thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--New York Times Runs Anti-Immigration Op-Ed By Noted Hate Group

The New York Times published an op-ed decrying immigration by an author claiming to be a “ liberal restrictionist ” who is in fact attached to a known hate group .
The column , published Friday , was written by Jerry Kammer , “ a senior research fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies , ” according to the biography listed under his byline .
CIS , which calls itself “ an independent , non-partisan , non-profit , research organization , ” is a known hate group that has been described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-immigrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with white nationalists .
“ I ’ m a Liberal Who Thinks Immigration Must Be Restricted , ” Kammer ’ s headline reads .
The piece begins with an anecdote about how immigrants take the jobs of American-born workers and later claims “ many liberal Democrats ” want illegal immigration to run rampant : Now many liberal Democrats , including those who call for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement , seek to erase the distinction between legal and illegal immigration .
Under the banner of inclusiveness , equality , human rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interventions in the third world , those liberals demand sanctuary for those who make it past the Border Patrol or overstay a visa .
Few speak openly of open borders , but that is essentially what they are calling for .
Throughout the piece , Kammer seems set on reminding readers that he is liberal , even if his views might suggest otherwise .
“ That ’ s why I call myself a liberal restrictionist , ” Kammer , a former journalist , writes .
“ I have long considered myself a moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been the allies of working people.
” White House adviser Stephen Miller , a white nationalist , has cited CIS when speaking about immigration , and in 2011 , the group released a report attempting to connect immigration with the creation of future terrorists , calling them “ terror babies.
” The organization has gained credibility by writing pseudo-science “ research ” papers that are little more than racist ideology dressed up in scholarly language .
According to the SPLC , “ longtime CIS executive director Mark Krikorian ’ s contributions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ petulant commentary dashed with extremist statements.
” Running a column by an author employed by a known hate group is the latest in the Times ’ s run of publishing racist pieces in its opinion section .
In December , columnist and known bedbug Bret Stephens cited a study by a white nationalist that falsely claimed Ashkenazi Jews have a higher IQ than other races .
The study he cited “ traffics in centuries-old anti-Semitic tropes , ” according to the SPLC .

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The New York Times published an op-ed decrying immigration by an author claiming to be a “liberal restrictionist” who is in fact attached to a known hate group.
The column, published Friday, was written by Jerry Kammer, “a senior research fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies,” according to the biography listed under his byline.
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CIS, which calls itself “an independent, non-partisan, non-profit, research organization,” is a known hate group that has been described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an anti-immigrant movement that hires racist writers and associates with white nationalists.
“I’m a Liberal Who Thinks Immigration Must Be Restricted,” Kammer’s headline reads. The piece begins with an anecdote about how immigrants take the jobs of American-born workers and later claims “many liberal Democrats” want illegal immigration to run rampant:
Now many liberal Democrats, including those who call for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, seek to erase the distinction between legal and illegal immigration. Under the banner of inclusiveness, equality, human rights, racial reconciliation and reparations for American interventions in the third world, those liberals demand sanctuary for those who make it past the Border Patrol or overstay a visa. Few speak openly of open borders, but that is essentially what they are calling for.
Throughout the piece, Kammer seems set on reminding readers that he is liberal, even if his views might suggest otherwise.
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“That’s why I call myself a liberal restrictionist,” Kammer, a former journalist, writes. “I have long considered myself a moderate liberal, in part because Democrats have always been the allies of working people.”
White House adviser Stephen Miller, a white nationalist, has cited CIS when speaking about immigration, and in 2011, the group released a report attempting to connect immigration with the creation of future terrorists, calling them “terror babies.”
The organization has gained credibility by writing pseudo-science “research” papers that are little more than racist ideology dressed up in scholarly language. According to the SPLC, “longtime CIS executive director Mark Krikorian’s contributions to the immigration policy debate rarely rise above petulant commentary dashed with extremist statements.”
Running a column by an author employed by a known hate group is the latest in the Times’s run of publishing racist pieces in its opinion section. In December, columnist and known bedbug Bret Stephens cited a study by a white nationalist that falsely claimed Ashkenazi Jews have a higher IQ than other races. The study he cited “traffics in centuries-old anti-Semitic tropes,” according to the SPLC.
Do better, New York Times.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Supreme Court To Hear Trump Appeal In Obamacare Contraception Fight

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday took up an appeal by President Donald Trump ’ s administration seeking to enforce new federal rules allowing employers to obtain religious exemptions from an Obamacare requirement that health insurance that they provide to employees pays for women ’ s birth control .
At issue is a challenge by the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the administration ’ s 2018 rule that permits broad religious and moral exemptions to the Affordable Care Act ’ s contraception mandate and expands accommodations already allowed under the 2010 law dubbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court to reverse a nationwide injunction issued by a lower court blocking the rule from taking effect .
The administration was joined by the Little Sisters of the Poor , an Roman Catholic order of nuns that is one of the groups seeking an exemption for its employees .
Arguments in the case before the high court , which has a 5-4 conservative majority including two justices appointed by Trump , are likely to be in April with a ruling due by the end of June .
The Obamacare contraceptive mandate requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ birth control with no co-payment .
Previously , many employer-provided insurance policies did not offer this coverage .
The blocked Trump rule would allow any nonprofit or for-profit employer , including publicly held companies , to seek an exemption on religious grounds .
A moral objection can be made by nonprofits and companies that are not publicly traded .
In practice , many of these employers can still seek exemptions because of a different injunction issued by a judge in Texas last year that provides similarly broad exemptions to the contraception requirement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s administration had legal authority to expand the exemption under both the Obamacare law itself and another federal law , the Religious Freedom restoration Act , which allows people to press religious claims against the federal government .
The Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld a nationwide injunction issued by a district court judge in the lawsuit by New Jersey and Pennsylvania , blocking implementation of the rule .
Separately , the San Francisco-based 9th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld a lower court ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of 14 states .
The administration was joined by the Little Sisters of the Poor , an Roman Catholic order of nuns that is one of the groups seeking an exemption for its employees , in appealing the 3rd Circuit ruling to the Supreme Court .
It is the second time the justices addressed the question of religious accommodations to the contraception provision in the healthcare law signed by Trump ’ s Democratic predecessor Barack Obama .
In 2016 , the justices sidestepped a decision on previous rules issued by the Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower courts .
At that time , religious employers including the Little Sisters opposed the government rules .
This time , following changes made by the Trump administration , they supported them .
Under the Obama rule , religious entities were exempt and an accommodation was created for religiously affiliated nonprofit employers , which some groups objected to for not going far enough .

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday took up an appeal by President Donald Trump’s administration seeking to enforce new federal rules allowing employers to obtain religious exemptions from an Obamacare requirement that health insurance that they provide to employees pays for women’s birth control.
At issue is a challenge by the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the administration’s 2018 rule that permits broad religious and moral exemptions to the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate and expands accommodations already allowed under the 2010 law dubbed Obamacare. The administration has asked the Supreme Court to reverse a nationwide injunction issued by a lower court blocking the rule from taking effect.
The administration was joined by the Little Sisters of the Poor, an Roman Catholic order of nuns that is one of the groups seeking an exemption for its employees.
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Arguments in the case before the high court, which has a 5-4 conservative majority including two justices appointed by Trump, are likely to be in April with a ruling due by the end of June.
The Obamacare contraceptive mandate requires that employer-provided health insurance include coverage for birth control with no co-payment. Previously, many employer-provided insurance policies did not offer this coverage.
The blocked Trump rule would allow any nonprofit or for-profit employer, including publicly held companies, to seek an exemption on religious grounds. A moral objection can be made by nonprofits and companies that are not publicly traded.
The administration’s rule also applies to religiously affiliated universities that provide health insurance to students.
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In practice, many of these employers can still seek exemptions because of a different injunction issued by a judge in Texas last year that provides similarly broad exemptions to the contraception requirement.
The legal question is whether Trump’s administration had legal authority to expand the exemption under both the Obamacare law itself and another federal law, the Religious Freedom restoration Act, which allows people to press religious claims against the federal government.
The Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld a nationwide injunction issued by a district court judge in the lawsuit by New Jersey and Pennsylvania, blocking implementation of the rule. Separately, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year upheld a lower court’s injunction blocking the rule in a group of 14 states.
The administration was joined by the Little Sisters of the Poor, an Roman Catholic order of nuns that is one of the groups seeking an exemption for its employees, in appealing the 3rd Circuit ruling to the Supreme Court.
It is the second time the justices addressed the question of religious accommodations to the contraception provision in the healthcare law signed by Trump’s Democratic predecessor Barack Obama. In 2016, the justices sidestepped a decision on previous rules issued by the Obama administration, sending the dispute back to lower courts.
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At that time, religious employers including the Little Sisters opposed the government rules. This time, following changes made by the Trump administration, they supported them.
Under the Obama rule, religious entities were exempt and an accommodation was created for religiously affiliated nonprofit employers, which some groups objected to for not going far enough.
In a 2014 Supreme Court decision involving Christian-owned craft store chain Hobby Lobby Stores Inc, the court said that privately held companies could bring objections to the contraception mandate on religious grounds.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Former State Teacher Of The Year Kneels During Anthem At Game Attended By Trump

Former Minnesota Teacher of the Year Kelly D. Holstine took a knee during the national anthem at a college football national championship game attended by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump .
Holstine was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in May 2018 .
She was among a number of acclaimed teachers in the nationwide program being honored at the game between Louisiana State University and Clemson University in New Orleans on Monday night .
The educator wrote on Twitter later that night that she knelt because she was given a “ platform to stand up for marginalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photograph that showed her kneeling on the field among top teachers from other states who stood beside her .
“ Like many before , I respectfully kneeled during Nat ’ l Anthem because , ‘ No one is free until we are all free ’ ( MLK ) .
” Honored as State Teachers of the Year at NCAA Champ FB Game .
Given platform to stand up for marginalized and oppressed people .
Like many before , I respectfully kneeled during Nat ’ l Anthem because , “ No one is free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLK ) .
# imwithkap # blacklivesmatter # LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/DimP3pBtBn — Kelly D. Holstine ( she/her ) ( @ kellydholstine ) January 14 , 2020 Holstine included the hashtags # LGBTQ , # blacklivesmatter and # imwithkap – the latter referencing Colin Kaepernick , who famously began kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games in 2016 to protest all forms of social injustice .
The NFL has been widely accused of blackballing Kaepernick , a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has remained unsigned by a team since he became a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told The Hill that she knew Trump would be at the game ahead of time , and that his administration helped fuel her decision to kneel .
“ I think that the current environment that is being created and has been created in his tenure definitely adds to my feelings of wanting to support individuals who are not being supported , ” she said .
“ I really feel like our country is not serving the needs of all its inhabitants … so many humans right now that are not being given the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Last year , Holstine was one of two state teachers of the year who boycotted a visit to the White House to meet Trump .
Speaking about her boycott , Holstine told the Minneapolis Star Tribune in May that she was frustrated with the messages and policies coming out of the Trump administration , and that they affect the students she works with , who she said “ face discrimination and prejudice every day of their lives.
” Holstine , who previously taught English at an alternative high school in Shakopee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of educational equity at Outfront Minnesota , a LGBTQ advocacy organization .
Last week , she delivered a TED-ed Educator Talk , where she argued that it was “ not enough for educators to be just allies , we need them to be advocates too .
”

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Former Minnesota Teacher of the Year Kelly D. Holstine took a knee during the national anthem at a college football national championship game attended by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
Holstine was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in May 2018. She was among a number of acclaimed teachers in the nationwide program being honored at the game between Louisiana State University and Clemson University in New Orleans on Monday night.
Advertisement
The educator wrote on Twitter later that night that she knelt because she was given a “platform to stand up for marginalized and oppressed people.”
She shared a photograph that showed her kneeling on the field among top teachers from other states who stood beside her.
“Like many before, I respectfully kneeled during Nat’l Anthem because, ‘No one is free until we are all free’ (MLK).”
Honored as State Teachers of the Year at NCAA Champ FB Game. Given platform to stand up for marginalized and oppressed people. Like many before, I respectfully kneeled during Nat’l Anthem because, “No one is free until we are all free” (MLK). #imwithkap #blacklivesmatter #LGBTQ pic.twitter.com/DimP3pBtBn — Kelly D. Holstine (she/her) (@kellydholstine) January 14, 2020
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Holstine included the hashtags #LGBTQ, #blacklivesmatter and #imwithkap – the latter referencing Colin Kaepernick, who famously began kneeling during the national anthem at NFL games in 2016 to protest all forms of social injustice.
The NFL has been widely accused of blackballing Kaepernick, a former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has remained unsigned by a team since he became a free agent after the 2016 season.
Holstine told The Hill that she knew Trump would be at the game ahead of time, and that his administration helped fuel her decision to kneel.
“I think that the current environment that is being created and has been created in his tenure definitely adds to my feelings of wanting to support individuals who are not being supported,” she said. “I really feel like our country is not serving the needs of all its inhabitants … so many humans right now that are not being given the respect and the rights that they deserve.”
Last year, Holstine was one of two state teachers of the year who boycotted a visit to the White House to meet Trump.
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Speaking about her boycott, Holstine told the Minneapolis Star Tribune in May that she was frustrated with the messages and policies coming out of the Trump administration, and that they affect the students she works with, who she said “face discrimination and prejudice every day of their lives.”
Holstine, who previously taught English at an alternative high school in Shakopee, Minnesota, now serves as the director of educational equity at Outfront Minnesota, a LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Last week, she delivered a TED-ed Educator Talk, where she argued that it was “not enough for educators to be just allies, we need them to be advocates too.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--New Records Bare Extensive Links Between Devin Nunes Aide And Lev Parnas

The frequent communications between Parnas and Nunes ’ s aide Derek Harvey were revealed in records provided by Parnas and released Friday night by the U.S. House .
The information is particularly problematic for the GOP congressman — the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee — because of his role in the House impeachment hearings concerning Donald Trump ’ s pressure on Ukraine to announce an investigation into the president ’ s political rival Joe Biden .
Nunes participated in the hearings and strongly defended Trump , even though the records indicate he may have been involved in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the scheme to press Ukraine to investigate Biden .
But text messages released Friday between Parnas and Harvey indicate that Nunes ’ s office was aware of the operation at the heart of the impeachment inquiry and that he sought to use the information Parnas was collecting .
Texts show that Parnas was working last spring to set up calls for Harvey with the Ukrainian prosecutors who were allegedly providing information about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter to Giuliani , Trump ’ s personal attorney .
Parnas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finance violations , worked to strong-arm Ukraine into launching a Biden investigation .
He said he was following Trump ’ s wishes , communicated to him by Giuliani .
Parnas told MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow earlier this week that , although Nunes “ couldn ’ t be in the spotlight , ” he “ wanted to help out ” in the Ukraine operation .
( See the video above . )
Parnas said he was put in touch then with Harvey , who “ knew everything ” already when the two men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote to Harvey in a text on April 19 : “ Do you want to interview the general prosecutor who got [ ditched ] by Biden ?
Also the anti corruption prosecutor ?
Let me know.
” Parnas told Maddow he was “ in shock ” when he watched the impeachment hearings and “ saw Devin Nunes sitting up there ” with Harvey .
“ I texted my attorney .
I said , ‘ I can ’ t believe this is happening ’ ... because they were involved in getting all this stuff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month on Trump ’ s impeachment also noted several direct calls between Nunes and Parnas , according to logs .
Nunes said after the House report that he could not recall ever speaking with Parnas .
But he told Fox News on Wednesday that his memory was refreshed after he reviewed his records .
“ I checked it with my records , and it was very clear , ” he said .
“ I remember that call , which was very odd , random , talking about random things .
And I said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just talk to my staff , ’ and boom , boom , boom .
That ’ s just normal operating procedure.
” But there were several phone calls , according to records noted in the House impeachment report .

The frequent communications between Parnas and Nunes’s aide Derek Harvey were revealed in records provided by Parnas and released Friday night by the U.S. House.
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The information is particularly problematic for the GOP congressman — the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee — because of his role in the House impeachment hearings concerning Donald Trump’s pressure on Ukraine to announce an investigation into the president’s political rival Joe Biden. Nunes participated in the hearings and strongly defended Trump, even though the records indicate he may have been involved in the operation. Nunes has denied any role in the scheme to press Ukraine to investigate Biden.
But text messages released Friday between Parnas and Harvey indicate that Nunes’s office was aware of the operation at the heart of the impeachment inquiry and that he sought to use the information Parnas was collecting. Texts show that Parnas was working last spring to set up calls for Harvey with the Ukrainian prosecutors who were allegedly providing information about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter to Giuliani, Trump’s personal attorney.
Parnas, who has been indicted for alleged campaign finance violations, worked to strong-arm Ukraine into launching a Biden investigation. He said he was following Trump’s wishes, communicated to him by Giuliani.
Parnas told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow earlier this week that, although Nunes “couldn’t be in the spotlight,” he “wanted to help out” in the Ukraine operation. (See the video above.) Parnas said he was put in touch then with Harvey, who “knew everything” already when the two men talked, according to Parnas.
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Parnas wrote to Harvey in a text on April 19: “Do you want to interview the general prosecutor who got [ditched] by Biden? Also the anti corruption prosecutor? Let me know.”
“Does tomorrow work?” Harvey responded, according to a text.
Texts also show that Harvey met with Parnas and Giuliani at the Trump hotel in Washington. Parnas told Maddow he met “several times” with Nunes at the hotel.
Parnas told Maddow he was “in shock” when he watched the impeachment hearings and “saw Devin Nunes sitting up there” with Harvey. “I texted my attorney. I said, ‘I can’t believe this is happening’ ... because they were involved in getting all this stuff on Biden.”
He added: “It’s hard to see them lie like that. It’s scary.”
A House report last month on Trump’s impeachment also noted several direct calls between Nunes and Parnas, according to logs.
More calls between Devin Nunes and Lev Parnas, including one that lasted 8 minutes on April 12. pic.twitter.com/ghBOKKHohc — Natasha Bertrand (@NatashaBertrand) December 3, 2019
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Nunes said after the House report that he could not recall ever speaking with Parnas. But he told Fox News on Wednesday that his memory was refreshed after he reviewed his records.
“I checked it with my records, and it was very clear,” he said. “I remember that call, which was very odd, random, talking about random things. And I said, ‘Great, you know, just talk to my staff,’ and boom, boom, boom. That’s just normal operating procedure.” But there were several phone calls, according to records noted in the House impeachment report.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Joe Biden Doubles Down On A Racist Myth About Black Parents

In a long and often rambling interview with The New York Times published Friday , former Vice President Joe Biden responded to a question about the legacy of racism by blaming Black parents for the racial achievement gap .
In the third 2020 Democratic presidential debate , held in September , Biden had said that one way America could address the legacy of slavery and segregation was by bridging the “ word gap ” between white and Black children .
“ A kid coming from a very poor school , a very poor background , will hear 4 million words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , ” Biden said .
He then recommended that Black parents play records at night to “ make sure that kids hear words.
” The New York Times editorial board pressed Biden on these claims and asked him to elaborate on how solving the word gap would address the legacy of slavery .
Biden began his answer by noting that former President Barack Obama had also been criticized for advising Black parents to take more responsibility for raising children .
He then suggested that America could do more to help minority parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for themselves and their families.
” Finally , he suggested that Black parents may not participate in their children ’ s schooling due to embarrassment about their own lack of education .
Biden said he ’ d learned from his wife , a former school teacher , that poor parents “ don ’ t show up because they ’ re embarrassed .
They ’ re embarrassed the teacher ’ s going to say — and it ’ s hard to say , ‘ Well , I can ’ t read.
’ ” While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden ’ s suggestion that Black parents are reluctant to participate in their children ’ s education and are responsible for the racial achievement gap has no basis in fact .
To start with , the supposed “ word gap ” between white and minority students is a highly contested notion .
The research on which it is based was carried out in the early 1980s with just 42 families .
The researchers , both of whom were white , recorded the interactions of white and Black families and concluded that Black children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time they were 3 years old than white children ― a deficit that significantly impeded their linguistic and cognitive abilities .
It was the perfect factoid for the pre-TED Talk era .
Politicians across the spectrum cited the “ 30 million ” figure throughout the 1990s and 2000s , often coupling the figure with advice ( based on no academic research ) that Black parents should play records featuring spoken English to their children .
As the simplistic version of the “ word gap ” gained popular currency , however , research began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it came to racial achievement .
While gaps in standardized test results between white and Black students do indeed still exist , few academics now explain the cause with a single reason or number .
In 2018 , researchers surveyed a much broader range of families than the original study did and found vast linguistic diversity among families of all races and socioeconomic statuses .
Far from being bereft of speech , low-income and minority families were , in the words of linguist William Labov , “ bathed in verbal stimulation from morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the “ word gap ” were bad , but his suggestion that Black parents are reluctant to participate in their children ’ s education was even worse .
For decades , white politicians have blamed Black parents , rather than the legacy of racism , for disparities in achievement .
Studies have consistently found that Black parents are more likely than whites to value post-secondary education .
Segregation , mass incarceration and poorly funded schools ― i.e .
things that fall squarely under Biden ’ s responsibility as a politician ― play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achievement gap than parenting styles .
Remarkably , The New York Times editorial board tried to give Biden an out , suggesting that some minority parents are working second jobs .
Instead of taking the point , Biden doubled down .
“ Well , that ’ s true , ” he said , “ but there ’ s also a good deal of it , and check with the educators , there ’ s a good deal is they just don ’ t know what to say , many of them .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @

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In a long and often rambling interview with The New York Times published Friday, former Vice President Joe Biden responded to a question about the legacy of racism by blaming Black parents for the racial achievement gap.
In the third 2020 Democratic presidential debate, held in September, Biden had said that one way America could address the legacy of slavery and segregation was by bridging the “word gap” between white and Black children. “A kid coming from a very poor school, a very poor background, will hear 4 million words fewer spoken by the time we get there,” Biden said. He then recommended that Black parents play records at night to “make sure that kids hear words.”
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The New York Times editorial board pressed Biden on these claims and asked him to elaborate on how solving the word gap would address the legacy of slavery. Biden began his answer by noting that former President Barack Obama had also been criticized for advising Black parents to take more responsibility for raising children. He then suggested that America could do more to help minority parents “provide more guidance and better guidance for themselves and their families.”
Finally, he suggested that Black parents may not participate in their children’s schooling due to embarrassment about their own lack of education. Biden said he’d learned from his wife, a former school teacher, that poor parents “don’t show up because they’re embarrassed. They’re embarrassed the teacher’s going to say — and it’s hard to say, ‘Well, I can’t read.’”
While somewhat masked by his choppy delivery, Biden’s suggestion that Black parents are reluctant to participate in their children’s education and are responsible for the racial achievement gap has no basis in fact.
Former Vice President Joe Biden told The New York Times that he’d learned from his wife, a former school teacher, that poor parents “don’t show up because they’re embarrassed." Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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To start with, the supposed “word gap” between white and minority students is a highly contested notion. The research on which it is based was carried out in the early 1980s with just 42 families. The researchers, both of whom were white, recorded the interactions of white and Black families and concluded that Black children heard 30 million fewer words by the time they were 3 years old than white children ― a deficit that significantly impeded their linguistic and cognitive abilities.
It was the perfect factoid for the pre-TED Talk era. Politicians across the spectrum cited the “30 million” figure throughout the 1990s and 2000s, often coupling the figure with advice (based on no academic research) that Black parents should play records featuring spoken English to their children.
As the simplistic version of the “word gap” gained popular currency, however, research began to paint a more complicated picture when it came to racial achievement. While gaps in standardized test results between white and Black students do indeed still exist, few academics now explain the cause with a single reason or number.
In 2018, researchers surveyed a much broader range of families than the original study did and found vast linguistic diversity among families of all races and socioeconomic statuses. Far from being bereft of speech, low-income and minority families were, in the words of linguist William Labov, “bathed in verbal stimulation from morning to night.”
“For decades, white politicians have blamed Black parents, rather than the legacy of racism, for disparities in achievement.”
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Biden’s comments on the “word gap” were bad, but his suggestion that Black parents are reluctant to participate in their children’s education was even worse. For decades, white politicians have blamed Black parents, rather than the legacy of racism, for disparities in achievement.
Studies have consistently found that Black parents are more likely than whites to value post-secondary education. Segregation, mass incarceration and poorly funded schools ― i.e. things that fall squarely under Biden’s responsibility as a politician ― play a larger role in exacerbating the racial achievement gap than parenting styles.
Remarkably, The New York Times editorial board tried to give Biden an out, suggesting that some minority parents are working second jobs. Instead of taking the point, Biden doubled down.
“Well, that’s true,” he said, “but there’s also a good deal of it, and check with the educators, there’s a good deal is they just don’t know what to say, many of them. They don’t show up.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--Ex-Obama Photographer Mocks Donald Trump With A Peach Of An Old Picture

The Obama era White House photographer on Friday mocked President Donald Trump over his impeachment by posting an old image @ @ @ @ @ eating a peach .
“ POTUS with a peach as opposed to an impeached POTUS @ @ @ @ @ 2009 snap of Obama inside a Kroger supermarket in Bristol , Virginia .
Souza often @ @ @ @ @ give his 2.1 million followers a glimpse at what life was like during Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ shade at the incumbent president .

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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--Sean Hannity Delivers What Could Be Most Self-Unaware Moment Of 2020 So Far

You know , the laundry list of people that now are experts , Comey , Brennan , McCabe , Clapper @ @ @ @ @ and now they ’ re getting paid gigs on the same networks that got it @ @ @ @ @ unbelievable .
Great gig , I guess , if you can get it .
Lying @ @ @ @ @ pays for people .
It pays pretty well .
So what ’ s that ?
@ @ @ @ @ , you know they ’ re just liars , they ’ re just advancing a @ @ @

You know, the laundry list of people that now are experts, Comey, Brennan, McCabe, Clapper, all these people, and now they’re getting paid gigs on the same networks that got it wrong. It’s unbelievable. Great gig, I guess, if you can get it. Lying, propagandizing, I guess, pays for people. It pays pretty well. So what’s that? These are con artists now, you know they’re just liars, they’re just advancing a political agenda.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--House Democrats Release More Lev Parnas Documents

The House Judiciary Committee released more documents Friday from Lev Parnas , the Rudy Giuliani associate at the center of the Ukraine scandal that prompted President Donald Trump ’ s impeachment in December .
The documents include communications that appear to further detail efforts to surveil then-U.S .
Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch .
They also show frequent communication regarding Ukraine between Parnas and Derek Harvey , an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes ( R-Calif. ) , despite Nunes ’ claims he didn ’ t have a role in the scandal .
Parnas , who was indicted last year on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s lawyer , search in Ukraine for damning information about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son , Hunter .
Parnas has since cooperated with the House ’ s impeachment inquiry , as well as with federal investigators who are probing Giuliani and his work in Ukraine .
The newly released documents can be found here .
They include more of Parnas ’ communications with Robert Hyde , a Republican congressional candidate in Connecticut , as well as messages with Harvey , the Nunes aide .
There are also photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the White House , as well as iMessages with Giuliani .
The latest document dump comes after the House Intelligence Committee released damning evidence from Parnas earlier this week , including letters from Giuliani to Volodymyr Zelensky when Zelensky was president-elect of Ukraine , and WhatsApp messages between Parnas and a man who apparently tracked the whereabouts of Yovanovitch in March .
Yovanovitch ’ s location is again mentioned in Friday ’ s tranche of files .
Screenshots provided by Parnas appear to show Hyde texting with a Belgian number about the ambassador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address next week , ” reads one text from the Belgian number , which had sent Hyde a tweet about Yovanovitch .
Marie Yovanovitch , former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine , is sworn in to testify before a House Intelligence Committee hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump on Nov. 15 , 2019 .
Friday ’ s set of files also includes messages between Parnas and Harvey regarding the Russia investigation as well as Ukraine .
Parnas also appeared to provide Harvey background on various Ukranian figures , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tapped to dig up dirt on the Bidens .
In February , Parnas texted Harvey about meeting at the “ capitol club , ” which likely refers to the Capitol Hill Club , an exclusive Republican hangout .
And in April and May , the two arranged several meetings at Trump International Hotel — including one session with Giuliani and a former columnist for The Hill , John Solomon .
While Nunes , who is the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee , has denied involvement in the Ukraine matter , on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the phone .
The new files also include transcripts of Parnas ’ recent interviews with MSNBC ’ s Rachel Maddow and CNN ’ s Anderson Cooper .
In the interview with Maddow , Paranas claimed Trump “ knew exactly ” what was going on in Ukraine .
“ He was aware of all my movements .
I wouldn ’ t do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president .
I have no intent , I have no reason to speak to any of these officials , ” Parnas said @

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The House Judiciary Committee released more documents Friday from Lev Parnas, the Rudy Giuliani associate at the center of the Ukraine scandal that prompted President Donald Trump’s impeachment in December.
The documents include communications that appear to further detail efforts to surveil then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch. They also show frequent communication regarding Ukraine between Parnas and Derek Harvey, an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), despite Nunes’ claims he didn’t have a role in the scandal.
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Parnas, who was indicted last year on campaign finance charges, helped Giuliani, Trump’s lawyer, search in Ukraine for damning information about former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter. Parnas has since cooperated with the House’s impeachment inquiry, as well as with federal investigators who are probing Giuliani and his work in Ukraine.
The newly released documents can be found here. They include more of Parnas’ communications with Robert Hyde, a Republican congressional candidate in Connecticut, as well as messages with Harvey, the Nunes aide. There are also photos documenting Parnas’ ties to Trump and the White House, as well as iMessages with Giuliani.
The latest document dump comes after the House Intelligence Committee released damning evidence from Parnas earlier this week, including letters from Giuliani to Volodymyr Zelensky when Zelensky was president-elect of Ukraine, and WhatsApp messages between Parnas and a man who apparently tracked the whereabouts of Yovanovitch in March.
Yovanovitch’s location is again mentioned in Friday’s tranche of files. Screenshots provided by Parnas appear to show Hyde texting with a Belgian number about the ambassador.
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“I will give you the address next week,” reads one text from the Belgian number, which had sent Hyde a tweet about Yovanovitch.
“She has been there since Thursday never left the embassy,” reads another text.
Marie Yovanovitch, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, is sworn in to testify before a House Intelligence Committee hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump on Nov. 15, 2019. Jonathan Ernst / Reuters
Friday’s set of files also includes messages between Parnas and Harvey regarding the Russia investigation as well as Ukraine.
In March, Harvey asked Parnas for help gathering information on U.S. aid to Ukraine, citing a conspiracy theory involving the Clinton Foundation.
“Can we get materials?” Harvey asked.
Parnas also appeared to provide Harvey background on various Ukranian figures, including Yuriy Lutsenko, the then-prosecutor general Giuliani tapped to dig up dirt on the Bidens.
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The texts also indicate Parnas and Harvey met regularly during Parnas’ visits to Washington, D.C.
In February, Parnas texted Harvey about meeting at the “capitol club,” which likely refers to the Capitol Hill Club, an exclusive Republican hangout.
And in April and May, the two arranged several meetings at Trump International Hotel — including one session with Giuliani and a former columnist for The Hill, John Solomon.
While Nunes, who is the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, has denied involvement in the Ukraine matter, on Wednesday he acknowledged he had spoken to Parnas on the phone.
The new files also include transcripts of Parnas’ recent interviews with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and CNN’s Anderson Cooper. In the interview with Maddow, Paranas claimed Trump “knew exactly” what was going on in Ukraine.
“He was aware of all my movements. I wouldn’t do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president. I have no intent, I have no reason to speak to any of these officials,” Parnas said.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Trump Administration Takes Steps To Fatten Up School Meals With Burgers And Fries

The Trump administration took steps Friday to cut down on healthful fruits and vegetables in school meals and allow more pizza , burgers and fries .
The move was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the birthday of Michelle Obama , who made healthier school lunches a signature goal when she was first lady .
The relaxed nutrition standards would allow schools more flexibility “ because they know their children best , ” the USDA said in a news release .
The rules are intended to allow for more “ appetizing ” meals , according to a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently means saltier , fattier and more processed .
Schools and school districts continue to tell us that there is still too much food waste and that more common-sense flexibility is needed to provide students nutritious and appetizing meals .
We listened and now we ’ re getting to work .
https : //t.co/9cqYHlInuU — Sec .
Sonny Perdue ( @ SecretarySonny ) January 17 , 2020 Critics immediately slammed the move as a food industry boost that is bound to contribute to childhood obesity .
The USDA is responsible for administering nutritional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 99,000 schools .
Children can get more than half of their daily calories from school meals .
If the rules are finalized , it would allow children to “ choose pizza , burgers , French fries and other foods high in calories , saturated fat or sodium in place of balanced school meals every day , ” Colin Schwartz , deputy director of legislative affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest , said in a statement .
The proposed rules announced Friday would allow schools to ignore current requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vegetables , and replace many of them with offerings including “ meat and meat alternatives , ” daily potatoes , pastries , granola bars , pizza and burgers .
Some of the foods would be offered for purchase à la carte , rather than as part of a standard school lunch or breakfast .
The National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity said allowing such purchases could create a “ giant junk food loophole ” allowing children to buy high-fat , unhealthful foods each day .
Food nutrition was already reduced by the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ granting exemptions for whole-grain requirements , salt content and nonfat milk .
Michelle Obama championed the Healthy , Hunger-Free Kids Act , signed in 2010 , that set a minimum requirement for fruits , vegetables and whole-grain servings in school meals , and capped the salt , sugar and fat content .
Studies showed that student consumption of healthful food increased significantly .
Obama ’ s work “ improved the diets of millions of children , especially vulnerable children in food insecure households , ” Juliana Cohen , a nutrition professor at Harvard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told The New York Times .
“ The Healthy , Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 has been called one of the most important obesity-prevention policy achievements in recent decades , ” Schwartz said .
“ Yet the Trump administration seems intent on sabotaging it .
While there ’ s plenty of room to strengthen school nutrition further , these proposals taken together instead are basically aiming a flamethrower at it.
” The new regulations are expected to be posted next week and open for public comment for 60 days online at www.Regulations.gov @

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The Trump administration took steps Friday to cut down on healthful fruits and vegetables in school meals and allow more pizza, burgers and fries.
The move was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the birthday of Michelle Obama, who made healthier school lunches a signature goal when she was first lady.
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The relaxed nutrition standards would allow schools more flexibility “because they know their children best,” the USDA said in a news release. The rules are intended to allow for more “appetizing” meals, according to a statement from Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, which apparently means saltier, fattier and more processed.
Schools and school districts continue to tell us that there is still too much food waste and that more common-sense flexibility is needed to provide students nutritious and appetizing meals. We listened and now we’re getting to work. https://t.co/9cqYHlInuU — Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) January 17, 2020
Critics immediately slammed the move as a food industry boost that is bound to contribute to childhood obesity. The USDA is responsible for administering nutritional programs that feed nearly 30 million students at 99,000 schools. Children can get more than half of their daily calories from school meals.
If the rules are finalized, it would allow children to “choose pizza, burgers, French fries and other foods high in calories, saturated fat or sodium in place of balanced school meals every day,” Colin Schwartz, deputy director of legislative affairs for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said in a statement.
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The proposed rules announced Friday would allow schools to ignore current requirements to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables, and replace many of them with offerings including “meat and meat alternatives,” daily potatoes, pastries, granola bars, pizza and burgers.
Some of the foods would be offered for purchase à la carte, rather than as part of a standard school lunch or breakfast. The National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity said allowing such purchases could create a “giant junk food loophole” allowing children to buy high-fat, unhealthful foods each day.
Food nutrition was already reduced by the Trump administration in 2017 when the USDA began granting exemptions for whole-grain requirements, salt content and nonfat milk.
Michelle Obama championed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, signed in 2010, that set a minimum requirement for fruits, vegetables and whole-grain servings in school meals, and capped the salt, sugar and fat content. Studies showed that student consumption of healthful food increased significantly.
Obama’s work “improved the diets of millions of children, especially vulnerable children in food insecure households,” Juliana Cohen, a nutrition professor at Harvard University’s School of Public Health, told The New York Times.
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“The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 has been called one of the most important obesity-prevention policy achievements in recent decades,” Schwartz said. “Yet the Trump administration seems intent on sabotaging it. While there’s plenty of room to strengthen school nutrition further, these proposals taken together instead are basically aiming a flamethrower at it.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--Donald Trump Trashes His New Impeachment Lawyer Ken Starr In Newly Resurfaced Video

Ken Starr may now be an integral part of Donald Trump ’ s defense team in his Senate impeachment trial over the Ukraine scandal .
But the president hasn ’ t always been so keen on the former independent counsel , who was at the center of the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky scandal .
Trump , in fact , called Starr “ a lunatic ” and “ terrible ” in a newly resurfaced interview from 1999 that CNN ’ s “ Newsroom ” aired on Friday .
“ I think Ken Starr is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today ” show in the old footage .
“ I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster , ” the then-businessman added .
“ I hated the way the president handled it .
It was a long and terrible process .
I really think that Ken Starr was terrible.
” On MSNBC ’ s “ Andrea Mitchell Reports , ” The New York Times Chief White House correspondent Peter Baker noted how “ everybody used to be on different sides.
” “ Remember , President Trump used to be a Democrat before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was Reform Party , ” he explained .
“ So , everybody has kind of flipped sides .
”

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Ken Starr may now be an integral part of Donald Trump’s defense team in his Senate impeachment trial over the Ukraine scandal.
But the president hasn’t always been so keen on the former independent counsel, who was at the center of the impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
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Trump, in fact, called Starr “a lunatic” and “terrible” in a newly resurfaced interview from 1999 that CNN’s “Newsroom” aired on Friday.
Check out the clip here:
“I think Ken Starr is a lunatic,” Trump told the “Today” show in the old footage.
“I really think that Ken Starr is a disaster,” the then-businessman added. “I hated the way the president handled it. It was a long and terrible process. I really think that Ken Starr was terrible.”
On MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports” this week, New York Times chief White House correspondent Peter Baker noted how “everybody used to be on different sides.”
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“Remember, President Trump used to be a Democrat before he was a Republican, and then he was Reform Party,” Baker explained. “So, everybody has kind of flipped sides.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--Ron Reagan Goes Scorched Earth On 'Traitor' Trump: My Dad Wouldn't Have Voted For Him

Ronald Reagan ’ s son lacerated Donald Trump in a scathing interview with The Daily Beast published Friday , saying his late father never would have voted for Trump .
“ He would have been embarrassed and ashamed that a president of the United States was as incompetent and traitorous as the man occupying the White House now , ” said Ron Reagan , 61 .
“ He ’ s a disgrace to the office of the presidency.
” Reagan , speaking to the Beast from Italy , where he lives half the year , said if his father were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40th commander in chief would say something like : “ Our nation is at a real turning point .
Our republic is in danger .
Democracy is in danger , and we need to put somebody else in the White House because this man is betraying the country every single day he occupies the Oval Office.
” Because of Trump , it is “ perhaps the most dangerous time for our republic in my lifetime , perhaps since the Civil War , ” said the liberal commentator .
Though Reagan ’ s views @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s perspectives , he said his dad conducted his presidency with “ dignity and class.
” “ If there is a second Trump administration , he ’ s going to feel liberated to do whatever he wants to do .
He ’ ll try and go for the third , fourth , however long he lasts .
He wants to be president for life .
It would keep him out of jail , for one thing , ” Reagan said .
Reagan also lashed the GOP .
He said his dad would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The GOP at this point , “ for a whole host of reasons to do with Donald Trump , is an entirely illegitimate political party just made up of a bunch of sycophantic traitors mouthing Kremlin propaganda to defend this squalid little man who is occupying the White House , ” said Reagan .
Reagan ’ s powerful 2014 ad for the Freedom From Religion Foundation played again this week during the Democratic presidential debate .
He calls himself “ an unabashed atheist ” who supports the group to keep “ state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fathers intended .
”

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Ronald Reagan’s younger son lacerated President Donald Trump in a scathing interview with The Daily Beast published Friday, saying his late father would never have voted for Trump.
“He would have been embarrassed and ashamed that a president of the United States was as incompetent and traitorous as the man occupying the White House now,” said Ron Reagan, 61. “He’s a disgrace to the office of the presidency.”
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Reagan ― who spoke to the Beast from Italy, where he lives half the year ― said if his father were alive today, he suspects the popular 40th commander in chief would say something like: “Our nation is at a real turning point. Our republic is in danger. Democracy is in danger, and we need to put somebody else in the White House because this man is betraying the country every single day he occupies the Oval Office.”
Because of Trump, it is “perhaps the most dangerous time for our republic in my lifetime, perhaps since the Civil War,” said the younger Reagan. Though his views often clashed with those of his conservative father, the liberal commentator said his dad conducted his presidency with “dignity and class.”
“If there is a second Trump administration, he’s going to feel liberated to do whatever he wants to do. He’ll try and go for the third, fourth, however long he lasts. He wants to be president for life. It would keep him out of jail, for one thing,” Reagan said.
Reagan also lashed out at the Republican Party today, which he said his dad would be “ashamed of.”
The GOP at this point, “for a whole host of reasons to do with Donald Trump, is an entirely illegitimate political party just made up of a bunch of sycophantic traitors mouthing Kremlin propaganda to defend this squalid little man who is occupying the White House,” said Reagan.
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Reagan’s powerful 2014 ad for the Freedom From Religion Foundation played again this past week during the Democratic presidential debate. In it, he calls himself “an unabashed atheist” who supports the group to keep “state and church separate, just like our Founding Fathers intended.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Bloomberg Allowed To Keep His Finances Secret Until After Super Tuesday

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Billionaire Michael Bloomberg won ’ t have to publicly disclose his finances until late March , well after voters in more than a dozen states take to the polls on Super Tuesday .
Presidential candidates are required to reveal their investments , businesses and streams of income .
Bloomberg is the only Democrat seeking the White House who has yet to file paperwork to publicly disclose his .
And under an extension granted to him Friday by the Federal Election Commission — the second such one Bloomberg has received — he can postpone their release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant because Bloomberg , the former mayor of New York City , has skipped campaigning in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire and is instead staking his bid on a big showing in contests that come later , like Super Tuesday on March 3 .
By getting approval to delay the release of his finances until after those pivotal contests , he is denying voters information about how much he is worth — and how he invests his money .
“ Mr .
Bloomberg ... has made diligent efforts to prepare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the complexity of his holdings and the need to obtain certain information from third parties , Mr. Bloomberg needs additional time to gather and review his financial information and complete and file his report , ” his attorney Lawrence H. Norton wrote in a letter to the FEC .
Bloomberg spokeswoman Galia Slayen declined to comment .
She also would not say when — or whether — Bloomberg plans to release his tax returns , which was a decadeslong tradition for presidential candidates until Republican Donald Trump declined to release his during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long considered a White House bid , sits atop a sprawling business empire and is worth more than $ 50 billion , easily making him the wealthiest candidate in the contest .
He has been laying the groundwork for a campaign for months and has flooded primary states with over $ 200 million worth of radio and TV advertising since entering the race in November .
Catch up on the 2020 election campaign with AP experts on our weekly politics podcast , “ Ground Game .
”

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Billionaire Michael Bloomberg won’t have to publicly disclose his finances until late March, well after voters in more than a dozen states take to the polls on Super Tuesday.
Presidential candidates are required to reveal their investments, businesses and streams of income. Bloomberg is the only Democrat seeking the White House who has yet to file paperwork to publicly disclose his.
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And under an extension granted to him Friday by the Federal Election Commission — the second such one Bloomberg has received — he can postpone their release until March 20.
The timing is significant because Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, has skipped campaigning in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire and is instead staking his bid on a big showing in contests that come later, like Super Tuesday on March 3. By getting approval to delay the release of his finances until after those pivotal contests, he is denying voters information about how much he is worth — and how he invests his money.
“Mr. Bloomberg ... has made diligent efforts to prepare his report. Nevertheless, due to the complexity of his holdings and the need to obtain certain information from third parties, Mr. Bloomberg needs additional time to gather and review his financial information and complete and file his report,” his attorney Lawrence H. Norton wrote in a letter to the FEC.
Bloomberg spokeswoman Galia Slayen declined to comment. She also would not say when — or whether — Bloomberg plans to release his tax returns, which was a decadeslong tradition for presidential candidates until Republican Donald Trump declined to release his during the 2016 campaign.
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Bloomberg, who has long considered a White House bid, sits atop a sprawling business empire and is worth more than $50 billion, easily making him the wealthiest candidate in the contest.
He has been laying the groundwork for a campaign for months and has flooded primary states with over $200 million worth of radio and TV advertising since entering the race in November.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--SHOVE IT: Rep. Ted Lieu Responds To Devin Nunes' Lawsuit Threat

Lieu posted the first page of a letter threatening a lawsuit from an attorney for Nunes — and his own response .
It ’ s not clear from the single page specifically what the threatened lawsuit would address , though it mentions Nunes ’ right to an “ unimpaired reputation.
” Lieu ’ s letter indicates it involved his allegations in December that Nunes conspired with indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas in the Ukraine scheme to smear Joe Biden .
The lawsuit threat is particularly ironic now that newly released records have revealed extensive links between Nunes aide Derek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into unfounded accusations against Biden .
He has said he was following Donald Trump ’ s wishes as communicated to him by Giuliani , the president ’ s personal attorney .
The House report on Trump ’ s impeachment last month also revealed phone logs of several calls between Nunes and Parnas .
“ I received your letter ... in which you state your client Congressman Devin Nunes will sue me if I don ’ t , among other actions , issue a public apology to Devin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ attorney in the letter he posted on Twitter .
“ It is true that I stated Congressman Nunes worked with Lev Parnas and conspired to undermine our own government.
” Lieu warned that “ truth is a defense , ” and snapped : “ I welcome any lawsuit from your client and look forward to taking discovery of Congressman Nunes .
Or , you can take your letter and shove it.
” Attached is the first page of a five page letter in which the lawyer for @ DevinNunes threatens that Rep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my response .
pic.twitter.com/bWAqdRhq97 — Ted Lieu ( @ tedlieu ) January 17 , 2020 Nunes has launched a startling number of lawsuits ; it ’ s not clear if any of them have been successful .
The congressman who once co-sponsored the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act is suing CNN and the parent company of his hometown newspaper , The Fresno Bee .
He is also suing a group of his own constituents for calling the congressman a “ fake farmer ” after it was revealed that the “ family farm ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not California .
Among the most mocked is his suit against Twitter and parody Twitter account @ Devin Nunes ’ Cow .
Congressman Ted Lieu is an American treasure .
But his California colleague Devin Nunes is a national embarrassment .
A lying , partisan hack .
Stand strong , Mr. Lieu !
We 've got your back for any stupid lawsuit that fake farmer from the Central Valley throws your way : pic.twitter.com/MZgIHGa1Bx — Russell Drew ( @ RussOnPolitics ) January 18 , 2020 Devin Nunes undermined his own country for Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be apologizing to him for calling him out on it , because : “ As you know , truth is a defense.
” — Sarah Reese Jones ( @ PoliticusSarah ) January 18 , 2020 I ’ m the Democrat running against @ DevinNunes .
He has sued an internet cow , media outlets , consituents , now @ tedlieu .
He is unfit to serve in public office , but we need your help to defeat him .
Chip in to our grassroots campaign now !
https : //t.co/e0hlTYSUn4 — Phil Arballo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) on Friday offered a terse, gutsy response to a threatened lawsuit from Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.): “Take your letter and shove it.”
Twitter followers went bonkers.
Lieu posted the first page of a letter from an attorney for Nunes threatening a lawsuit — and his own letter back.
It’s not clear from the single page of the lawyer’s missive specifically what the threatened lawsuit would address, though it mentions Nunes’ right to an “unimpaired reputation.” Lieu’s letter indicates that it would involve his allegations in December that Nunes conspired with indicted Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas in the Ukraine scheme to smear Joe Biden.
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The lawsuit threat is particularly ironic now that newly released records have revealed extensive links between Nunes aide Derek Harvey and Parnas.
By his own admission, Parnas worked to pressure Ukraine to announce an investigation into unfounded accusations against the former vice president. He has said he was following Donald Trump’s wishes as communicated to him by Giuliani, the president’s personal attorney.
The House report on Trump’s impeachment last month also revealed phone logs of several calls between Nunes and Parnas.
“I received your letter ... in which you state your client Congressman Devin Nunes will sue me if I don’t, among other actions, issue a public apology to Devin Nunes,” Lieu wrote to Nunes’ attorney in the letter he posted on Twitter. “It is true that I stated Congressman Nunes worked with Lev Parnas and conspired to undermine our own government.”
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Lieu warned that “truth is a defense” and then snapped: “I welcome any lawsuit from your client and look forward to taking discovery of Congressman Nunes. Or, you can take your letter and shove it.”
Lieu copied Nunes.
Attached is the first page of a five page letter in which the lawyer for @DevinNunes threatens that Rep Nunes will sue me.
Attached is my response. pic.twitter.com/bWAqdRhq97 — Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) January 17, 2020
Nunes has launched a startling number of lawsuits; it’s not clear if any of them have been successful.
The congressman, who once co-sponsored the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act, is suing CNN and the parent company of his hometown newspaper, The Fresno Bee. He is also suing a group of his own constituents for calling him a “fake farmer” after it was revealed that the “family farm” he boasts about is located in Iowa, not California. Among the most mocked is his suit against Twitter and a parody Twitter account, @Devin Nunes’ Cow.
Lieu’s Twitter fans applauded his response.
Love this. And you. Thanks for never hesitating to do what’s right. — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 18, 2020
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Who is paying for all of Nunes’s frivolous lawsuits?? — CountryOverConman (@TrumpNewsPolls) January 17, 2020
A fake farmer suing a former prosecutor seems like a bad idea. It fact, it’s mooronic. 🐮 — Milton Fletcher (@mfletcher530) January 17, 2020
Can’t love this enough. Thank you Congressman Lieu — Nicholas Gearing (@Mr_Gearing) January 18, 2020
Congressman Ted Lieu is an American treasure.
But his California colleague Devin Nunes is a national embarrassment. A lying, partisan hack.
Stand strong, Mr. Lieu! We've got your back for any stupid lawsuit that fake farmer from the Central Valley throws your way: pic.twitter.com/MZgIHGa1Bx — Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) January 18, 2020
Devin Nunes undermined his own country for Donald Trump, and Ted Lieu will not be apologizing to him for calling him out on it, because:
“As you know, truth is a defense.” — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) January 18, 2020
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Perfect response, Thank You. @DevinNunes lawsuit against you would be almost as wacko as his $250,000,000.00 lawsuit against Devin Nunes’ cow 🐮 (@DevinCow) pic.twitter.com/eKzgYaov1i — American Liberal (@AmerLiberal) January 18, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--People Are Pointing Out A Hilarious Flaw With The Space Force Uniform

The newly created U.S. Space Force unveiled its utility uniform nametapes on Twitter on Friday and prompted many people to @ @ @ @ @ .
The Space Force , which is organized within the Department of the Air Force @ @ @ @ @ more than four hours later how it is using “ current Army/Air Force uniforms ” @ @ @ @ @ members “ will look like their joint counterparts they ’ ll be working with , @ @ @ @ @

The newly created U.S. Space Force unveiled its utility uniform nametapes on Twitter on Friday and prompted many people to ask the same mocking question.
The Space Force, which is organized within the Department of the Air Force, explained in a tweet many hours later that it is using “current Army/Air Force uniforms” to save costs and said that its members “will look like their joint counterparts they’ll be working with, on the ground.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Canadians Are Reeling From The Plane Crash In Iran And Want Justice

The U.S. response to Iran killing 176 people when it shot down a Ukrainian airliner last week has been relatively quiet .
President Donald Trump largely distanced himself from the incident , Democrats haven ’ t turned it into a talking point and cable news coverage has mostly moved on to impeachment .
The downing of Flight 752 has been a more potent issue in Canada , where 138 passengers were heading after a connection in Ukraine .
A total of 57 Canadians died in the crash , creating a national tragedy and prompting widespread outrage at not only Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders and politicians have demanded a full accounting of what led to the plane being shot down after it took off from Tehran ’ s airport and have vowed that Iran will be held accountable and compensate for the losses .
But there has also been frustration and resentment at the Trump administration ’ s escalation of tensions with Iran .
After a U.S. airstrike killed an Iranian military commander Jan. 3 , Iran retaliated Jan. 8 with missile strikes at Iraqi bases .
Iran later said it was braced for the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakenly shot down the commercial airliner .
“ All immediate blame lies with the Iranian government .
Nobody is exonerating them at all , ” said Mehrdad Ariannejad , a community activist and CEO of the Tirgan cultural organization .
“ But the reason we ’ re here is because of the tension , is because we were headed towards war.
” Several prominent Canadians have criticized the U.S. for its role in the tensions preceding the crash , including CEO Michael McCain of major meat processor Maple Leaf Foods who used the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemn Trump .
Canadians died because of a “ narcissist in Washington ” who “ tears world accomplishments apart ; destabilizes region , ” McCain tweeted , calling the downing of the plane the result of irresponsible and dangerous U.S. actions .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , who has received a boost in public support following the crash , also blamed tensions between the U.S. and Iran for ultimately leading to the tragedy .
He called for de-escalation and warned that “ innocents bear the brunt ” when conflict arises .
“ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , those Canadians would be right now home with their families , ” Trudeau said during a televised interview this week .
Many of the Canadians killed were university students and staff returning from winter break , devastating campuses and faculties across Canada .
One university in western Canada lost 10 of its staff and students in the crash .
Other victims included families coming back from visiting relatives , newlyweds returning from a wedding and a 9-year-old girl and her mother .
Iranian-Canadians , in particular , watched closely as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalated since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018 .
The killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani dramatically increased the tensions as 3,000 more U.S. troops were sent to the region and Iran ’ s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge .
Many Iranian-Canadians grew anxious that the standoff could boil over into more direct conflict .
The plane crash brought unexpected tragedy to the Iranian-Canadian community , but the immediate grief after what initially seemed like a mechanical failure became more complicated when U.S. and Canadian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plane was brought down by a missile .
Iran declared Saturday that it had accidentally shot down the plane , blaming human error .
Canadians have responded with vigils and memorials to the victims , with community leaders saying there have been widespread outpourings of support for Iranian-Canadians .
The country ’ s universities held a moment of silence earlier in the week , flags were flown at half-staff and a foundation for victims ’ relatives has raised more than $ 400,000 .
Trudeau announced Friday that the government would give $ 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover funeral and transportation costs .
Though the shooting down of the plane has left Iranian-Canadians reeling from the loss of family members and loved ones , community leaders say it has also highlighted how deeply rooted Iranian-Canadians have become in the country .
“ Iranian-Canadians are a relatively new community to Canada , ” Tabsinejad said .
“ What we saw was other Canadians in that moment , when the community needed it the most , coming out and showing us that the Canadian-Iranian community does have a place here , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mourned .
”

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The U.S. response to Iran killing 176 people when it shot down a Ukrainian airliner last week has been relatively quiet. President Donald Trump largely distanced himself from the incident, Democrats haven’t turned it into a talking point and cable news coverage has mostly moved on to impeachment.
The downing of Flight 752 has been a more potent issue in Canada, where 138 passengers were heading after a connection in Ukraine. A total of 57 Canadians died in the crash, creating a national tragedy and prompting widespread outrage at not only Iran but also the Trump administration.
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Community leaders and politicians have demanded a full accounting of what led to the plane being shot down after it took off from Tehran’s airport and have vowed that Iran will be held accountable and compensate for the losses. But there has also been frustration and resentment at the Trump administration’s escalation of tensions with Iran. After a U.S. airstrike killed an Iranian military commander Jan. 3, Iran retaliated Jan. 8 with missile strikes at Iraqi bases. Iran later said it was braced for the U.S. reaction to that attack when its military mistakenly shot down the commercial airliner.
“All immediate blame lies with the Iranian government. Nobody is exonerating them at all,” said Mehrdad Ariannejad, a community activist and CEO of the Tirgan cultural organization. “But the reason we’re here is because of the tension, is because we were headed towards war.”
Several prominent Canadians have criticized the U.S. for its role in the tensions preceding the crash, including CEO Michael McCain of major meat processor Maple Leaf Foods who used the company’s main Twitter account to condemn Trump. Canadians died because of a “narcissist in Washington” who “tears world accomplishments apart; destabilizes region,” McCain tweeted, calling the downing of the plane the result of irresponsible and dangerous U.S. actions.
“Canadians needlessly lost their lives in the crossfire, including the family of one of my MLF colleagues (his wife + 11 year old son),” McCain said. “We are mourning and I am livid.”
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has received a boost in public support following the crash, also blamed tensions between the U.S. and Iran for ultimately leading to the tragedy. He called for de-escalation and warned that “innocents bear the brunt” when conflict arises.
“If there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families,” Trudeau said during a televised interview this week.
A "Seventh Day Vigil" is held Tuesday for the plane crash victims at Civic Plaza in front of North Vancouver City Hall in British Columbia. Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Many of the Canadians killed were university students and staff returning from winter break, devastating campuses and faculties across Canada. One university in western Canada lost 10 of its staff and students in the crash. Other victims included families coming back from visiting relatives, newlyweds returning from a wedding and a 9-year-old girl and her mother.
Iranian-Canadians, in particular, watched closely as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continually escalated since President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal in May 2018. The killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani dramatically increased the tensions as 3,000 more U.S. troops were sent to the region and Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge. Many Iranian-Canadians grew anxious that the standoff could boil over into more direct conflict.
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“Anything that threatens innocent lives in Iran fundamentally affects Iranian-Canadian’s lives,” said Pouyan Tabasinejad, vice director of the Iranian Canadian Congress, a nonprofit organization.
The plane crash brought unexpected tragedy to the Iranian-Canadian community, but the immediate grief after what initially seemed like a mechanical failure became more complicated when U.S. and Canadian intelligence officials revealed that they believed the plane was brought down by a missile. Iran declared Saturday that it had accidentally shot down the plane, blaming human error.
“That feeling of grief turned into anger and outrage. People wanted to know what happened and wanted justice,” Ariannejad said.
Canadians have responded with vigils and memorials to the victims, with community leaders saying there have been widespread outpourings of support for Iranian-Canadians. The country’s universities held a moment of silence earlier in the week, flags were flown at half-staff and a foundation for victims’ relatives has raised more than $400,000. Trudeau announced Friday that the government would give $25,000 to Canadian families of the victims to cover funeral and transportation costs.
Though the shooting down of the plane has left Iranian-Canadians reeling from the loss of family members and loved ones, community leaders say it has also highlighted how deeply rooted Iranian-Canadians have become in the country.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-17--Here's How Trump's Impeachment Differs From A Criminal Trial

In Trump ’ s trial , the Senate will serve as both judge and jury .
The Republicans who control the chamber can forge their own rules if they have enough votes .
And the presiding judge is the top one in America , yet can be decisively overruled .
COURTROOM TRIAL : Federal trials , both civil and criminal , are presided over by District Court judges who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate .
They rule on questions of evidence , motions to dismiss a case or to exclude certain testimony , and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the trial .
SENATE TRIAL : None other than John Roberts , the chief justice of the United States , will preside over this case .
He made the short trip Thursday from the Supreme Court to the Capitol to be sworn in .
Exactly what role he ’ ll play is unclear , though it may be a modest one in keeping with his insistence that judges aren ’ t meant to be politicians .
And even if Roberts were to make a ruling from the chair , 51 senators can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : It ’ s a bedrock principle of American jurisprudence , and enshrined in the Constitution , that defendants have the right to have their fate decided by a jury of their peers — ordinary citizens who , by design , are meant to lack personal connections to the parties , or other biases or motives that could sway their judgment .
They ’ re questioned in advance on their ability to evaluate the evidence fairly and impartially .
SENATE TRIAL : The jury pool here is already preordained under the Constitution and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets to hear the case .
The 100 senators who make up the chamber will decide the case , invariably bringing their own partisan leanings toward one side or the other .
They ’ re not required to check any political prejudices or biases at the door — nor will they .
They ’ re also not impassive observers , carrying the power on a majority vote to approve rules or even dismiss the charges .
COURTROOM TRIAL : The attorneys for both sides get to call the witnesses they think will bolster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers themselves handle the direct questioning and cross-examination , though judges may also ask clarifying questions .
Jurors are not invited to interrupt the proceedings with their own questions , nor do they get to decide whether witnesses are called .
SENATE TRIAL : The senators themselves , in their roles as jurors , will have the opportunity to submit questions in writing .
Under the rules , senators can even be called as witnesses in the trial .
And it ’ s not even automatic that there will be witnesses : It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called .
COURTROOM TRIAL : Federal criminal cases are tried by prosecutors who work for the Justice Department , their names generally unfamiliar to the American public .
In state and local proceedings , those prosecutors are often known as assistant district attorneys .
They don ’ t align themselves with particular political parties or affiliations .
SENATE TRIAL : The prosecutors here aren ’ t prosecutors in the traditional sense .
They ’ re actually seven Democratic members of Congress , all selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and given the title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven are familiar faces from their time leading congressional investigations into Trump , including Rep. Adam Schiff of California and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York .
COURTROOM TRIAL : To declare a defendant guilty in a criminal case , either on the state or federal level , a jury must be unanimous in its decision — no exceptions .
If a jury can ’ t reach a verdict after a prolonged period of deliberations , then a judge can declare it as deadlocked and dismiss it from duty .
SENATE TRIAL : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would take a two-thirds majority of senators , 67 if all 100 are voting , to convict the president .
Since Republicans make up the majority of the Senate , a conviction is seen as unlikely .
If Trump were convicted on either of the two articles against him , he would automatically be removed from office .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Yes, it’s a trial — but the Senate’s impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump won’t resemble anything Americans have seen on Court TV.
In Trump’s trial, the Senate will serve as both judge and jury. The Republicans who control the chamber can forge their own rules if they have enough votes. And the presiding judge is the top one in America, yet can be decisively overruled.
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A look at some of the key differences between a courtroom trial and the impeachment trial that will play out in the coming days:
THE JUDGE
COURTROOM TRIAL: Federal trials, both civil and criminal, are presided over by District Court judges who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. They rule on questions of evidence, motions to dismiss a case or to exclude certain testimony, and all other disputes that emerge both before and during the trial.
SENATE TRIAL: None other than John Roberts, the chief justice of the United States, will preside over this case. He made the short trip Thursday from the Supreme Court to the Capitol to be sworn in. Exactly what role he’ll play is unclear, though it may be a modest one in keeping with his insistence that judges aren’t meant to be politicians. And even if Roberts were to make a ruling from the chair, 51 senators can vote to overrule him.
____
THE JURY
COURTROOM TRIAL: It’s a bedrock principle of American jurisprudence, and enshrined in the Constitution, that defendants have the right to have their fate decided by a jury of their peers — ordinary citizens who, by design, are meant to lack personal connections to the parties, or other biases or motives that could sway their judgment. They’re questioned in advance on their ability to evaluate the evidence fairly and impartially.
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SENATE TRIAL: The jury pool here is already preordained under the Constitution and neither side gets any say in who gets to hear the case. The 100 senators who make up the chamber will decide the case, invariably bringing their own partisan leanings toward one side or the other. They’re not required to check any political prejudices or biases at the door — nor will they. They’re also not impassive observers, carrying the power on a majority vote to approve rules or even dismiss the charges.
____
THE WITNESSES
COURTROOM TRIAL: The attorneys for both sides get to call the witnesses they think will bolster their side of the case. The lawyers themselves handle the direct questioning and cross-examination, though judges may also ask clarifying questions. Jurors are not invited to interrupt the proceedings with their own questions, nor do they get to decide whether witnesses are called.
SENATE TRIAL: The senators themselves, in their roles as jurors, will have the opportunity to submit questions in writing. Under the rules, senators can even be called as witnesses in the trial. And it’s not even automatic that there will be witnesses: It requires 51 votes for witnesses to be called.
____
THE PROSECUTORS
COURTROOM TRIAL: Federal criminal cases are tried by prosecutors who work for the Justice Department, their names generally unfamiliar to the American public. In state and local proceedings, those prosecutors are often known as assistant district attorneys. They don’t align themselves with particular political parties or affiliations.
SENATE TRIAL: The prosecutors here aren’t prosecutors in the traditional sense. They’re actually seven Democratic members of Congress, all selected by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and given the title of “manager.” Some of the seven are familiar faces from their time leading congressional investigations into Trump, including Rep. Adam Schiff of California and Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York.
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____
THE VERDICT
COURTROOM TRIAL: To declare a defendant guilty in a criminal case, either on the state or federal level, a jury must be unanimous in its decision — no exceptions. If a jury can’t reach a verdict after a prolonged period of deliberations, then a judge can declare it as deadlocked and dismiss it from duty.
SENATE TRIAL: No such unanimity is required here. It would take a two-thirds majority of senators, 67 if all 100 are voting, to convict the president. Since Republicans make up the majority of the Senate, a conviction is seen as unlikely. If Trump were convicted on either of the two articles against him, he would automatically be removed from office.
_____


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--National Archives Blurred Out Anti-Trump Messages In Women's March Photo

In a stunning revelation , officials of the National Archives have admitted that a photo of the 2017 Women ’ s March was altered to blur-out signs with messages critical of Donald Trump — and words referring to the female anatomy , The Washington Post reported .
Changes included blocking out the name “ Trump ” in a sign that read “ God Hates Trump.
” The resulting sign then said simply : “ God Hates.
” The name was also deliberately blurred in a sign reading “ Trump & GOP — Hands Off Women.
” Words on other signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also altered , according to the Post .
The word “ vagina ” was obliterated in a sign reading : “ If my vagina could shoot bullets , it ’ d be less REGULATED.
” The word “ pussy ” was removed from another message reading : “ This Pussy Grabs Back.
” The sign was a reference to Trump ’ s recorded boast about getting away with grabbing women “ by the pussy.
” At least four signs were altered by the organization that touts itself as “ the nation ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post .
“ As a non-partisan , non-political federal agency , we blurred references to the President ’ s name on some posters , so as not to engage in current political controversy , ” Archives spokeswoman Miriam Kleiman said in a statement to the newspaper .
As for eliminating references to women ’ s genitals , the words could be perceived as inappropriate , according to Kleiman .
The 49-by-69-inch photo of the Women ’ s March by Mario Tama for Getty Images was altered before it was displayed in an exhibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of women ’ s suffrage .
The Women ’ s March was held the day after Trump ’ s inauguration .
David Ferriero , the archivist of the United States appointed in 2009 by then President Barack Obama , reportedly participated in talks about the display , and supported the decision to change the photo .
Doctoring an image honoring women ’ s rights is particularly disturbing , Purdue History Professor Wendy Kline said in an email to the Post .
It “ buys right into the notion that it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and actions , ” she wrote .
“ It is literally erasing something that was accurately captured on camera .
That ’ s an attempt to erase a powerful message.
” Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley told the Post that “ there ’ s no reason for the National Archives to ever digitally alter a historic photograph .
If they don ’ t want to use a specific image , then don ’ t use it .
But to confuse the public is reprehensible.
” Kleiman said the “ mission ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide access to the nation ’ s most important federal records , ′ even , apparently , when those records are modified to no longer be accurate .
We are so far down the rabbit hole of authoritarianism : “ The Archives acknowledged this week that it made multiple alterations to the photo of the 2017 Women ’ s March showcased at the museum , blurring signs held by marchers that were critical of Trump.
” https : //t.co/scBuiyQeCc — Amy Siskind 🏳🌈 ( @ Amy_Siskind ) January 18 , 2020 The archives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your eyes & ears .
It was their final , most essential command .
The fiction was necessary , they said , to rid us of bias .
That and the guy in charge was scared of vaginas .
heckuva job ,  @ archivesnews👏 https : //t.co/AvbLqAHw0C — Mar Hicks ( @ histoftech ) January 18 , 2020

An altered version of this photo of the 2017 Women's March is on display at the National Archives. Mario Tama/Getty Images
In a stunning revelation, officials of the National Archives have admitted that a photo of the 2017 Women’s March was altered to blur out signs with messages critical of President Donald Trump and words referring to the female anatomy, The Washington Post reported.
Changes to the photo, displayed in an archives exhibit marking the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, included blocking out the name “Trump” in a sign that read “God Hates Trump.” The resulting message said simply: “God Hates.” The president’s name was also deliberately blurred in a sign reading “Trump & GOP — Hands Off Women.”
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Words on other signs referring to female genitals were also altered, according to the Post. The word “vagina” was obliterated in a sign reading: “If my vagina could shoot bullets, it’d be less REGULATED.” The word “pussy” was removed from another message reading: “This Pussy Grabs Back.” The latter sign was a reference to Trump’s recorded boast about getting away with grabbing women “by the pussy.”
At least four signs were altered by the federal agency that touts itself as “the nation’s record keeper,” according to the Post.
“As a non-partisan, non-political federal agency, we blurred references to the President’s name on some posters, so as not to engage in current political controversy,” archives spokeswoman Miriam Kleiman said in a statement to the newspaper.
As for eliminating references to female genitals, those words could be perceived as inappropriate, according to Kleiman.
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The picture by Getty Images photographer Mario Tama, which was blown up to 49 inches by 69 inches for the exhibit, was taken at the Women’s March in Washington on Jan. 21, 2017, the day after Trump’s inauguration.
David Ferriero, the archivist of the United States appointed in 2009 by President Barack Obama, reportedly participated in talks about the display and supported the decision to change the photo.
Furious critics complained that the National Archives is supposed to be a reliable record of reality.
Doctoring an image honoring women’s rights is particularly disturbing, Purdue history professor Wendy Kline said in an email to the Post. It “buys right into the notion that it’s okay to silence women’s voice and actions,” she wrote. “It is literally erasing something that was accurately captured on camera. That’s an attempt to erase a powerful message.”
Rice University historian Douglas Brinkley told the Post that “there’s no reason for the National Archives to ever digitally alter a historic photograph. If they don’t want to use a specific image, then don’t use it. But to confuse the public is reprehensible.”
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Kleiman said the mission of the archives is to “safeguard and provide access to the nation’s most important federal records.” She noted that this version of the photo was being shown as part of a “promotional display,” not as an actual artifact or original document.
Critics of the move erupted on Twitter.
Disappointed in @USNatArchives (& the Archivist appointed by Obama). You’ve created political controversy in attempting to avoid it. & by erasing women’s voices, you insult the suffrage movement & minimize the response to Trump’s actions & election https://t.co/hQYZi2Qm5E — Rudy Mehrbani (@RudyMehrbani) January 18, 2020
This is some weird soviet shit right here https://t.co/RBFe55UiMS — Adam Serwer🍝 (@AdamSerwer) January 18, 2020
“A placard that proclaims “God Hates Trump” has “Trump” blotted out so that it reads “God Hates.” A sign that reads “Trump & GOP — Hands Off Women” has the word Trump blurred out.” https://t.co/uSh034dZpo — southpaw (@nycsouthpaw) January 18, 2020
I expect this in China or Russia — but at the National Archives in DC? Presenters of an exhibit altered photos of Women’s March to blur signs critical of Trump. By @JoeHeim. https://t.co/x893YzpgZJ — Edward Wong (@ewong) January 18, 2020
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We are so far down the rabbit hole of authoritarianism:
“The Archives acknowledged this week that it made multiple alterations to the photo of the 2017 Women’s March showcased at the museum, blurring signs held by marchers that were critical of Trump.” https://t.co/scBuiyQeCc — Amy Siskind 🏳🌈 (@Amy_Siskind) January 18, 2020
Erasing history… I did nazi that cominghttps://t.co/8VljPk5tMM — William LeGate 🧢 (@williamlegate) January 18, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-01-18--Republican Group Issues GOP Senators Blunt Reminder About Their Oaths

A group of prominent anti-Trump conservatives on Friday released a new ad that urges GOP senators to conduct a fair impeachment trial of President Donald Trump over the Ukraine scandal .
The Lincoln Project demands in the caption for its video that Republican lawmakers “ consider the impeachment charges against Trump on their merits ” instead of simply taking sides along party lines .
Senators must uphold their sworn oaths to “ support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies , foreign and domestic , ” the project adds .
The ad itself shows footage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Sen. Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) stating they ’ ve already decided to support Trump in the trial , as the following text appears : President Donald Trump thinks he ’ s above the law .
He believes he ’ s untouchable .
Senate Republicans want to prove him right .
They know who Trump is .
They ’ ve forgotten their oaths .
Let ’ s remind them .
The Lincoln Project , which aims to end Trump ’ s presidency at the ballot box in November , was launched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House counselor Kellyanne Conway , and anti-Trump GOP strategists Rick Wilson , Steve Schmidt and John Weaver .
“ We do not undertake this task lightly , nor from ideological preference .
We have been , and remain , broadly conservative ( or classically liberal ) in our politics and outlooks , ” they wrote in a New York Times op-ed last month .
“ Our many policy differences with national Democrats remain , but our shared fidelity to the Constitution dictates a common effort.
” Last week , the group called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this spot : It also attacked Sen. Cory Gardner ( R-Colo. ) as “ just another Trump servant : weak , frightened , impotent ” in this ad last Monday :

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A group of prominent anti-Trump conservatives on Friday released a new ad that urges GOP senators to conduct a fair impeachment trial of President Donald Trump over the Ukraine scandal.
The Lincoln Project demands in the caption for its video that Republican lawmakers “consider the impeachment charges against Trump on their merits” instead of simply taking sides along party lines.
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Senators must uphold their sworn oaths to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” the project adds.
The ad itself shows footage of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) stating they’ve already decided to support Trump in the trial, as the following text appears:
President Donald Trump thinks he’s above the law. He believes he’s untouchable. Senate Republicans want to prove him right. They know who Trump is. They’ve forgotten their oaths. Let’s remind them.
It then encourages people to sign a petition demanding a fair trial.
Check out the clip here:
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The Lincoln Project, which aims to end Trump’s presidency at the ballot box in November, was launched by George Conway, the husband of White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, and anti-Trump GOP strategists Rick Wilson, Steve Schmidt and John Weaver.
“We do not undertake this task lightly, nor from ideological preference. We have been, and remain, broadly conservative (or classically liberal) in our politics and outlooks,” they wrote in a New York Times op-ed last month. “Our many policy differences with national Democrats remain, but our shared fidelity to the Constitution dictates a common effort.”
Last week, the group called out evangelical Christians who support Trump with this spot:
It also attacked Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) as “just another Trump servant: weak, frightened, impotent” in this ad last Monday: