thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--Bernie Sanders Says Gender Still An Obstacle For Female Presidential Candidates

Sanders has faced an onslaught of media attention in recent days over a 2018 conversation with Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
, in which he allegedly stated a woman couldn ’ t be elected president .
Sanders has denied saying this ; Warren has said he did .
“ It is hard for me to imagine how anybody in the year 2020 could not believe that a woman could become president of the United States , ” Sanders said Sunday during an interview with New Hampshire Public Radio .
When asked whether he believes female candidates have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does and if gender is still an obstacle for them , Sanders said yes .
“ But I think everybody has their own sets of problems , ” he added .
“ I ’ m 78 years of age ― that ’ s a problem .
There are a lot of people who say , ‘ Well , I like Bernie .
He ’ s a nice guy , but he ’ s 78 years of age.
’ So we have to argue please look at the totality of who I am.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 38-year-old Democratic hopeful Pete Buttigieg , the former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , and think he ’ s too young to be president in the same way some voters might not want a woman to be president .
“ Everybody brings some negatives , ” the senator said .
“ I would just hope very much that the American people look at the totality of a candidate ― not at their gender , not at their sexuality , not at their age but in everything.
” “ Nobody is perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has their advantages .
Everybody has their disadvantages .
All I would ask the voters is , take a look at the totality of the candidacy and the person.
” “ Breaking : @ BernieSanders observes that sexism , ageism and homophobia exist in america and will be weaponized by donald trump in the general election , ” Casca wrote in a tongue-in-cheek post in response to a tweet about the interview .
Sanders isn ’ t alone in his concern about gender bias .
Polling suggests Americans are also worried that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman , The Washington Post reported in May .
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted nationally in April showed Warren earning 12 % support from likely Democratic voters but only 3 % support from voters when asked who has the best chance of beating President Donald Trump .
The same poll showed Sen. Kamala Harris ( D-Calif. ) at 8 % support from likely Democratic voters but only 2 % of voters ’ confidence on overcoming Trump .
New Hampshire Public Radio host Casey McDermott on Sunday referenced an Ipsos poll conducted for The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 74 % of respondents said they would be comfortable with a female president , only 33 % believed their neighbors would feel the same .
“ I think , look , as a country , we have come a long way , ” Sanders told McDermott .
“ You have a candidate today , Mayor Buttigieg , who is openly gay .
Twenty-five years ago , do you think anybody would have said we could have a serious candidate for president of the United States who ’ s openly gay , married ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ those people who think that a woman can not be elected , you ’ re dead wrong , ” he added .
“ If you think a gay American can not be elected , you ’ re dead wrong .
If you think an African-American can ’ t be elected , you ’ re dead wrong .
”

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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) suggested Sunday that gender bias among American voters continues to be an obstacle for female candidates.
Sanders has faced an onslaught of media attention in recent days over a 2018 conversation with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), in which he allegedly stated a woman couldn’t be elected president. Sanders has denied saying this; Warren has said he did.
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“It is hard for me to imagine how anybody in the year 2020 could not believe that a woman could become president of the United States,” Sanders said Sunday during an interview with New Hampshire Public Radio.
When asked whether he believes female candidates have a different experience running for president than he does and if gender is still an obstacle for them, Sanders said yes.
“But I think everybody has their own sets of problems,” he added. “I’m 78 years of age ― that’s a problem. There are a lot of people who say, ‘Well, I like Bernie. He’s a nice guy, but he’s 78 years of age.’ So we have to argue please look at the totality of who I am.”
Sanders added that some voters might look at 38-year-old Democratic hopeful Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and think he’s too young to be president in the same way some voters might not want a woman to be president.
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“Everybody brings some negatives,” the senator said. “I would just hope very much that the American people look at the totality of a candidate ― not at their gender, not at their sexuality, not at their age but in everything.”
“Nobody is perfect,” he added. “Everybody has their advantages. Everybody has their disadvantages. All I would ask the voters is, take a look at the totality of the candidacy and the person.”
As reactions to Sanders’ comments Sunday began to bubble up on Twitter, his campaign’s communications director, Mike Casca, suggested the senator’s sentiments shouldn’t be surprising.
“Breaking: @BernieSanders observes that sexism, ageism and homophobia exist in america and will be weaponized by donald trump in the general election,” Casca wrote in a tongue-in-cheek post in response to a tweet about the interview.
Watch Sanders’ full interview with New Hampshire Public Radio below. His comments about women running for president begin around the 45-minute mark.
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Sanders isn’t alone in his concern about gender bias. Polling suggests Americans are also worried that their fellow voters would hesitate to elect a woman, The Washington Post reported in May.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted nationally in April showed Warren earning 12% support from likely Democratic voters but only 3% support from voters when asked who has the best chance of beating President Donald Trump. The same poll showed Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) at 8% support from likely Democratic voters but only 2% of voters’ confidence on overcoming Trump.
New Hampshire Public Radio host Casey McDermott on Sunday referenced an Ipsos poll conducted for The Daily Beast in June showing that although 74% of respondents said they would be comfortable with a female president, only 33% believed their neighbors would feel the same.
“I think, look, as a country, we have come a long way,” Sanders told McDermott. “You have a candidate today, Mayor Buttigieg, who is openly gay. Twenty-five years ago, do you think anybody would have said we could have a serious candidate for president of the United States who’s openly gay, married? The world has changed.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--Iowa Newspaper Endorses Amy Klobuchar After Backing Bernie Sanders In 2016

Amy Klobuchar is somebody who offers the most hope among the Democratic candidates that progress isn ’ t just a @ @ @ @ @ in the harsh reality of Washington politics .
We believe she can actually cut through @ @ @ @ @ ; that her Midwestern grit is a reason for hope .

Amy Klobuchar is somebody who offers the most hope among the Democratic candidates that progress isn’t just a campaign slogan destined to die in the harsh reality of Washington politics.
We believe she can actually cut through the obstacles and move forward; that her Midwestern grit is a reason for hope.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--The New York Times Endorses Elizabeth Warren And Amy Klobuchar

The New York Times editorial board endorsed Sens .
Elizabeth Warren ( Mass . )
and Amy Klobuchar ( Minn. ) in the race for the Democratic presidential primary after interviewing the top nine contenders on issues that are most important to voters in this heated election year .
It was a perplexing endorsement , since the two senators are running on significantly divergent platforms .
Warren is one of the most progressive candidates in the race , while Klobuchar is a moderate .
“ Both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration .
If there were ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ideas , it is now .
If there were ever a time to seek stability , now is it , ” the Times ’ Editorial Board wrote on Sunday night .
“ That ’ s why we ’ re endorsing the most effective advocates for each approach.
” The boost for the pair of senators comes two weeks before the Feb. 3 caucuses in Iowa , the first state to vote on who they want to elect as president in November .
Over the past year , Warren , former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have topped the polls in the race for the Democratic nomination , with Biden maintaining a slight lead over the other two .
Klobuchar has struggled to stay in the pack and has not broken into the top tier of Democratic candidates .
The results of the Iowa caucuses typically , but not always , affect which candidate goes on to win the party ’ s nomination for president .
Candidates who fail to gain a solid number of votes in this caucus often drop out afterward .
This time four years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic primary .
She ended up winning the popular vote but lost the election to Trump .
The newspaper has endorsed a Democrat in the last eight presidential elections .
Warren called for “ big structural change ” to government and tackling corruption in business and politics , which the Times pointed out was in line with a “ polished script ” she ’ s delivered often , during her interview with the editorial board in early December .
“ She famously has ‘ a plan for that ’ and had a ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the board said when it published its transcript of the senator ’ s interview .
However , the board noted that Warren was “ caught off guard ” when asked about how to protect American nuclear weapons in Turkey and about the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong .
Klobuchar drew praise from the Times , who called her a “ standard-bearer for the Democratic center , ” saying many progressive proposals could have their best chance under her administration .
“ The senator from Minnesota is the very definition of Midwestern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board wrote .
“ Her lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials would make her a deal maker ( a real one ) and uniter for the wings of the party — and perhaps the nation.
” The Editorial Board did note its concern with reports that Klobuchar has mistreated her staff in the past , saying the news articles “ raise serious questions about her ability to attract and hire talented people.
” But the group said she had pledged to do better and that , despite her struggles with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far too early to count Ms. Klobuchar out.
” “ There will be those dissatisfied that this page is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate , favoring centrists or progressives , ” the board wrote .
“ But it ’ s a fight the party itself has been itching to have since Mrs. Clinton ’ s defeat in 2016 , and one that should be played out in the public arena and in the privacy of the voting booth .
”

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The New York Times editorial board endorsed Sens. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) in the race for the Democratic presidential primary after interviewing the top nine contenders on issues that are most important to voters in this heated election year.
It was a perplexing endorsement, since the two senators are running on significantly divergent platforms. Warren is one of the most progressive candidates in the race, while Klobuchar is a moderate.
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“Both the radical and the realist models warrant serious consideration. If there were ever a time to be open to new ideas, it is now. If there were ever a time to seek stability, now is it,” the Times’ Editorial Board wrote on Sunday night. “That’s why we’re endorsing the most effective advocates for each approach.”
The boost for the pair of senators comes two weeks before the Feb. 3 caucuses in Iowa, the first state to vote on who they want to elect as president in November.
Over the past year, Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont have topped the polls in the race for the Democratic nomination, with Biden maintaining a slight lead over the other two. Klobuchar has struggled to stay in the pack and has not broken into the top tier of Democratic candidates.
The results of the Iowa caucuses typically, but not always, affect which candidate goes on to win the party’s nomination for president. Candidates who fail to gain a solid number of votes in this caucus often drop out afterward.
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In 2016, Hillary Clinton won the Iowa caucuses as the Democratic presidential nominee while Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas topped the ticket for the Republican Party. Both ended up losing to Donald Trump.
This time four years ago, the Times endorsed Clinton in the Democratic primary. She ended up winning the popular vote but lost the election to Trump. The newspaper has endorsed a Democrat in the last 15 presidential elections.
Warren called for “big structural change” to government and tackling corruption in business and politics, which the Times pointed out was in line with a “polished script” she’s delivered often, during her interview with the editorial board in early December.
“She famously has ‘a plan for that’ and had a (lengthy) answer for nearly every question,” the board said when it published its transcript of the senator’s interview.
However, the board noted that Warren was “caught off guard” when asked about how to protect American nuclear weapons in Turkey and about the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
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Klobuchar drew praise from the Times, who called her a “standard-bearer for the Democratic center,” saying many progressive proposals could have their best chance under her administration.
“The senator from Minnesota is the very definition of Midwestern charisma, grit and sticktoitiveness,” the board wrote. “Her lengthy tenure in the Senate and bipartisan credentials would make her a deal maker (a real one) and uniter for the wings of the party — and perhaps the nation.”
The Editorial Board did note its concern with reports that Klobuchar has mistreated her staff in the past, saying the news articles “raise serious questions about her ability to attract and hire talented people.” But the group said she had pledged to do better and that, despite her struggles with national popularity, “it’s far too early to count Ms. Klobuchar out.”
The Editorial Board defended its decision to buck tradition with its dual endorsement, saying the pair were “the Democrats best equipped to lead.”
“There will be those dissatisfied that this page is not throwing its weight behind a single candidate, favoring centrists or progressives,” the board wrote. “But it’s a fight the party itself has been itching to have since Mrs. Clinton’s defeat in 2016, and one that should be played out in the public arena and in the privacy of the voting booth.”
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“May the best woman win.”
You can read Warren’s full interview with the Times here and Klobuchar’s here.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Justice Department Ignores Kushner Part Of Court Order To Release Mueller Interview Notes

In apparent defiance of a court order , the Justice Department has held back all notes in the Robert Mueller investigation concerning interviews with Donald Trump ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser , Jared Kushner , according to CNN .
Justice officials were ordered to turn over notes to two news organizations from the former special counsel ’ s interviews with key witnesses during his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
The department on Friday released an additional 176 pages of documents after a batch more than two weeks ago .
But all information linked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Senior U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton had ordered the Department of Justice in October to release records that had been supplied to the U.S. House in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by CNN and BuzzFeed .
The DOJ provided no explanation for the missing Kushner records , according to CNN .
!
!
!
Despite a court order , the Justice Department is holding back Special Counsel Mueller memos regarding the interviews conducted with the President ’ s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner .
CNN and Buzzfeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mueller ’ s witness memos .
— Shimon Prokupecz ( @ ShimonPro ) January 18 , 2020 The DOJ is allowed to redact information in the records and to withhold some documents provided to the House , CNN noted .
“ On January 2 and Friday night , the Justice Department was to have handed over as much of the documents the House had read as it could ... .
Kushner wasn ’ t in either January batch , ” said a statement from CNN .
“ It ’ s still not clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight for access to more documents from the Mueller investigation in court.
” Walton has criticized the Trump administration for failing to adequately staff federal offices charged with complying with FOIA requests .
“ It seems to me that they are just thumbing their nose at the FOIA statute because we are talking about years down the road ” before records will be released , he said late last year of the requests from CNN and BuzzFeed .

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In apparent defiance of a court order, the Justice Department has held back all notes in the Robert Mueller investigation concerning interviews with Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, according to CNN.
Justice officials were ordered to turn over notes to two news organizations from the former special counsel’s interviews with key witnesses during his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The department on Friday released an additional 176 pages of documents after a batch more than two weeks ago. But all information linked to Kushner was conspicuously missing, CNN reported.
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Senior U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton had ordered the Department of Justice in October to release records that had been supplied to the U.S. House in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by CNN and BuzzFeed. The DOJ provided no explanation for the missing Kushner records, according to CNN.
!!! Despite a court order, the Justice Department is holding back Special Counsel Mueller memos regarding the interviews conducted with the President’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
CNN and Buzzfeed won access to thousands of pages of Mueller’s witness memos. — Shimon Prokupecz (@ShimonPro) January 18, 2020
The DOJ is allowed to redact information in the records and to withhold some documents provided to the House, CNN noted.
“On January 2 and Friday night, the Justice Department was to have handed over as much of the documents the House had read as it could .... Kushner wasn’t in either January batch,” said a statement from CNN. “It’s still not clear why. CNN and BuzzFeed continue to fight for access to more documents from the Mueller investigation in court.”
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Walton has criticized the Trump administration for failing to adequately staff federal offices charged with complying with FOIA requests. “It seems to me that they are just thumbing their nose at the FOIA statute because we are talking about years down the road” before records will be released, he said late last year of the requests from CNN and BuzzFeed.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Trump's Boast About Republican Party Strength Gets A Brutal Fact-Check

President Donald Trump bragged on Sunday that the Republican Party has never been stronger or more united than it is @ @ @ @ @ impeachment trial is set to begin in the Senate this week .
I have never @ @ @ @ @ Strong and as Unified as it is right now .
Thank you !
More than @ @ @ @ @ were ready to step in with a fact-check .
To dispute the strength portion of @ @ @ @ @ the wave of GOP losses in local , state and national elections since Trump took @ @ @ @

President Donald Trump bragged on Sunday that the Republican Party has never been stronger or more united than it is now, even as his impeachment trial is set to begin in the Senate this week.
I have never seen the Republican Party as Strong and as Unified as it is right now. Thank you!
More than a few of his critics were ready to step in with a fact-check. To dispute the strength portion of his claim, they noted the wave of GOP losses in local, state and national elections since Trump took office in 2017.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--Trump's Defense Brief Is So Weak He Likely Dictated Parts Himself, John Dean Suspects

Watergate figure John Dean criticized the initial brief laying out Donald Trump ’ s impeachment defense as an unconvincing “ scorched earth ” strategy that lawyers in the Senate aren ’ t likely to buy .
Some sections are so unsophisticated , according to Dean ’ s characterization , he speculated that parts of it may have been “ dictated ” by Trump himself .
“ It ’ s of that vernacular , ” Richard Nixon ’ s former White House counsel said Sunday on CNN .
“ It ’ s not legally sophisticated .
It obviously plays to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Trump ’ s legal team , headed by the president ’ s personal lawyer Jay Sekulow and White House counsel Pat Cipollone , ahead of the impeachment trial set to begin Tuesday in the Senate .
It calls the impeachment proceedings constitutionally invalid and claims they represent a “ brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election.
” Dean dismissed the arguments as a “ scorched earth ” strategy that could alienate the many lawyers in the Senate .
“ I think it ’ s actually going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate .
If their more detailed brief is of the same tone , they ’ re making a serious mistake , ” Dean said .
“ Lawyers are not going to buy into this .
Most members of the Senate , both parties , are lawyers.
” Dean also accused the legal team of cherry-picking particular details and distorting facts in the brief .
The “ scheme ” to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden , which would have politically benefited Trump , “ wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s president , as the brief claims , Dean noted .
“ Any news person , any person following the news , would know it ’ s been going on for months , involving multiple people , ” added Dean , who called the operation a “ shakedown.
” Dean has said that the impeachment case against Trump is “ more compelling ” than the one against Nixon , which drove that president to resign .
Check out the rest of Dean ’ s comments in the video above .

Watergate figure John Dean criticized the initial brief laying out Donald Trump’s impeachment defense as an unconvincing “scorched earth” strategy that lawyers in the Senate aren’t likely to buy.
Some sections are so unsophisticated, according to Dean’s characterization, he speculated that parts of it may have been “dictated” by Trump himself. “It’s of that vernacular,” Richard Nixon’s former White House counsel said Sunday on CNN. “It’s not legally sophisticated. It obviously plays to the base.”
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The brief was released Saturday by Trump’s legal team, headed by the president’s personal lawyer Jay Sekulow and White House counsel Pat Cipollone, ahead of the impeachment trial set to begin Tuesday in the Senate. It calls the impeachment proceedings constitutionally invalid and claims they represent a “brazen and unlawful attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election.”
Dean dismissed the arguments as a “scorched earth” strategy that could alienate the many lawyers in the Senate. “I think it’s actually going to insult some of the lawyers in the Senate. If their more detailed brief is of the same tone, they’re making a serious mistake,” Dean said. “Lawyers are not going to buy into this. Most members of the Senate, both parties, are lawyers.”
Dean also accused the legal team of cherry-picking particular details and distorting facts in the brief. The “scheme” to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden, which would have politically benefited Trump, “wasn’t just two phone calls” to Ukraine’s president, as the brief claims, Dean noted. “Any news person, any person following the news, would know it’s been going on for months, involving multiple people,” added Dean, who called the operation a “shakedown.”
Dean has said that the impeachment case against Trump is “more compelling” than the one against Nixon, which drove that president to resign.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Duckworth Calls Amtrak's $25,000 Quote For Disabled Passengers 'Outrageous'

Sen. Tammy Duckworth ( D-Ill. ) called reports that Amtrak wanted to charge a group of disabled passengers $ 25,000 for rail tickets that usually cost $ 16 apiece “ outrageous , ” requesting a meeting with the company ’ s CEO to determine how it could better serve wheelchair users .
“ It is outrageous that Amtrak asked a group of passengers with disabilities to pay $ 25,000 to ride from the City of Chicago to Bloomington , Illinois , ” Duckworth , a double amputee who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee , wrote Sunday on Twitter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership appears to have failed to offer a public apology for its initial mistake.
” NPR reported earlier this week that Adam Ballard , a housing and transportation policy analyst at a disability advocacy group in Chicago , attempted to buy tickets on an Amtrak train between the two cities for a work retreat , a distance of about 135 miles .
A group of 10 employees hoped to buy tickets on the route .
Five use wheelchairs , but Amtrak said it had room for only three .
The fee to remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group could travel together ?
$ 25,000 .
It is outrageous that @ Amtrak asked a group of passengers from @ AccessLiving to pay $ 25,000 to ride from Chicago to Bloomington , IL .
It is also disappointing that @ Amtrak leadership appears to have failed to offer a public apology for its initial mistake .
( 1/4 ) https : //t.co/5xbgulB8YE — Tammy Duckworth ( @ SenDuckworth ) January 19 , 2020 The Americans with Disabilities Act has been the law of the land for 30 years .
Yet in 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unreasonable burden to remove architectural barriers that would enable a group with five wheelchair users to travel together .
( 2/4 ) — Tammy Duckworth ( @ SenDuckworth ) January 19 , 2020 The report prompted widespread outrage among disability advocates , particularly after Ballard noted Amtrak had made accommodations for his colleagues before with advanced notice .
“ In previous years , the removal of seats from the coach cars incurred fees that Amtrak absorbed , ” an Amtrak booking agent wrote Ballard at the time , he told NPR .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Amtrak .
Going forward , we can not continue to absorb these fees .
These policies have changed nationwide as of 2019.
” Amtrak later told NPR it would contact Ballard ’ s employer to recommend the group book tickets on two separate trains that service the same route so the company wouldn ’ t have to undertake “ any reconfiguration.
” Duckworth , an Army veteran who lost both legs in Iraq , called the shift in policy “ disappointing , ” saying she hoped to meet with Amtrak CEO Richard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss eliminating Amtrak ’ s nationwide policy of refusing to absorb any costs associated with reconfiguring a railcar to accommodate a group of wheelchair users.
” “ The Americans with Disabilities Act has been the law of the land for 30 years , ” Duckworth said .
“ Yet in 2020 , @ Amtrak believes it would be an unreasonable burden to remove architectural barriers that would enable a group with five wheelchair users to travel together.
” The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities , including on transportation .
It requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasonable accommodations ” to service disabled people but has a carve-out if in doing so a company would suffer an “ undue burden .
”

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Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) called reports that Amtrak wanted to charge a group of disabled passengers $25,000 for rail tickets that usually cost $16 apiece “outrageous,” requesting a meeting with the company’s CEO to determine how it could better serve wheelchair users.
“It is outrageous that Amtrak asked a group of passengers with disabilities to pay $25,000 to ride from the City of Chicago to Bloomington, Illinois,” Duckworth, a double amputee who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, wrote Sunday on Twitter. “It is also disappointing that Amtrak leadership appears to have failed to offer a public apology for its initial mistake.”
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NPR reported earlier this week that Adam Ballard, a housing and transportation policy analyst at a disability advocacy group in Chicago, attempted to buy tickets on an Amtrak train between the two cities for a work retreat, a distance of about 135 miles. A group of 10 employees hoped to buy tickets on the route. Five use wheelchairs, but Amtrak said it had room for only three.
The fee to remove seats to fit additional wheelchairs so the group could travel together? $25,000.
It is outrageous that @Amtrak asked a group of passengers from @AccessLiving to pay $25,000 to ride from Chicago to Bloomington, IL. It is also disappointing that @Amtrak leadership appears to have failed to offer a public apology for its initial mistake. (1/4) https://t.co/5xbgulB8YE — Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 19, 2020
The Americans with Disabilities Act has been the law of the land for 30 years. Yet in 2020, @Amtrak believes it would be an unreasonable burden to remove architectural barriers that would enable a group with five wheelchair users to travel together. (2/4) — Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 19, 2020
The report prompted widespread outrage among disability advocates, particularly after Ballard noted Amtrak had made accommodations for his colleagues before with advanced notice.
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“In previous years, the removal of seats from the coach cars incurred fees that Amtrak absorbed,” an Amtrak booking agent wrote Ballard at the time, he told NPR. “We understand and appreciate your loyalty with Amtrak. Going forward, we cannot continue to absorb these fees. These policies have changed nationwide as of 2019.”
Amtrak later told NPR it would contact Ballard’s employer to recommend the group book tickets on two separate trains that service the same route so the company wouldn’t have to undertake “any reconfiguration.”
Duckworth, an Army veteran who lost both legs in Iraq, called the shift in policy “disappointing,” saying she hoped to meet with Amtrak CEO Richard Anderson in the coming weeks “to discuss eliminating Amtrak’s nationwide policy of refusing to absorb any costs associated with reconfiguring a railcar to accommodate a group of wheelchair users.”
“The Americans with Disabilities Act has been the law of the land for 30 years,” Duckworth said. “Yet in 2020, @Amtrak believes it would be an unreasonable burden to remove architectural barriers that would enable a group with five wheelchair users to travel together.”
The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities, including on transportation. It requires companies such as Amtrak to make “reasonable accommodations” to service disabled people but has a carve-out if in doing so a company would suffer an “undue burden.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--The Curse Of Mike Pence? Fans Blame VP After Packers Get Trounced By 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers routed the Green Bay Packers in Sunday ’ s NFC championship game , 37-20 , and some say Vice President Mike Pence played a role in the outcome .
The Niners will play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2 .
Superstitious fans say Pence jinxed the Packers during a rally in Milwaukee last week when he not only predicted that Green Bay would win but also that they would defeat “ Nancy Pelosi ’ s 49ers.
” House Speaker Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) does not own the 49ers .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fan of the team , which played in the city for much of its existence .
Sunday ’ s game was the third time the Packers played for the NFC title over the past six years .
Having lost the previous two , Green Bay fans were hoping the third time would be the charm .
But Packers fans will have to wait at least another year as the Super Bowl drought continues ― and some fans are blaming the vice president for politicizing their team and the sport : You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Vote accordingly .
https : //t.co/PjpamsA9ZP — George Scriban ( @ scribandotcom ) January 20 , 2020 Nancy Pelosi to Mike Pence , now that the Niners beat the Packers and are going to the Super Bowl : https : //t.co/EIfHMlnL8q pic.twitter.com/vW3ms251WD — Matt ( @ nosoupforgeorge ) January 20 , 2020 This is why the 49ers won and the Packers lost .
Thank You Mr. Pence !
❤💛 https : //t.co/RmhzKGENAV — Adam ( 2 more wins ) # BEATGB ( @ AdamBayBoy ) January 20 , 2020 You know VP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prophesied you would win against the # 49ers at some tRump pep rally tonight and like everything associated with # Trump - # failed — wallace & evans ( @ tend2wobble ) January 20 , 2020 Frankly it 's all Mike Pence 's fault the Packers lost .
He tried to claim them as his own because Pelosi likes the 49ers .
Should n't have picked sides for a cheer , that cursed us .
— Anxious E ( @ SuperEradicator ) January 20 , 2020

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The San Francisco 49ers routed the Green Bay Packers in Sunday’s NFC championship game, 37-20, and some say Vice President Mike Pence played a role in the outcome.
The Niners will play the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Feb. 2.
Superstitious fans say Pence jinxed the Packers during a rally in Milwaukee last week when he not only predicted that Green Bay would win but also that they would defeat “Nancy Pelosi’s 49ers.”
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House Speaker Pelosi (D-Calif.) does not own the 49ers. However, she lives in San Francisco and is a fan of the team, which played in the city for much of its existence.
Sunday’s game was the third time the Packers played for the NFC title over the past six years. Having lost the previous two, Green Bay fans were hoping the third time would be the charm.
But Packers fans will have to wait at least another year as the Super Bowl drought continues ― and some fans are blaming the vice president for politicizing their team and the sport:
Pence jinxed us. This is why we lost https://t.co/frJ0Yv5VA6 — Masika Kalysha (@masikakalysha) January 20, 2020
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You know who did this to you, Wisconsin. Vote accordingly. https://t.co/PjpamsA9ZP — George Scriban (@scribandotcom) January 20, 2020
So THIS is what jinxed the Packers .... https://t.co/U5uuAV24oP — Dog Lover (@DogLovinBear) January 20, 2020
Nancy Pelosi to Mike Pence, now that the Niners beat the Packers and are going to the Super Bowl: https://t.co/EIfHMlnL8q pic.twitter.com/vW3ms251WD — Matt (@nosoupforgeorge) January 20, 2020
This is why the 49ers won and the Packers lost. Thank You Mr. Pence! ❤💛 https://t.co/RmhzKGENAV — Adam (2 more wins) #BEATGB (@AdamBayBoy) January 20, 2020
Pence cursed Green Bay for real. — ProfB (@AntheaButler) January 20, 2020
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You know VP Pence cursed you, right? He prophesied you would win against the #49ers at some tRump pep rally tonight and like everything associated with #Trump - #failed — wallace&evans (@tend2wobble) January 20, 2020
Mike Pence, who I hope bet on the Packers without telling Mother. https://t.co/dPMIzTni6q — Annelise (@mz_annelise) January 20, 2020
Pence the Dense totally jinxed the Packers. First he screwed the farmers now he's screwing the FB team. https://t.co/mKWWXkeBWG — Pheznt Huntr in ND (@BottomofAgassiz) January 20, 2020
Frankly it's all Mike Pence's fault the Packers lost. He tried to claim them as his own because Pelosi likes the 49ers. Shouldn't have picked sides for a cheer, that cursed us. — Anxious E (@SuperEradicator) January 20, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--'Knock It Off': Historian Slams National Archives Censorship Amid Trump Culture Of Lying

A representative of the National Archives admitted Friday that officials had deliberately smudged the president ’ s name in anti-Trump protest signs in a photo of the 2017 march that was used in an exhibit to mark the 100th anniversary of women ’ s suffrage .
The Archives had also blurred out references to female anatomy .
The institution apologized the following day and is replacing the photo with an accurate version .
Brinkley said he suspected self-censorship by worried federal workers at a time when Trump insists on changing reality to make himself look better .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If you work in government , you ’ re very fearful of a vengeful Donald Trump .
So it may very well be they just wanted to please him ... at all costs we can ’ t let Donald Trump see that we have a photograph in our display that says something negative about him , ” Brinkley said .
“ This is a president that we are dealing with that on his inauguration lied about his crowd size and blew up at the Interior Department because they weren ’ t showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brinkley told Martin Savidge on CNN .
“ This idea of air-brushing anything negative about Donald Trump out of our current government institutions is starting to happen more and more .
It ’ s all the reason why we have to say , ‘ Knock it off ’ ever louder.
” Brinkley said he “ could not believe ” the National Archives did something so “ idiotic.
” It ’ s “ such a venerable institution ; we all trust it .
It ’ s the depository of our national heirlooms ... and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump look good , ” he added .
He called the massive gathering of women in Washington the day after the president ’ s inauguration “ largely [ an ] anti-Trump march , ” so the changes were a profound alteration .
The National Archives is reviewing how the controversial decision was reached to alter the photo .
We made a mistake .
As the National Archives of the United States , we are and have always been completely committed to preserving our archival holdings , without alteration .
pic.twitter.com/VTWOS4R7GY — US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 , 2020 We have removed the current display and will replace it as soon as possible with one that uses the unaltered image .
We apologize , and will immediately start a thorough review of our exhibit policies and procedures so that this does not happen again .
— US National Archives ( @ USNatArchives ) January 18 , 2020

A representative of the National Archives admitted Friday that officials had deliberately smudged the president’s name in anti-Trump protest signs in a photo of the 2017 march that was used in an exhibit to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. The Archives had also blurred out references to female anatomy. The institution apologized the following day and is replacing the photo with an accurate version.
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Brinkley said he suspected self-censorship by worried federal workers at a time when Trump insists on changing reality to make himself look better.
“We are living in the age of Donald Trump. If you work in government, you’re very fearful of a vengeful Donald Trump. So it may very well be they just wanted to please him ... at all costs we can’t let Donald Trump see that we have a photograph in our display that says something negative about him,” Brinkley said.
“This is a president that we are dealing with that on his inauguration lied about his crowd size and blew up at the Interior Department because they weren’t showing a photo that he wanted,” Brinkley told Martin Savidge on CNN. “This idea of air-brushing anything negative about Donald Trump out of our current government institutions is starting to happen more and more. It’s all the reason why we have to say, ‘Knock it off’ ever louder.”
Brinkley said he “could not believe” the National Archives did something so “idiotic.” It’s “such a venerable institution; we all trust it. It’s the depository of our national heirlooms ... and here it is doctoring photos to make Donald Trump look good,” he added.
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He called the massive gathering of women in Washington the day after the president’s inauguration “largely [an] anti-Trump march,” so the changes were a profound alteration.
The National Archives is reviewing how the controversial decision was reached to alter the photo.
Check out Brinkley’s comments in the video up top.
We made a mistake.
As the National Archives of the United States, we are and have always been completely committed to preserving our archival holdings, without alteration. pic.twitter.com/VTWOS4R7GY — US National Archives (@USNatArchives) January 18, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--Ayanna Pressley Receives Outpouring Of Praise After Sharing First Bald Selfie

Just days after Rep. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
revealed that she has alopecia , the lawmaker is already embracing her new look .
Pressley opened up about her condition for the first time Thursday , in a powerful , personal interview with The Root , appearing first with a wig , and then with a bald head for the first time .
She said she felt it was important to free herself from her “ secret , ” come to terms with her diagnosis , and feel comfortable moving forward .
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that prompts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in people who are typically otherwise healthy , causing hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body .
According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation , it affects as many as 6.8 million people in the U.S. of all ages , sexes and ethnic groups .
In revealing her condition , Pressley said she also hopes to reduce stigma around hair loss and tackle the scrutiny of how women wear their hair .
On MSNBC on Sunday morning , host Joy Reid said the congresswoman had “ won the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a woman and a woman in politics , and certainly as a black woman , everything is political , ” Pressley told Reid in an interview .
“ This is not shocking .
I mean , I ’ ve introduced legislation to guard against the fact that black girls are pushed out of the classroom for how they wear their hair .
I have colleagues who have been pressured by supporters and donors alike not to allow their hair to go gray , colleagues who have been told that they should straighten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And so hair is political.
” .
@ RepPressley speaks on her having alopecia and opening up about her hair loss , telling @ JoyAnnReid , `` Hair is political .
So far as who won the week it 's the millions ... that are living daily with the trauma and stigma of hair loss . ''
# AMJoy pic.twitter.com/k6gaqbvzRt — AM Joy w/Joy Reid ( @ amjoyshow ) January 19 , 2020 As far as who “ won the week , ” Pressley told Reid it wasn ’ t her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country who are living with the trauma and stigma of hair loss.
” Navigating the world bald , she said , challenges “ conventional norms and societal standards of what is beautiful , or what is handsome.
” She thanked and shouted out “ bald nation ” and her “ fellow alopecians ” for the messages she ’ s received since her announcement .
“ I am grateful that I have a platform to shine a light on this issue , ” she said .
Pressley received a rush of support and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selfie .
Her fellow congressional “ Squad ” member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) gushed over her new look , while many of her fellow “ bald nation ” members shared their own # baldisbeautiful selfies .
Sis .
You keep taking my breath away .
Can we talk about this hat ?
I can ’ t get over it .
Likely will never get over it .
And with the matching lipstick ?
You have won 2020 .
I ’ m calling it now .
It ’ s a wrap 💕👒💋 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 19 , 2020 You look beautiful !
I 've had alopecia most of my life .
Thank you for using your platform to educate more people on it .
Now I 'm trying to see if I can pull that hat off half as well as you !
pic.twitter.com/JuJEV4P6uE — Stef with an F ( @ StefaniSloma ) January 19 , 2020

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Just days after Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) revealed that she has alopecia, the lawmaker is already embracing her new look.
Pressley opened up about her condition for the first time Thursday, in a powerful, personal interview with The Root, appearing first with a wig, and then with a bald head for the first time. She said she felt it was important to free herself from her “secret,” come to terms with her diagnosis, and feel comfortable moving forward.
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On Sunday, she took another step forward, sharing a wig-free selfie, using hashtags for “bald squad,” “bald baddies” and “bald is beautiful.”
She thanked her fellow alopecia sufferers for the “warm welcome,” adding “New year. New decade. New truths. New swag.”
Alopecia is an autoimmune disease that prompts the immune system to attack hair follicles in people who are typically otherwise healthy, causing hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, it affects as many as 6.8 million people in the U.S. of all ages, sexes and ethnic groups.
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In revealing her condition, Pressley said she also hopes to reduce stigma around hair loss and tackle the scrutiny of how women wear their hair. On MSNBC on Sunday morning, host Joy Reid said the congresswoman had “won the week” for her brave revelation.
“As a woman and a woman in politics, and certainly as a black woman, everything is political,” Pressley told Reid in an interview. “This is not shocking. I mean, I’ve introduced legislation to guard against the fact that black girls are pushed out of the classroom for how they wear their hair. I have colleagues who have been pressured by supporters and donors alike not to allow their hair to go gray, colleagues who have been told that they should straighten their hair and not wear it curly. And so hair is political.”
.@RepPressley speaks on her having alopecia and opening up about her hair loss, telling @JoyAnnReid, "Hair is political. So far as who won the week it's the millions... that are living daily with the trauma and stigma of hair loss." #AMJoy pic.twitter.com/k6gaqbvzRt — AM Joy w/Joy Reid (@amjoyshow) January 19, 2020
As far as who “won the week,” Pressley told Reid it wasn’t her, but the “millions of those in this country who are living with the trauma and stigma of hair loss.” Navigating the world bald, she said, challenges “conventional norms and societal standards of what is beautiful, or what is handsome.”
She thanked and shouted out “bald nation” and her “fellow alopecians” for the messages she’s received since her announcement. “I am grateful that I have a platform to shine a light on this issue,” she said.
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Pressley received a rush of support and solidarity in response to her first bald selfie. Her fellow congressional “Squad” member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) gushed over her new look, while many of her fellow “bald nation” members shared their own #baldisbeautiful selfies.
Sis. You keep taking my breath away. Can we talk about this hat? I can’t get over it. Likely will never get over it. And with the matching lipstick? You have won 2020. I’m calling it now. It’s a wrap 💕👒💋 — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 19, 2020
#baldisbeautiful ... walk in your truth @AyannaPressley. My sister @AliciaStilirize and I salute you and all the beautiful women who are@walking in realness. 💕🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/FRpr7xbHU8 — *darlened* (@darlenedblonde) January 19, 2020
You look beautiful! I've had alopecia most of my life. Thank you for using your platform to educate more people on it. Now I'm trying to see if I can pull that hat off half as well as you! pic.twitter.com/JuJEV4P6uE — Stef with an F (@StefaniSloma) January 19, 2020
My nephew also has alopecia. Thank you for showing the world that there's nothing wrong with having no hair. pic.twitter.com/WbfNEuhyaS — KatiliaBadilia (@KBadilia) January 19, 2020
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Whew! The flyness is off the chart. I stand with you, Madam Representative! Now I just need a hat. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/wgQRcJ4QBk — Telah TRU Ent (@TTRUENTSTYLE) January 19, 2020
You're BEAUTIFUL Queen👑❣
Thank you for standing in your Truth & also, "Welcome!" pic.twitter.com/YidaVb913K — Michele Bradley (@bradley7268) January 19, 2020
You look sharp! :-) pic.twitter.com/b7PKaLyApk — E Pluribus Brian (@briancribb) January 19, 2020
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--Warren Slams Bloomberg For Delaying FEC Report Until After Super Tuesday

Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
went after fellow Democratic presidential candidate and billionaire Michael Bloomberg on Sunday for deciding to bypass campaigning in early primary states while asking the Federal Election Commission to push his financial disclosure deadline until after those states vote .
Warren ’ s comments came just days after the FEC granted Bloomberg ’ s request to delay publicly disclosing his finances until March 20 , which is well after voters in over a dozen states cast their votes in the primary election .
All presidential candidates must disclose their investments and streams of income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidate to have not yet filed the paperwork .
The timing of the delay matters because the former New York City mayor has decided against campaigning in early voting states to instead invest his money in later states .
The FEC delay means that Bloomberg is denying early state voters important information about his finances and how he spends his money .
“ If he has entanglements with China , serious conflicts of interest , business interests in other parts of the world or other corporations , when are we going to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , ” Warren said Sunday at the We the People 2020 forum moderated by HuffPost ’ s Amanda Terkel and Kevin Robillard in Des Moines , Iowa .
“ That is not how democracy is supposed to work.
” Warren on Bloomberg delaying his FEC deadline : “ If he has entanglements with China , serious conflicts of interest , business interests in other parts of the world or other corporations .
When are we going to know about that ?
Not until after Super Tuesday.
” — Misyrlena Egkolfopoulou ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was asked at the forum whether she ’ d take Bloomberg ’ s money in the general election if she won the Democratic nomination , referring to the billionaire ’ s recent comments that he ’ d spend big to help whoever is the nominee beat President Donald Trump , even if that nominee is not Bloomberg himself .
While the senator did not completely reject the notion that she ’ d embrace Bloomberg ’ s efforts , she stressed that she is running a grassroots campaign and will not sell special access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He wants to put money into getting a Democrat elected ?
Good for him , ” Warren said .
“ But understand this : I do not sell access to my time .
I don ’ t spend time sucking up to billionaires .
People want to make a contribution , that ’ s great .
But I ’ m going to keep fighting the fight I ’ m fighting , and that is a fight to make this government work , to make this democracy work , not just for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ but ] to make it work for everyone .
That ’ s why I ’ m here.
” Warren has criticized Bloomberg several times as she makes an issue of the advantages of the billionaire class , an integral part of her presidential campaign thanks to her proposed wealth tax that would levy an annual two-cent tax on net worth over $ 50 million and a 6 % tax on fortunes over $ 1 billion .
In November , the senator accused him of trying to “ buy the nomination ” after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million in campaign ads over a two-week period .
In December , she appeared for an interview that aired on Bloomberg ’ s own media network , Bloomberg TV , and said she was deeply “ concerned ” that the billionaire had already spent so much on the presidential race and alluded that he was only doing so to save money on his taxes .

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Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) went after fellow Democratic presidential candidate and billionaire Michael Bloomberg on Sunday for deciding to bypass campaigning in early primary states while asking the Federal Election Commission to push his financial disclosure deadline until after those states vote.
Warren’s comments came just days after the FEC granted Bloomberg’s request to delay publicly disclosing his finances until March 20, which is well after voters in over a dozen states cast their votes in the primary election. All presidential candidates must disclose their investments and streams of income, though Bloomberg is the only Democratic candidate to have not yet filed the paperwork.
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The timing of the delay matters because the former New York City mayor has decided against campaigning in early voting states to instead invest his money in later states. The FEC delay means that Bloomberg is denying early state voters important information about his finances and how he spends his money.
“If he has entanglements with China, serious conflicts of interest, business interests in other parts of the world or other corporations, when are we going to know about that? Not until after Super Tuesday,” Warren said Sunday at the We the People 2020 forum moderated by HuffPost’s Amanda Terkel and Kevin Robillard in Des Moines, Iowa. “That is not how democracy is supposed to work.”
Warren on Bloomberg delaying his FEC deadline: “If he has entanglements with China, serious conflicts of interest, business interests in other parts of the world or other corporations. When are we going to know about that? Not until after Super Tuesday.” — Misyrlena Egkolfopoulou (@misyrlena) January 19, 2020
The Bloomberg campaign did not respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
Warren was asked at the forum whether she’d take Bloomberg’s money in the general election if she won the Democratic nomination, referring to the billionaire’s recent comments that he’d spend big to help whoever is the nominee beat President Donald Trump, even if that nominee is not Bloomberg himself. While the senator did not completely reject the notion that she’d embrace Bloomberg’s efforts, she stressed that she is running a grassroots campaign and will not sell special access ― something she has declared before.
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“He wants to put money into getting a Democrat elected? Good for him,” Warren said. “But understand this: I do not sell access to my time. I don’t spend time sucking up to billionaires. People want to make a contribution, that’s great. But I’m going to keep fighting the fight I’m fighting, and that is a fight to make this government work, to make this democracy work, not just for a thinner and thinner slice at the top [but] to make it work for everyone. That’s why I’m here.”
Warren has criticized Bloomberg several times as she makes an issue of the advantages of the billionaire class, an integral part of her presidential campaign thanks to her proposed wealth tax that would levy an annual two-cent tax on net worth over $50 million and a 6% tax on fortunes over $1 billion.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Man Facing Eviction Stabs Landlord And Kills 2 Honolulu Police Officers, Authorities Say

HONOLULU ( AP ) — A Hawaii man with a history of run-ins with police and neighbors was facing eviction when he stabbed his landlord and killed two officers before the house he and two women were believed to be in burned , authorities and neighbors said Sunday .
Police responding to a call for help found a woman who had been stabbed in the leg and resident Jaroslav “ Jerry ” Hanel , in his 60s , opened fire , killing Officers Tiffany Enriquez , a seven-year veteran , and Kaulike Kalama , a nine-year veteran , Honolulu Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he and two women were inside the house when it caught fire , and Ballard said it could take days for authorities to process evidence and recover any remains .
The homeowner , Lois Cain , had recently sought to have Hanel evicted , court records showed .
A neighbor told The Associated Press she saw Cain being loaded into an ambulance with knife wounds .
The normally peaceful neighborhood where shots were fired is at the far end of the Waikiki Beach between the Honolulu Zoo and the famed Diamond Head State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ above Honolulu and is popular with tourists and hikers .
A regional park is also nearby .
Ian Felix , a Honolulu resident and combat veteran with medical training , told the AP he happened to be walking by when he saw a woman lying on the ground with a pool of blood coming from her leg .
He applied pressure until the first police officer arrived and put a tourniquet on it , Felix said .
Moments later two more officers arrived , and Felix said he then heard two gunshots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded woman and carried her into a neighbor ’ s garage across the street , he said .
“ Defendant does NOT have a Rental Agreement to occupy the premises and Defendant has no ownership interest in said premises , ” read a complaint for eviction that Cain filed last week in court .
“ Despite repeated demands , Defendant has failed and refused to vacate the premises.
” Attorney Jonathan Burge has represented Hanel since 2015 in various disputes with neighbors , including temporary restraining orders that three obtained against him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic who used Czech interpreters in court , faced a hearing next week on a charge of misusing 911 services , Burge said Sunday .
Burge said he never knew Hanel to be violent , but that “ he ’ s kind of a quirky guy and had problems.
” Hanel believed the government was watching him and tapping his phone , Burge said .
Hanel lived for free at the home in exchange for handyman work , Burge said .
Cain was supportive of him in his disputes with the neighbors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soured lately because Hanel ’ s dog had died and Cain wouldn ’ t let him get a new one .
Kailua resident John Farmer said the fire spread to his sister ’ s nearby house , which burned down .
He said the resident has been described as paranoid and threatening .
Officials across the state began releasing statements mourning the lost lives , with Gov .
David Ige saying , “ Our entire state mourns the loss of two Honolulu Police officers killed in the line of duty this morning .
@

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HONOLULU (AP) — A Hawaii man with a history of run-ins with police and neighbors was facing eviction when he stabbed his landlord and killed two officers before the house he and two women were believed to be in burned, authorities and neighbors said Sunday.
Police responding to a call for help found a woman who had been stabbed in the leg and resident Jaroslav “Jerry” Hanel, in his 60s, opened fire, killing Officers Tiffany Enriquez, a seven-year veteran, and Kaulike Kalama, a nine-year veteran, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard said. Police suspect he and two women were inside the house when it caught fire, and Ballard said it could take days for authorities to process evidence and recover any remains.
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The fire spread to several other residences, destroying seven homes and leaving multiple others with fire or smoke damage, according to Honolulu fire officials.
The homeowner, Lois Cain, had recently sought to have Hanel evicted, court records showed. A neighbor told The Associated Press she saw Cain being loaded into an ambulance with knife wounds.
Cain’s condition was not immediately confirmed, nor was the suspect’s. Ballard said Hanel did not have any gun permits.
The normally peaceful neighborhood where shots were fired is at the far end of the Waikiki Beach between the Honolulu Zoo and the famed Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic crater that looms above Honolulu and is popular with tourists and hikers. A regional park is also nearby.
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This undated photo provided by the Honolulu Police Department shows Officers Tiffany Enriquez, left, and Kaulike Kalama. Enriquez and Kalama were killed Sunday while responding to a call. AP
Ian Felix, a Honolulu resident and combat veteran with medical training, told the AP he happened to be walking by when he saw a woman lying on the ground with a pool of blood coming from her leg. He applied pressure until the first police officer arrived and put a tourniquet on it, Felix said. Moments later two more officers arrived, and Felix said he then heard two gunshots.
He and the officer picked up the wounded woman and carried her into a neighbor’s garage across the street, he said.
Neighbors described Hanel as mentally disturbed.
“Defendant does NOT have a Rental Agreement to occupy the premises and Defendant has no ownership interest in said premises,” read a complaint for eviction that Cain filed last week in court. “Despite repeated demands, Defendant has failed and refused to vacate the premises.”
Attorney Jonathan Burge has represented Hanel since 2015 in various disputes with neighbors, including temporary restraining orders that three obtained against him. Hanel, a native of the Czech Republic who used Czech interpreters in court, faced a hearing next week on a charge of misusing 911 services, Burge said Sunday.
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Burge said he never knew Hanel to be violent, but that “he’s kind of a quirky guy and had problems.” Hanel believed the government was watching him and tapping his phone, Burge said.
“Maybe that’s what set him off,” he said of the eviction.
Hanel lived for free at the home in exchange for handyman work, Burge said. Cain was supportive of him in his disputes with the neighbors, Burge said, but their relationship had soured lately because Hanel’s dog had died and Cain wouldn’t let him get a new one.
Nearby resident Dolores Sandvold said she heard screaming and gunshots and saw Cain being carried to an ambulance.
Kailua resident John Farmer said the fire spread to his sister’s nearby house, which burned down. He said the resident has been described as paranoid and threatening.
Officials across the state began releasing statements mourning the lost lives, with Gov. David Ige saying, “Our entire state mourns the loss of two Honolulu Police officers killed in the line of duty this morning.”
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Police closed several streets nearby and asked the public to avoid the area.
Honolulu City Councilmember Tommy Waters, who represents East Honolulu and is the chairman of the City Council Public Safety Committee, said he was heartbroken by the attack.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Alan Dershowitz's Old Comments About Impeachment Come Back To Haunt Him

Some old comments about impeachment made by attorney Alan Dershowitz are starting to look awkward in light of his current position in defense of President Donald Trump .
Dershowitz was added to Trump ’ s legal team last week and claimed he would present a constitutional case against impeachment .
Specifically , he said he planned to argue that “ abuse of power ” was not an impeachable offense .
“ The vote was to impeach on abuse of power , which is not within the constitutional criteria for impeachment , ” Dershowitz said on ABC ’ s “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power , even if proved , is not an impeachable offense .
That ’ s exactly what the framers rejected , ” he said , adding : “ They didn ’ t want to give Congress the authority to remove a president because he abused his power .
They have to prove treason , they have to prove bribery or they have to prove other crimes and misdemeanors .
‘ Other ’ refers to crimes of the kind such as treason and bribery.
” But CNN uncovered comments Dershowitz made in 1998 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impeachment ― that would seem to fly in the face of his current argument .
“ It certainly doesn ’ t have to be a crime if you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of president and who abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty , ” Dershowitz said on CNN at the time .
“ You don ’ t need a technical crime.
” Dershowitz also said impeachment was “ like a nonviolent revolution ” and had to be limited to great offenses of state .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we look at how they conduct the foreign policy , we look at how they try to subvert the Constitution the way Iran-Contra did by going behind the back of Congress , by lying repeatedly and by misstating to the American public matters of great state issues , ” he said .
Dershowitz added that Iran-Contra , a scandal under President Ronald Reagan , was not an impeachable offense .
However , his concession that abusing the trust was an impeachable offense seemed to be at odds with his current belief that abuse @ @ @ @ @

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Some old comments about impeachment made by attorney Alan Dershowitz are starting to look awkward in light of his current position in defense of President Donald Trump.
Dershowitz was added to Trump’s legal team last week and claimed he would present a constitutional case against impeachment. Specifically, he said he planned to argue that “abuse of power” was not an impeachable offense.
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“The vote was to impeach on abuse of power, which is not within the constitutional criteria for impeachment,” Dershowitz said on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday.
He made a similar claim on Friday on MSNBC.
“Abuse of power, even if proved, is not an impeachable offense. That’s exactly what the framers rejected,” he said, adding:
“They didn’t want to give Congress the authority to remove a president because he abused his power. They have to prove treason, they have to prove bribery or they have to prove other crimes and misdemeanors. ‘Other’ refers to crimes of the kind such as treason and bribery.”
But CNN uncovered comments Dershowitz made in 1998 ― when President Bill Clinton was facing impeachment ― that would seem to fly in the face of his current argument.
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“It certainly doesn’t have to be a crime if you have somebody who completely corrupts the office of president and who abuses trust and who poses great danger to our liberty,” Dershowitz said on CNN at the time. “You don’t need a technical crime.”
Dershowitz also said impeachment was “like a nonviolent revolution” and had to be limited to great offenses of state.
“We look at their acts of state, we look at how they conduct the foreign policy, we look at how they try to subvert the Constitution the way Iran-Contra did by going behind the back of Congress, by lying repeatedly and by misstating to the American public matters of great state issues,” he said.
Dershowitz added that Iran-Contra, a scandal under President Ronald Reagan, was not an impeachable offense. However, his concession that abusing the trust was an impeachable offense seemed to be at odds with his current belief that abuse of power was not.
See more of that 1998 interview below:


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-19--Rep. Pramila Jayapal, A Leading Progressive, Endorses Bernie Sanders For President

Rep. Pramila Jayapal ( D-Wash. ) announced Sunday that she has decided to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president , adding to the list of notable progressive Democrats backing the Vermont senator .
Jayapal , who co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus , said she chose to endorse Sanders because the senator “ has a clarity on policy prescriptions that goes right to the heart of what working people need , ” according to The Washington Post , which first reported news of the endorsement .
Jayapal will also be named the national health policy chair and the Washington State chair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Post .
Jayapal , like Sanders , has been an outspoken advocate for “ Medicare for All , ” and was one of the first House Democrats to support the proposal .
“ Bernie has the bold passion , authenticity & clarity that working people across this country desperately need , ” Jayapal tweeted .
“ We are building the progressive movement that will bring justice & opportunity & transform out country.
” The endorsement expands Sanders ’ public support from progressive lawmakers .
Rep. Mark Pocan ( D-Wis. ) , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the senator just days earlier .
Jayapal , an Indian American , also joins the many diverse lawmakers who have endorsed Sanders , including three of the four members of the so-called Squad ― freshmen Reps. Ilhan Omar ( D-Minn. ) , Rashida Tlaib ( D-Mich. ) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) .
Rep. Ayanna Pressley ( D-Mass . )
, the fourth member , endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren ( D-Mass . )
for president .
Warren has formed a strong friendship with Jayapal in recent years , and the pair recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are doing to prevent corruption and stop conflicts of interests in the private prison and detention industries .
Jayapal ’ s endorsement deals a blow to Warren , whose competition with Sanders for progressive endorsements appears to be growing as the two work to move past a conflict that dominated headlines over the past week .
Warren on Saturday received the endorsement of Janet Petersen , the Iowa state Senate ’ s Democratic leader .
Both candidates ’ endorsements in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of the Feb. 3 Iowa Caucuses .

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Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) announced Sunday that she has decided to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, adding to the list of notable progressive Democrats backing the Vermont senator.
Jayapal, who co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said she chose to endorse Sanders because the senator “has a clarity on policy prescriptions that goes right to the heart of what working people need,” according to The Washington Post, which first reported news of the endorsement.
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Jayapal will also be named the national health policy chair and the Washington State chair for the Sanders campaign, she told The Post. Jayapal, like Sanders, has been an outspoken advocate for “Medicare for All,” and was one of the first House Democrats to support the proposal.
Jayapal is expected to speak at a Sanders rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on Monday.
“Bernie has the bold passion, authenticity & clarity that working people across this country desperately need,” Jayapal tweeted. “We are building the progressive movement that will bring justice & opportunity & transform out country.”
The endorsement expands Sanders’ public support from progressive lawmakers. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), the other co-chair of the CPC, endorsed the senator just days earlier.
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Warren has formed a strong friendship with Jayapal in recent years, and the pair recently co-authored a letter to officials demanding to know what U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are doing to prevent corruption and stop conflicts of interests in the private prison and detention industries.
Jayapal’s endorsement deals a blow to Warren, whose competition with Sanders for progressive endorsements appears to be growing as the two work to move past a conflict that dominated headlines over the past week.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--2 Dead, 15 Reportedly Injured In Shooting Outside Missouri Bar

KANSAS CITY , Mo .
( AP ) — Police in Kansas City , Missouri , say at least two people are dead and 15 people were reportedly injured in a shooting outside a bar .
The shooting took place shortly before midnight Sunday , Kansas City police said at the scene .
Capt .
David Jackson said responding officers found “ a chaotic scene ” and had to call in help from around the city .
A man and a woman were found dead .
# BREAKING : Two people are dead and up to 15 are hurt after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 9ine Ultra Lounge was hosting a sold-out celebration party after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship .
https : //t.co/evuXsMGZ7u pic.twitter.com/FKV51By6Ea — Jacob Kuerth ( @ jacobkuerth ) January 20 , 2020 Police believe the shooter is one of the deceased .
A spokesman said the shooter opened fire on a line of people waiting to enter a bar , but the motive for the shooting wasn ’ t immediately clear .
The shooter was shot by an armed security guard , police said .
During the investigation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 — were showing up to local hospitals with injuries from the shooting .
At least three people were in critical condition , police said .
The scene was near U.S. Highway 40 .
News outlets at the scene identified the bar outside which the shooting took place as 9ine Ultra Lounge .
A Facebook post on the club ’ s page advertised Sunday night ’ s “ Sold Out Sundays ” event , which appeared to be a celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs .
The Chiefs — featured on the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Titans on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl .
“ It just put such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City , ” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said at the scene , referencing the win .
“ It ’ s just hard to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time.
” Our greatest challenges remain even this morning in our community .
My thoughts are with the families and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or impacted by last night ’ s mass shooting .
Thankful security appears to have kept the situation from being even worse .
https : //t.co/vF4C2W4dCl — Mayor Q ( @ QuintonLucasKC ) January 20 , 2020

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — An armed security guard may have shot and killed a man suspected of fatally shooting a woman and injuring 15 more people outside a bar in Kansas City, Missouri, police said Monday.
A motive for the attack shortly before midnight Sunday outside 9ine Ultra Lounge was not immediately clear.
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Kansas City Police Capt. David Jackson told reporters that responding officers found “a chaotic scene.” A man and a woman were killed and police believe the shooter is the deceased man, Jackson said.
#BREAKING: Two people are dead and up to 15 are hurt after a shooting outside a Kansas City nightclub. The 9ine Ultra Lounge was hosting a sold-out celebration party after the Kansas City Chiefs won the AFC Championship. https://t.co/evuXsMGZ7u pic.twitter.com/FKV51By6Ea — Jacob Kuerth (@jacobkuerth) January 20, 2020
A spokesman said a gunman opened fire on a line of people waiting to enter the bar. The shooter was shot by an armed security guard, police said.
At least 15 went to hospitals with injuries related to the shooting, police said. It’s unclear whether all the injured victims suffered gunshot wounds. At least three people are in critical condition, police said.
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The shooting at 9ine Ultra Lounge happened around 11:30 p.m. @kcpolice is still talking with possible witnesses in the parking lot. @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/3fcYaADoYi — Savannah Rudicel (@SavannahKCTV5) January 20, 2020
Also late Sunday, two people were shot to death and at least five were injured in an attack outside a bar in San Antonio, Texas. The suspected gunman was still on the loose Monday, police said.
A Facebook post on 9ine Ultra Lounge’s page advertised Sunday night’s “Sold Out Sundays” event, which appeared to be a celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs — featured on the event’s artwork — beat the Tennessee Titans on Sunday to advance to the Super Bowl.
“It just put such a tragic end to such a wonderful day in Kansas City,” Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said at the scene, referencing the win. “It’s just hard to stand here and talk about this kind of tragedy on really one of the best days Kansas City has had in a long time.”
Our greatest challenges remain even this morning in our community. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those whose lives were lost or impacted by last night’s mass shooting. Thankful security appears to have kept the situation from being even worse. https://t.co/vF4C2W4dCl — Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) January 20, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Lindsey Graham: Nancy Pelosi Is Taking Trump To 'The Church Of Holy Hell'

Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) is orchestrating “ the church of holy hell ” for President Donald Trump .
Pelosi , a devout Catholic , has said several times that she prays for Trump , even as the House has moved to impeach him .
“ I was raised in a way that is full of , a heart full of love and always pray for the president , ” Pelosi said last month .
“ And I still pray for the president .
I pray for the president all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s references to her faith into a talking point on “ Fox News Sunday.
” “ I like Nancy Pelosi , I ’ ve known her for years , ” Graham said .
“ I think she is a very religious person .
But when it comes to Donald Trump , Nancy Pelosi may pray for him privately , but she ’ s orchestrated the church of holy hell .
From the time Trump has been sworn in until now , it ’ s been one thing after another.
” Graham was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has since become one of the president ’ s biggest public defenders and has promised to “ end this crap as quickly as possible ” by pushing for a speedy impeachment trial in the Senate .
See more of his conversation with Chris Wallace below :

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is orchestrating “the church of holy hell” for President Donald Trump.
Pelosi, a devout Catholic, has said several times that she prays for Trump, even as the House has moved to impeach him.
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“I was raised in a way that is full of, a heart full of love and always pray for the president,” Pelosi said last month. “And I still pray for the president. I pray for the president all the time.”
Graham attempted to turn Pelosi’s references to her faith into a talking point on “Fox News Sunday.”
“I like Nancy Pelosi, I’ve known her for years,” Graham said. “I think she is a very religious person. But when it comes to Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi may pray for him privately, but she’s orchestrated the church of holy hell. From the time Trump has been sworn in until now, it’s been one thing after another.”
Graham was once an avowed Trump critic. He has since become one of the president’s biggest public defenders and has promised to “end this crap as quickly as possible” by pushing for a speedy impeachment trial in the Senate.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Thousands Of Pro-Gun Activists And Far-Right Extremists Swarm Richmond, Virginia

Win McNamee via Getty Images Gun rights advocates carrying military-style rifles attend a rally organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League near the state Capitol building in Richmond , Virginia , on Monday .
RICHMOND , Va. ― Thousands of pro-gun protesters , along with extremist factions from all over the country , crowded in and around Capitol Square on Monday for a pro-gun rally that for weeks has stoked fears of violence that reached the highest levels of Virginia government .
Three neo-Nazis associated with a violent white supremacist group called The Base were arrested last week after allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and open fire from different positions in order to cause chaos .
Gov .
Ralph Northam ( D ) declared a temporary emergency , banning all guns from Capitol Square for the event and saying there was “ credible intelligence ” that there may be violence .
Protesters of various gun control proposals in Virginia , some of whom were armed , gathered around the square as early as 5 a.m. Monday .
Police enforced the no-gun policy on the Capitol grounds by erecting a security checkpoint so protesters would enter and leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t stop other armed people from lining up in formation outside , and roaming downtown Richmond with guns on full display .
“ This is peaceful civil disobedience , ” said one armed protester named Michael , who declined to give his last name .
“ We ’ re not here for a fight , but we ’ re ready if need be.
” With the exception of major police presence , the Richmond rally had many of the same elements as the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began seeing symbols , flags and patches connected to various extremist and militia groups .
One member of the Proud Boys was seen wearing a patch reading “ RWDS ” — shorthand for “ Right-Wing Death Squad ” that is often used in reference to a fascist Chilean dictator who murdered , tortured or detained some 40,000 of his own people .
The protests initially were touted as being in response to a number of new gun control bills that have been introduced by Democratic lawmakers , including one that would require universal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handgun purchases to one per month .
The VCDL has also pushed back against a “ red flag ” bill that would allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from someone deemed to be a danger to themselves or others .
“ [ Democrats ] would love for it to degenerate to ‘ violence , rioting , and insurrection ’ in order to smear gun owners , ” the group said in a statement last week .
“ Has the Democrat leadership actually invited violent groups to attend for the purpose of disrupting our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , three of the suspected neo-Nazis accused of making plans to travel to the rally were apprehended .
The next day , three more suspected members of The Base were also arrested .
And just one day after that , a seventh alleged neo-Nazi associated with the group was arrested in Wisconsin .
Earlier this month , more than 400 people showed up to a meeting in Buckingham County to voice fears that the government would take away their guns following the introduction of a bill to ban assault rifles .
That bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judiciary Committee last week .
Counties throughout the U.S. , including in Virginia , are declaring themselves “ Second Amendment sanctuaries , ” a cynical play on the term used to describe cities that vow to protect undocumented immigrants by refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
The new gun “ sanctuaries ” are in response to a cultish , paranoid belief that the government is actively attempting to disarm law-abiding citizens .
But the declaration amounts to little more than a symbolic stance .
Gun laws are still enforced .

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RICHMOND, Va. ― Thousands of pro-gun protesters, along with extremist factions from all over the country, crowded in and around Capitol Square on Monday for a pro-gun rally that for weeks has stoked fears of violence that reached the highest levels of Virginia government.
Three neo-Nazis associated with a violent white supremacist group called The Base were arrested last week after allegedly discussing plans to travel to the rally and open fire from different positions in order to cause chaos. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) declared a temporary emergency, banning all guns from Capitol Square for the event and saying there was “credible intelligence” that there may be violence.
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Gun rights advocates carrying military-style rifles attend a rally organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League near the state Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia, on Monday. Win McNamee via Getty Images
Protesters of various gun control proposals in Virginia, some of whom were armed, gathered around the square as early as 5 a.m. Monday. Police enforced the no-gun policy on the Capitol grounds by erecting a security checkpoint so protesters would enter and leave through one space. But that didn’t stop other armed people from lining up in formation outside, and roaming downtown Richmond with guns on full display.
“This is peaceful civil disobedience,” said one armed protester named Michael, who declined to give his last name. “We’re not here for a fight, but we’re ready if need be.”
I’m in Richmond for today’s gun rally. Will be updating throughout the day. Stay safe everybody. pic.twitter.com/SzmhraTW8E — Sebastian Murdock (@SebastianMurdoc) January 20, 2020
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Thousands at Capitol, lines still long to get in pic.twitter.com/OItFyWfoR8 — Sebastian Murdock (@SebastianMurdoc) January 20, 2020
Just before noon, a man was detained reportedly attempting to gain access to the rooftops of a building near the Capitol, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The paper reported that the man didn’t have any guns visible at the time, but that he was “dressed up to be there,” according to a security guard for the building. The man was charged with trespassing. Reporters said there were few police in plain sight ― a stark contrast to militarized police presence often seen at other rallies and demonstrations, including those on college campuses.
What is so striking about the scene at the gun rights rally in Richmond is what you don’t see: almost no cops. Just that little cluster of state police there. No lines of riot cops. No law enforcement in riot gear. pic.twitter.com/W0jkwYmmkP — Lois Beckett (@loisbeckett) January 20, 2020
With the exception of major police presence, the Richmond rally had many of the same elements as the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville in August 2017.
Extremist groups with varying messages and intentions had planned for weeks to attend. Far-right militants, conspiracy theorists and other extremists, including members of the Proud Boys, Oath Keepers and American Guard, began gathering in Richmond on Sunday night.
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Reporters on location Monday morning began seeing symbols, flags and patches connected to various extremist and militia groups. One member of the Proud Boys was seen wearing a patch reading “RWDS” — shorthand for “Right-Wing Death Squad” that is often used in reference to a fascist Chilean dictator who murdered, tortured or detained some 40,000 of his own people.
And here I see my first RWDS (Right Wing Death Squad) patch of the day. pic.twitter.com/dv59VCdtUz — Robert Evans (The Only Robert Evans) (@IwriteOK) January 20, 2020
Anti-gun control group Virginia Citizens Defense League organized the rally and helped bus in people from throughout Virginia and other states.
The protests initially were touted as being in response to a number of new gun control bills that have been introduced by Democratic lawmakers, including one that would require universal background checks and another that would limit handgun purchases to one per month. The VCDL has also pushed back against a “red flag” bill that would allow authorities to temporarily confiscate guns from someone deemed to be a danger to themselves or others.
The VCDL has falsely accused Democrats of inviting violent groups to the rally in order to sow discord.
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“[Democrats] would love for it to degenerate to ‘violence, rioting, and insurrection’ in order to smear gun owners,” the group said in a statement last week. “Has the Democrat leadership actually invited violent groups to attend for the purpose of disrupting our peaceful assembly?”
Just hours later, three of the suspected neo-Nazis accused of making plans to travel to the rally were apprehended. The next day, three more suspected members of The Base were also arrested. And just one day after that, a seventh alleged neo-Nazi associated with the group was arrested in Wisconsin.
President Donald Trump tweeted about the rally Monday, seemingly legitimizing protesters’ fears that Virginia’s proposed restrictions were “just the beginning” for gun control nationwide.
“The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights,” he wrote.
The Democrat Party in the Great Commonwealth of Virginia are working hard to take away your 2nd Amendment rights. This is just the beginning. Don’t let it happen, VOTE REPUBLICAN in 2020! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2020
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The president also tweeted about the rally last week, warning people that voting for Democrats would result in their guns being taken away.
Earlier this month, more than 400 people showed up to a meeting in Buckingham County to voice fears that the government would take away their guns following the introduction of a bill to ban assault rifles. That bill was struck down by the state Senate Judiciary Committee last week.
Counties throughout the U.S., including in Virginia, are declaring themselves “Second Amendment sanctuaries,” a cynical play on the term used to describe cities that vow to protect undocumented immigrants by refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The new gun “sanctuaries” are in response to a cultish, paranoid belief that the government is actively attempting to disarm law-abiding citizens. But the declaration amounts to little more than a symbolic stance. Gun laws are still enforced.
By early afternoon, militia groups that had donned full camouflage and assault rifles began to disperse. The president tweeted he would “NEVER allow our great Second Amendment to go unprotected, not even a little bit!”
But the day of uninterrupted outrage from those carrying military-style murder weapons only highlights that there is no government boogeyman trying to forcefully take Americans’ guns, no matter how much they might try to pretend otherwise.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-20--Ahead Of Arguments, Trump's Legal Team Asserts He Did 'Absolutely Nothing Wrong'

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — President Donald Trump ’ s legal team asserted Monday that he did “ absolutely nothing wrong , ” calling the impeachment case against him flimsy and a “ dangerous perversion of the Constitution.
” The brief from Trump ’ s lawyers , filed ahead of arguments expected later this week in the Senate impeachment trial , offered the most detailed glimpse of the lines of defense they intend to use against Democratic efforts to convict the president and oust him from office over his dealings with Ukraine .
It is meant as a counter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Democrats that summarized weeks of testimony from more than a dozen witnesses in laying out the impeachment case .
The 110-page filing from the White House shifted the tone toward a more legal response but still hinged on Trump ’ s assertion he did nothing wrong and did not commit a crime — even though impeachment does not depend on a material violation of law but rather on the more vague definition of “ other high crimes and misdemeanors ” as established in the Constitution .
It says the two articles of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power and obstruction of Congress — don ’ t amount to impeachment offenses .
It asserts that the impeachment inquiry centered on Trump ’ s request that Ukraine ’ s president open an investigation into Democratic rival Joe Biden was never about finding the truth .
“ Instead , House Democrats were determined from the outset to find some way — any way — to corrupt the extraordinary power of impeachment for use as a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
“ All of that is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn.
” The prosecution team of House managers was expected to spend another day on Capitol Hill preparing for the trial , which will be under heavy security .
Ahead of the filing , House prosecutors arrived on Capitol Hill to tour the Senate chamber .
Opening arguments are expected within days following a debate over rules .
The White House brief argues that the articles of impeachment passed by the House are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multiple acts , creating “ a menu of options ” as possible grounds for conviction .
The Trump team claims that the Constitution requires that senators agree “ on the specific basis for conviction ” and that there is no way to ensure that the senators agree on which acts are worthy of removal .
Senior administration officials argued that similar imprecision in the articles applied to the multi-part article of impeachment for perjury in the Bill Clinton impeachment trial .
They accused Democrats of diluting the standards for impeachment , an argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of Trump ’ s attorneys , Alan Dershowitz , who contended on a series of talk shows that impeachable offenses must be “ criminal-like conduct.
” That assertion has been rejected by scholars , and Rep. Adam Schiff , the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee , called it an “ absurdist position .
”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s legal team asserted Monday that he did “absolutely nothing wrong,” calling the impeachment case against him flimsy and a “dangerous perversion of the Constitution.”
The brief from Trump’s lawyers, filed ahead of arguments expected later this week in the Senate impeachment trial, offered the most detailed glimpse of the lines of defense they intend to use against Democratic efforts to convict the president and oust him from office over his dealings with Ukraine. It is meant as a counter to a brief filed two days ago by House Democrats that summarized weeks of testimony from more than a dozen witnesses in laying out the impeachment case.
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The 110-page filing from the White House shifted the tone toward a more legal response but still hinged on Trump’s assertion he did nothing wrong and did not commit a crime — even though impeachment does not depend on a material violation of law but rather on the more vague definition of “other high crimes and misdemeanors” as established in the Constitution.
It says the two articles of impeachment brought against the president — abuse of power and obstruction of Congress — don’t amount to impeachment offenses. It asserts that the impeachment inquiry centered on Trump’s request that Ukraine’s president open an investigation into Democratic rival Joe Biden was never about finding the truth.
“Instead, House Democrats were determined from the outset to find some way — any way — to corrupt the extraordinary power of impeachment for use as a political tool to overturn the result of the 2016 election and to interfere in the 2020 election,” Trump’s legal team wrote. “All of that is a dangerous perversion of the Constitution that the Senate should swiftly and roundly condemn.”
The prosecution team of House managers was expected to spend another day on Capitol Hill preparing for the trial, which will be under heavy security. Ahead of the filing, House prosecutors arrived on Capitol Hill to tour the Senate chamber. Opening arguments are expected within days following a debate over rules.
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The White House brief argues that the articles of impeachment passed by the House are “structurally deficient” because they charge multiple acts, creating “a menu of options” as possible grounds for conviction.
The Trump team claims that the Constitution requires that senators agree “on the specific basis for conviction” and that there is no way to ensure that the senators agree on which acts are worthy of removal. Senior administration officials argued that similar imprecision in the articles applied to the multi-part article of impeachment for perjury in the Bill Clinton impeachment trial.