to , for assembly .
But when we look at that and we somehow suggest that in certain cities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits .
It 's not who we are as a nation .
You know , when we look at what happened in Washington , D.C. , the largely peaceful protests that happened on the mall were certainly not something that anyone condemned .
And yet , what we saw were some of the splinters that came off of that that were running around in the streets of Washington , D.C. , accosting Senator Rand Paul that you know about , but many , many others .
That is not what the Constitution protects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be endorsing , whether you 're a Democrat , Republican or unaffiliated or in between .
We need to make sure that we -- Todd tried again , only to have Meadows deflect -- again -- spouting platitudes about this lawless administration somehow being on the side of the `` rule of law . ''
CHUCK TODD : I ’ m trying to -- right , but this young man that took matters into his own hands , the president has yet to condemn these actions .
Why ?
MARK MEADOWS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , Chuck .
What , you 're talking about the young man last night in Portland -- CHUCK TODD : No , I 'm talking about the young man who shot two protesters in Kenosha .
MARK MEADOWS : The president has been -- CHUCK TODD : -- where the person , where the person -- MARK MEADOWS : The president 's been very clear , whether it was with that individual or Mr. Blake or anywhere else , he has asked for proper investigations .
In fact , I was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney general in at 9:30 in the morning when Mr. Blake was shot just the previous evening .
And when he looked at that , he says , `` What I want to do is make sure that there 's a proper investigation . ''
That 's why we have laws and that 's why we have a justice system .
And Lady Justice has a blindfold on that should look at all of these things -- MARK MEADOWS : -- in a way that makes sure that justice is brought forward .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a Sunday morning show or for me to do that on a Sunday morning show is not what our justice system is set up to do .
What we all always must do is make sure that the rule of law is there , not just because it 's a rule of law , but because it creates a safer community , whether it 's in Kenosha , Wisconsin or anywhere else .
Todd asked once again , and only to get more of the same in response : CHUCK TODD : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand -- the president denounced the violence on one side of protesters he did n't like , but why not denounce what this young man did ?
Why not say , `` Please do n't take matters into your own hands '' ?
The president has not said that .
One of his chief supporters in the media has actually defended this .
Is n't it incumbent on the president to help deescalate some of this violence on his side as well ?
MARK MEADOWS : And the president is -- you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other .
Let me tell you where the president is .
The president 's on the side of law enforcement and the rule of law .
And he 's been very consistent in that .
He said , `` Any governor , Republican or Democrat , any particular area can request help of the federal government .
We 're willing to come in .
We 're willing to provide additional assets , as we did in Kenosha , whether it 's FBI , whether it 's operational control vehicles , whether it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that . ''
He has been very consistent .
So the message to your viewers this morning is clear .
The president believes what we need to do is make sure that we have exactly what resources are available for every single city .
And if you 're having a problem , governors , we want to make sure that we can help you with that .
Chuck Todd knows full well why Trump is neither willing or capable of denouncing the actions of his supporters , but he danced around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rather than ask when Trump is going to try to `` de-escalate '' things , maybe Todd could have asked him why Trump believes it 's okay to openly cozy up to white supremacists and egg them on ?
Or why he deserves another term in office when he 's openly stoking racial tensions and making things worse ?

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows made it obvious on this Sunday's Meet the Press that his boss has no intention of doing anything which could possibly offend his white supremacist base, and is more than happy to see tensions exploding across the country if it helps him win reelection this November.
Host Chuck Todd repeatedly asked Meadows whether Trump should do something to de-escalate the tensions among his supporters only to have Meadows give a series of non-answers before Todd finally threw up his hands and moved onto the next topic.
On the first attempt, Meadows immediately deflected to the people protesting outside of the White House following Trump's abuse of power and violation of the Hatch Act by holding the RNC there:
CHUCK TODD: Let me ask you this. If the president is cheering on people that are going to go into Portland, those protesters, the president called them great patriots. Do you think the president should be telling his supporters, "Deescalate, don't show up with long guns, don't play vigilante"? We haven’t heard the president try to -- he only wants to deescalate the protests he doesn't like. He has not talked about deescalating the protests that support him that are showing up with long guns and certainly, trying to at least give a visual incentive to create a conflict? MARK MEADOWS: Listen, when we look at the Constitution, the Constitution is very clear. It gives the right to peacefully protest. It also gives the right to, for assembly. But when we look at that and we somehow suggest that in certain cities, that these particular areas are off limits. It's not who we are as a nation. You know, when we look at what happened in Washington, D.C., the largely peaceful protests that happened on the mall were certainly not something that anyone condemned. And yet, what we saw were some of the splinters that came off of that that were running around in the streets of Washington, D.C., accosting Senator Rand Paul that you know about, but many, many others. That is not what the Constitution protects. And it's not what we should be endorsing, whether you're a Democrat, Republican or unaffiliated or in between. We need to make sure that we -- CHUCK TODD: I understand that. MARK MEADOWS: -- properly, we properly address that, Chuck.
Todd tried again, only to have Meadows deflect -- again -- spouting platitudes about this lawless administration somehow being on the side of the "rule of law."
CHUCK TODD: I’m trying to -- right, but this young man that took matters into his own hands, the president has yet to condemn these actions. Why? MARK MEADOWS: Well, you just had the report there, Chuck. What, you're talking about the young man last night in Portland -- CHUCK TODD: Who shot -- MARK MEADOWS: -- that was shot? CHUCK TODD: No, I'm talking about the young man who shot two protesters in Kenosha. MARK MEADOWS: Listen. CHUCK TODD: I'm talking about Kenosha -- MARK MEADOWS: The president has been-- CHUCK TODD: -- where the person, where the person -- MARK MEADOWS: -- very clear. CHUCK TODD: Yeah. MARK MEADOWS: The president's been very clear, whether it was with that individual or Mr. Blake or anywhere else, he has asked for proper investigations. In fact, I was in the Oval Office when he brought the attorney general in at 9:30 in the morning when Mr. Blake was shot just the previous evening. And when he looked at that, he says, "What I want to do is make sure that there's a proper investigation." That's why we have laws and that's why we have a justice system. And Lady Justice has a blindfold on that should look at all of these things -- CHUCK TODD: Right. MARK MEADOWS: -- in a way that makes sure that justice is brought forward. But for you to try it out on a Sunday morning show or for me to do that on a Sunday morning show is not what our justice system is set up to do. What we all always must do is make sure that the rule of law is there, not just because it's a rule of law, but because it creates a safer community, whether it's in Kenosha, Wisconsin or anywhere else.
Todd asked once again, and only to get more of the same in response:
CHUCK TODD: Right. I'm just trying to understand -- the president denounced the violence on one side of protesters he didn't like, but why not denounce what this young man did? Why not say, "Please don't take matters into your own hands"? The president has not said that. One of his chief supporters in the media has actually defended this. Isn't it incumbent on the president to help deescalate some of this violence on his side as well? MARK MEADOWS: And the president is -- you know, you say one side or the other. Let me tell you where the president is. The president's on the side of law enforcement and the rule of law. And he's been very consistent in that. He said, "Any governor, Republican or Democrat, any particular area can request help of the federal government. We're willing to come in. We're willing to provide additional assets, as we did in Kenosha, whether it's FBI, whether it's operational control vehicles, whether it is the National Guard. We're willing to do that." He has been very consistent. So the message to your viewers this morning is clear. The president believes what we need to do is make sure that we have exactly what resources are available for every single city. And if you're having a problem, governors, we want to make sure that we can help you with that.
Chuck Todd knows full well why Trump is neither willing or capable of denouncing the actions of his supporters, but he danced around it for the entire interview with Meadows. Rather than ask when Trump is going to try to "de-escalate" things, maybe Todd could have asked him why Trump believes it's okay to openly cozy up to white supremacists and egg them on? Or why he deserves another term in office when he's openly stoking racial tensions and making things worse?


crooksandliars--2020-08-31--Yale Professor Calls Out The Media For Normalizing And 'Both Sidering' Fascist Trumpism

Yale professor and author of How Fascism Works : The Politics of Us and Them Jason Stanley took the media to task for its habit of “ normalizing and both sidering ” the propaganda and political tactics we 're seeing from this Trump administration during an interview with CNN 's Brian Stelter this Sunday .
After Stelter opened things up discussing the definition of fascism , he asked Stanley whether ” the press has been tiptoeing around this for too long and is finally waking up to a fascist movement in America ?
” “ Absolutely , ” Stanley responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We 're all enthralled of America as a special country , we represent democracy , what happens in every other country surely could n't happen here .
But it can.
” When asked how far down the road he would say it is happening , Stanley continued , “ Well , we do n't have a fascist regime , but arguably Trumpism is something akin to a fascist social and political movement , and at the very least we have massive use of fascist tactics .
We 've got militias roaming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political parties turning into a cult of the leader .
The RNC platform was just , whatever trump wants .
That 's an extremely worrisome sign.
” Stanley went onto explain the ten have ten pillars of fascist politics he discussed in his book in detail and the similarities to Nazi Germany , and the fact that Trump is exploiting the same fear and divisions we saw used then .
Stelter asked Stanley about those that say invoking Hitler is a “ way to shut down a conversation , ” and how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , Jason.
” STANLEY : I 'm talking about the propaganda and the messaging , not the policies .
We do n't have a genocidal regime by any means .
But these are tactics used across the board by authoritarians who do n't intend genocide or anything like Hitler .
So there is n't a comparison here between what Trump is doing and his policies , just in the propaganda he 's exploiting as we 'll see .
After going through the rest of the list of the pillars of fascism we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right , Stanley wrapped things up with some advice for the press : It would have been nice to see the words “ Fox News ” make their way into this interview , but I was happy to see someone call out the both siderism , which we see way too often on a daily basis from CNN and the rest of the corporate media .

Yale professor and author of How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them Jason Stanley took the media to task for its habit of “normalizing and both sidering” the propaganda and political tactics we're seeing from this Trump administration during an interview with CNN's Brian Stelter this Sunday.
After Stelter opened things up discussing the definition of fascism, he asked Stanley whether” the press has been tiptoeing around this for too long and is finally waking up to a fascist movement in America?”
“Absolutely,” Stanley responded. “The press is just enthralled. We're all enthralled of America as a special country, we represent democracy, what happens in every other country surely couldn't happen here. But it can.”
When asked how far down the road he would say it is happening, Stanley continued, “Well, we don't have a fascist regime, but arguably Trumpism is something akin to a fascist social and political movement, and at the very least we have massive use of fascist tactics. We've got militias roaming the streets. We have one of our political parties turning into a cult of the leader. The RNC platform was just, whatever trump wants. That's an extremely worrisome sign.”
Stanley went onto explain the ten have ten pillars of fascist politics he discussed in his book in detail and the similarities to Nazi Germany, and the fact that Trump is exploiting the same fear and divisions we saw used then.
Stelter asked Stanley about those that say invoking Hitler is a “way to shut down a conversation,” and how to respond to those that say “stop it, Jason.”
STANLEY: I'm talking about the propaganda and the messaging, not the policies. We don't have a genocidal regime by any means. But these are tactics used across the board by authoritarians who don't intend genocide or anything like Hitler. So there isn't a comparison here between what Trump is doing and his policies, just in the propaganda he's exploiting as we'll see.
After going through the rest of the list of the pillars of fascism we're watching play out from Trump and the right, Stanley wrapped things up with some advice for the press:
STANLEY: I want the press not to normalize. I want the press to call out when laws are being violated, to be clear about how, for instance, about the statistics about violent crime. We have very low violent crime in the United States today, historically, especially compared to our unemployment rates. So I want the press not to normalize and not to consistently do both siderism, but call the facts as they are.
It would have been nice to see the words “Fox News” make their way into this interview, but I was happy to see someone call out the both siderism, which we see way too often on a daily basis from CNN and the rest of the corporate media.


crooksandliars--2020-08-31--Chris Wallace Confronts Lara Trump For Risking 'Super-Spreader Event' At Trump's RNC Speech

FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace grilled Trump campaign spokesperson Lara Trump over the weekend after experts complained that the Republican National Convention has the possibility of being a COVID-19 super-spreader event .
`` Let 's talk about the fall campaign because we 're told that starting after Labor Day -- though he 's already started -- the president is expected to go out a couple of times a week and hold rallies of some sort , '' Wallace told Trump .
`` This last week , on Thursday , as part of the Republican convention , the president gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the White House . ''
The Fox News host pointed out that `` more than 1,500 people packed in , very few masks , no social distancing . ''
`` Lara , is the president just going to ignore the public health guidelines ? ''
Wallace asked .
For her part , the president 's daughter-in-law insisted that members of the Trump campaign `` always encourage people to follow the guidelines and to do what they think is best for themselves . ''
`` I think we all have to recognize that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she added .
`` And you know what ?
Maybe it 's going to a Trump rally that does that , but we are always following the guidelines . ''
Wallace , however , did not buy that explanation .
`` But some health officials say -- well , you know , the fact is you did stack the chairs right next to each other , '' the Fox News host observed .
`` Some health officials say this has the potential to be a super-spreader event . ''

FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace grilled Trump campaign spokesperson Lara Trump over the weekend after experts complained that the Republican National Convention has the possibility of being a COVID-19 super-spreader event.
"Let's talk about the fall campaign because we're told that starting after Labor Day -- though he's already started -- the president is expected to go out a couple of times a week and hold rallies of some sort," Wallace told Trump. "This last week, on Thursday, as part of the Republican convention, the president gave his acceptance speech on the South Lawn of the White House."
The Fox News host pointed out that "more than 1,500 people packed in, very few masks, no social distancing."
"Lara, is the president just going to ignore the public health guidelines?" Wallace asked.
For her part, the president's daughter-in-law insisted that members of the Trump campaign "always encourage people to follow the guidelines and to do what they think is best for themselves."
"I think we all have to recognize that people want to get back to normal," she added. "And you know what? Maybe it's going to a Trump rally that does that, but we are always following the guidelines."
Wallace, however, did not buy that explanation.
"But some health officials say -- well, you know, the fact is you did stack the chairs right next to each other," the Fox News host observed. "Some health officials say this has the potential to be a super-spreader event."