bonginoreport--2020-12-22--Why Six GOP Senators Voted Against the Coronavirus Relief Bill

After months of stalled negotiations , Congress finally passed a new $ 900 billion coronavirus relief package late Monday night with overwhelming support in the Senate , but six Republicans stood firmly against it .
Sens .
Marsha Blackburn , R-Tenn. , Ted Cruz , R-Texas , Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , Mike Lee , R-Utah , Rand Paul , R-Ky. , and Rick Scott , R-Fla. , all stood firmly against the bill , which had been bundled with a $ 1.4 trillion spending bill to avoid a government shutdown .
Their criticisms largely focused on the size of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dollar amount and the bill 's page count .
WHAT 'S IN THE NEW $ 900B CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE ?
`` To so-called conservatives who are quick to identify the socialism of Democrats : If you vote for this spending monstrosity , you are no better , '' Paul said on the Senate floor .
`` When you vote to pass out free money , you lose your soul and you abandon forever any semblance of moral or fiscal integrity , '' he said , targeting his fellow Republicans .
Paul suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cut obvious waste in the budget , and stop piling on debt for future generations .
Likewise , Scott railed against what he believed was an unnecessarily expensive measure , warning that there will be consequences for taxpayers .
`` Once again , in classic Washington style , vital programs are attached to a massive omnibus spending bill that mortgages our kids & grandkid ’ s futures , '' he tweeted .
`` Therefore , I can ’ t support this bill . ''
Scott 's tweet included a lengthier statement in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seem to understand that new spending today will be paid for by increased federal debt and result in a tax increase on families down the road . ''
He mentioned that his position is consistent with his history of opposing `` enormous and wasteful '' bills .
`` The easy route is simply to go along as Congress continues to do harm to future generations of Americans , but I will not be a part of it , '' he said .
Blackburn recognized that the legislation will accomplish a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and distribution of vaccines , assistance to schools , and help for small businesses , but claimed it was not worth the steep cost .
`` I can not support nearly $ 2.4 trillion in spending that will make recovery even harder , '' she said in a statement .
`` I have serious concerns with provisions buried in the 5,593 page bill , such as expanded visas , Pell grants for prisoners , and households with illegal aliens receiving economic impact payments .
For these reasons , I voted no on passage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was `` glad a government shutdown was avoided and that financial relief will finally reach many who truly need it , '' but explained that he opposed the legislation due to the `` dysfunction '' of the process .
`` The dysfunction of Washington , D.C. was on full display as Congress combined covid relief with a massive omnibus spending bill three months past the deadline and into the current fiscal year , '' Johnson said in a statement .
`` This monstrosity was 5,593 pages long , and passed only nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Johnson warned that due to the lack of time to examine the lengthy bill , it could take weeks or months before lawmakers understand everything included in it .
`` I simply could not support this dysfunction , so I voted no , '' he said .
Johnson said he supported the CARES Act earlier this year because it was necessary at that time `` to act quickly and massively to prevent an economic meltdown . ''
This time , however , he favored a more targeted approach , crafting what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that still would have provided more than $ 600 billion in relief .
CONGRESS HAD SIX HOURS TO READ A 6,000-PAGE BILL , AOC CALLS IT 'HOSTAGE-TAKING' '' We do not have an unlimited checking account , '' his statement continued .
`` We must spend federal dollars — money we are borrowing from future generations — more carefully and place limits on how much we are mortgaging our children ’ s future . ''
Cruz and Lee also criticized the process of the legislation , with lawmakers having just hours to read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez criticized the concept of having to vote on a large bill without having time to examine it , Cruz agreed with the left-wing Democrat .
`` It ’ s ABSURD to have a $ 2.5 trillion spending bill negotiated in secret and then—hours later—demand an up-or-down vote on a bill nobody has had time to read , '' Cruz tweeted .
Cruz also railed against Democrats in a statement posted Tuesday morning , claiming that the bill `` advances the interests of the radical Left , special interests , and swamp lobbyists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for more H-2B visas for foreign workers while a near record number of Americans remain unemployed [ . ]
'' He also said that it sets the stage `` for Democrats to implement the ‘ Green New Deal ' by claiming a ‘ need ' to meet the power demand in the United States through clean , renewable , or zero-emission energy sources . ''
Lee demonstrated the difficult logistics of having to read thousands of pages in such a short time , showing in a video posted to Twitter how long it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Because of the length it is impossible that anyone will have the opportunity to read it between now and the time that we will vote , '' Lee said in the video .
`` And I am absolutely certain that this has been cobbled together by a very small handful of members of Congress and their staffs and to the exclusion of 98 % of members of Congress of both political parties in both houses . ''
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP After delivering that statement on video with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee noted that it had taken roughly three minutes to print out the first 100 pages of the bill .
`` This process , by which members of Congress are asked to defer blindly to legislation negotiated entirely in secret by four of their colleagues , must come to an end , '' he said .

After months of stalled negotiations, Congress finally passed a new $900 billion coronavirus relief package late Monday night with overwhelming support in the Senate, but six Republicans stood firmly against it.
Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Ron Johnson, R-Wis., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., all stood firmly against the bill, which had been bundled with a $1.4 trillion spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. Their criticisms largely focused on the size of the legislation, both in terms of the dollar amount and the bill's page count.
WHAT'S IN THE NEW $900B CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE?
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
"To so-called conservatives who are quick to identify the socialism of Democrats: If you vote for this spending monstrosity, you are no better," Paul said on the Senate floor.
"When you vote to pass out free money, you lose your soul and you abandon forever any semblance of moral or fiscal integrity," he said, targeting his fellow Republicans.
Paul suggested that instead lawmakers should open the economy, cut obvious waste in the budget, and stop piling on debt for future generations.
RAND PAUL'S SENATE FLOOR SPEECH AGAINST COVID-19 BILL GOES VIRAL
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.
Likewise, Scott railed against what he believed was an unnecessarily expensive measure, warning that there will be consequences for taxpayers.
"Once again, in classic Washington style, vital programs are attached to a massive omnibus spending bill that mortgages our kids & grandkid’s futures," he tweeted. "Therefore, I can’t support this bill."
Scott's tweet included a lengthier statement in which he lamented that "Washington doesn’t seem to understand that new spending today will be paid for by increased federal debt and result in a tax increase on families down the road." He mentioned that his position is consistent with his history of opposing "enormous and wasteful" bills.
"The easy route is simply to go along as Congress continues to do harm to future generations of Americans, but I will not be a part of it," he said.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.
Blackburn recognized that the legislation will accomplish a number of positive goals such as the development and distribution of vaccines, assistance to schools, and help for small businesses, but claimed it was not worth the steep cost.
"I cannot support nearly $2.4 trillion in spending that will make recovery even harder," she said in a statement. "I have serious concerns with provisions buried in the 5,593 page bill, such as expanded visas, Pell grants for prisoners, and households with illegal aliens receiving economic impact payments. For these reasons, I voted no on passage of this legislation."
HORSE RACING, THE DALAI LAMA AND SMOKEY BEAR: CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE INCLUDES ODDBALL PROVISIONS
Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.
Johnson said he was "glad a government shutdown was avoided and that financial relief will finally reach many who truly need it," but explained that he opposed the legislation due to the "dysfunction" of the process.
"The dysfunction of Washington, D.C. was on full display as Congress combined covid relief with a massive omnibus spending bill three months past the deadline and into the current fiscal year," Johnson said in a statement. "This monstrosity was 5,593 pages long, and passed only nine hours after the Senate first saw it."
Johnson warned that due to the lack of time to examine the lengthy bill, it could take weeks or months before lawmakers understand everything included in it.
"I simply could not support this dysfunction, so I voted no," he said.
Johnson said he supported the CARES Act earlier this year because it was necessary at that time "to act quickly and massively to prevent an economic meltdown." This time, however, he favored a more targeted approach, crafting what had been a slimmer bill in September that still would have provided more than $600 billion in relief.
CONGRESS HAD SIX HOURS TO READ A 6,000-PAGE BILL, AOC CALLS IT 'HOSTAGE-TAKING'
"We do not have an unlimited checking account," his statement continued. "We must spend federal dollars — money we are borrowing from future generations — more carefully and place limits on how much we are mortgaging our children’s future."
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas
Cruz and Lee also criticized the process of the legislation, with lawmakers having just hours to read several thousand pages. After Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized the concept of having to vote on a large bill without having time to examine it, Cruz agreed with the left-wing Democrat.
"It’s ABSURD to have a $2.5 trillion spending bill negotiated in secret and then—hours later—demand an up-or-down vote on a bill nobody has had time to read," Cruz tweeted.
Cruz also railed against Democrats in a statement posted Tuesday morning, claiming that the bill "advances the interests of the radical Left, special interests, and swamp lobbyists, with funding going towards expanding authority for more H-2B visas for foreign workers while a near record number of Americans remain unemployed[.]" He also said that it sets the stage "for Democrats to implement the ‘Green New Deal' by claiming a ‘need' to meet the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, or zero-emission energy sources."
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah
Lee demonstrated the difficult logistics of having to read thousands of pages in such a short time, showing in a video posted to Twitter how long it takes just to print it out.
"Because of the length it is impossible that anyone will have the opportunity to read it between now and the time that we will vote," Lee said in the video. "And I am absolutely certain that this has been cobbled together by a very small handful of members of Congress and their staffs and to the exclusion of 98% of members of Congress of both political parties in both houses."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
After delivering that statement on video with a printer running in the background, Lee noted that it had taken roughly three minutes to print out the first 100 pages of the bill.
"This process, by which members of Congress are asked to defer blindly to legislation negotiated entirely in secret by four of their colleagues, must come to an end," he said.
Fox News' Edmund DeMarche contributed to this report.


bonginoreport--2020-12-22--Coronavirus Relief Bill Makes Illegal Streaming a Felony

Hollywood studios scored a win with the next incoming COVID-19 relief bill .
As part of the proposed bill , there will be more severe penalties for companies that perpetuate the illegal streaming of movies and music .
The Hollywood Reporter reported that penalties could be up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $ 30,000 .
Piracy has been a problem that studios have been trying to put a stop to since the failed 2012 Stop Online Piracy Act .
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS '' Bipartisan legislation I led with @ SenatorLeahy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be signed into law this week .
It will end commercial piracy by criminal organizations and will not apply to Internet users , '' he wrote on Twitter .
The penalties do n't target regular Internet users but rather `` commercial , for-profit streaming piracy services '' that make money from pirating entertainment content .
Tillis said that illegally streaming copyrighted material costs the U.S. economy almost $ 30 billion yearly .
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP '' This commonsense legislation was drafted with the input of creators , user @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrowly targeted so that only criminal organizations are punished and that no individual streamer has to worry about the fear of prosecution , '' he wrote in a statement .
Meredith Rose of nonprofit public interest group Public Knowledge said , `` This bill is narrowly tailored and avoids criminalizing users , who may do nothing more than click on a link or upload a file .
It also does not criminalize streamers who may include unlicensed works as part of their streams . ''

Hollywood studios scored a win with the next incoming COVID-19 relief bill.
As part of the proposed bill, there will be more severe penalties for companies that perpetuate the illegal streaming of movies and music. The Hollywood Reporter reported that penalties could be up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $30,000.
Piracy has been a problem that studios have been trying to put a stop to since the failed 2012 Stop Online Piracy Act.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, introduced the penalties.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
"Bipartisan legislation I led with @SenatorLeahy to fight illegal streaming by criminal organizations will be signed into law this week. It will end commercial piracy by criminal organizations and will not apply to Internet users," he wrote on Twitter.
The penalties don't target regular Internet users but rather "commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services" that make money from pirating entertainment content.
Tillis said that illegally streaming copyrighted material costs the U.S. economy almost $30 billion yearly.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
"This commonsense legislation was drafted with the input of creators, user groups, and technology companies and is narrowly targeted so that only criminal organizations are punished and that no individual streamer has to worry about the fear of prosecution," he wrote in a statement.
Meredith Rose of nonprofit public interest group Public Knowledge said, "This bill is narrowly tailored and avoids criminalizing users, who may do nothing more than click on a link or upload a file. It also does not criminalize streamers who may include unlicensed works as part of their streams."


bonginoreport--2020-12-24--President Trump Pardons Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and Charles Kushner

PALM BEACH , Fla. ( Reuters ) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday granted full pardons to former campaign manager Paul Manafort and former adviser Roger Stone , sweeping away the most important convictions made under the long-running Russia election probe .
Trump also issued a full pardon for Charles Kushner , a real estate developer and the father of Trump ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner .
It was the second wave of pardons Trump has issued in two days .
The announcement came just after Trump arrived in Palm Beach , Florida , for the holiday season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One flight with him .
In total , Trump issued on Wednesday full pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional three people .
Facing the end of his term on Jan. 20 , Trump has now granted full pardons to four major figures from U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign .
Besides Manafort and Stone , Trump has pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former adviser George Papadopoulos .
The Manhattan district attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to prosecute Manafort in New York for mortgage fraud and other alleged crimes , said it would continue to pursue an appeal for its case , which was dismissed on double jeopardy grounds .
“ This action underscores the urgent need to hold Mr. Manafort accountable for his crimes against the People of New York as alleged in our indictment , and we will continue to pursue our appellate remedies , ” said Danny Frost , spokesman for the office .
The Manafort pardon spared the long-time Republican operative from serving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manafort , 70 , was among the first in Trump ’ s inner circle to face charges brought by Mueller as part of his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
In a statement relayed by his lawyer , Manafort expressed his appreciation to Trump .
“ Mr .
President , my family & I humbly thank you for the Presidential Pardon you bestowed on me .
Words can not fully convey how grateful we are , ” he said .
Stone was convicted in November 2019 by a Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election .
Trump commuted his sentence in July , a day before Stone was due to begin serving a term of three years and four months .
Stone , in a statement , thanked Trump for “ completely erasing the criminal conviction to which I was subjected in a Soviet-style show trial on politically-motivated charges.
” Charles Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion , witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecuted Charles Kushner was Chris Christie , now the former governor of New Jersey , who also has served as an adviser to Trump .
Christie was quoted by CNN as saying Charles Kushner ’ s case was “ one of the most loathsome , disgusting crimes ” he prosecuted .
During the case , Charles Kushner admitted to smearing his brother-in-law , who had cooperated with prosecutors , by hiring a prostitute to have sex with him in a motel room , then sending a secretly recorded video of the encounter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kushner ’ s own sister .

PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday granted pardons to former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former adviser Roger Stone, sweeping away the most important convictions under the long-running Russia election probe.
Trump also issued a pardon for Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and the father of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
Trump, taking advantage of a right granted by the Constitution only to the president, has issued two groups of pardons in as many days, and more are anticipated as Trump faces the end of his presidency on Jan. 20.
The announcement came just after Trump arrived in Palm Beach, Florida, for the holiday season, with Jared Kushner on the Air Force One flight with him.
In total, Trump issued on Wednesday pardons to 26 individuals and commuted part or all of the sentences of an additional three people. A commutation removes the punishment but leaves the conviction in place.
Of special interest for Trump has been attacking the results of U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, a case Trump repeatedly dismissed as a political witch hunt.
Reacting to Wednesday’s pardons, Republican Senator Ben Sasse, in a six-word statement, said: “This is rotten to the core.”
Besides Manafort and Stone, Trump has pardoned two other major figures from the Russia probe, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former adviser George Papadopoulos.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office, which has been trying to prosecute Manafort in New York for mortgage fraud and other alleged crimes, said it would continue to pursue an appeal for its case, which was dismissed on double jeopardy grounds.
Slideshow ( 3 images )
“This action underscores the urgent need to hold Mr. Manafort accountable for his crimes against the People of New York as alleged in our indictment, and we will continue to pursue our appellate remedies,” said Danny Frost, spokesman for the office.
FIGURES IN RUSSIA INVESTIGATION
The Manafort pardon spared the long-time Republican operative from serving the bulk of his 7-1/2-year prison term.
Manafort, 70, was among the first in Trump’s inner circle to face charges brought by Mueller as part of his probe into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
Manafort worked on Trump’s White House campaign for five months in 2016. In 2018, Trump called him a “brave man” for not cooperating with federal authorities.
Evidence from the Russia investigation indicated that Trump intended to encourage Manafort “not to cooperate with the government,” according to Mueller’s report.
In a statement relayed by his lawyer, Manafort expressed his appreciation to Trump.
“Mr. President, my family & I humbly thank you for the Presidential Pardon you bestowed on me. Words cannot fully convey how grateful we are,” he said.
Slideshow ( 3 images )
Andrew Weissmann, a top Mueller deputy who oversaw Manafort’s prosecution by the special counsel, noted that Manafort has served roughly two years of his sentence, and that assets seized in civil forfeiture proceedings would fall outside the pardon.
“So, there still are consequences to Paul Manafort, they are just not commensurate with the extensive criminality that he was convicted of and plead guilty to,” Weissmann said on CNN.
Stone was convicted in November 2019 by a Washington jury of lying under oath to lawmakers also investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Trump commuted his sentence in July, a day before Stone was due to begin serving a term of three years and four months. Stone, in a statement, thanked Trump for “completely erasing the criminal conviction to which I was subjected in a Soviet-style show trial on politically-motivated charges.”
Charles Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making unlawful campaign donations.
In an unusual twist, the man who prosecuted Charles Kushner was Chris Christie, now the former governor of New Jersey, who also has served as an adviser to Trump.
Christie was quoted by CNN as saying Charles Kushner’s case was “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he prosecuted.
During the case, Charles Kushner admitted to smearing his brother-in-law, who had cooperated with prosecutors, by hiring a prostitute to have sex with him in a motel room, then sending a secretly recorded video of the encounter to the man’s wife, Charles Kushner’s own sister.
A pardon in practice grants full legal forgiveness for a federal crime, as a result removing any remaining prison sentence, probation conditions or unpaid fines. It also relieves the person of the potential consequences of a felony conviction, such as being barred from voting, running for public office and owning a gun.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--Andrew Yang Prepares to Run for Mayor of New York City

Businessman and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang has filed paperwork to run for mayor of New York City , the city 's Campaign Finance Board confirmed on Wednesday .
Yang 's filing has the potential to immediately upend a race that was shaping up as a contest between long-entrenched city politicians .
It comes just days after a new poll giving him a slight lead among his fellow Democrats running for mayor .
The entrepreneur sparked a huge following in the Democratic primaries for president with his call for universal basic income -- $ 1,000 a month for every American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funded by a tax on companies benefitting from automation .
But , his broad internet popularity did not translate to votes as he 'd hoped .
He has been widely reported to be considering a bid for mayor , and the Public Policy Polling survey released Monday was the second poll in recent weeks to show him with a lead over Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams .
Yang would get 17 percent support in a Democratic primary , according to the PPP survey .
That gives him a 1-point lead over Adams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points back .
The field is far from set , though .
Some 40 percent of voters said they were n't sure who they would support , and the poll also left out multiple declared or potential candidates , including Rep. Max Rose , who recently filed papers to explore a run .
NYC 's primary election will be on June 22 next year .
As of Tuesday , at least 35 people had filed paperwork with the finance board to run for mayor .

Businessman and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang has filed paperwork to run for mayor of New York City, the city's Campaign Finance Board confirmed on Wednesday.
Yang's filing has the potential to immediately upend a race that was shaping up as a contest between long-entrenched city politicians. It comes just days after a new poll giving him a slight lead among his fellow Democrats running for mayor.
The entrepreneur sparked a huge following in the Democratic primaries for president with his call for universal basic income -- $1,000 a month for every American over 18, no strings attached, funded by a tax on companies benefitting from automation. But, his broad internet popularity did not translate to votes as he'd hoped.
He has been widely reported to be considering a bid for mayor, and the Public Policy Polling survey released Monday was the second poll in recent weeks to show him with a lead over Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Yang would get 17 percent support in a Democratic primary, according to the PPP survey. That gives him a 1-point lead over Adams, with all other candidates at least 10 points back.
The field is far from set, though. Some 40 percent of voters said they weren't sure who they would support, and the poll also left out multiple declared or potential candidates, including Rep. Max Rose, who recently filed papers to explore a run.
NYC's primary election will be on June 22 next year. As of Tuesday, at least 35 people had filed paperwork with the finance board to run for mayor.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--AG Barr Bids Farewell

AG Barr Bids Farewell

On his last day at the Department of Justice , Attorney General William Barr sent a letter to his colleagues expressing how grateful he was for their `` outstanding work '' and `` devoted service . ''
`` Today is my last day as Attorney General , '' Barr wrote . ''
As I told the President in my departure letter and reiterated during my final press conference on Monday , it has been a great honor to serve once again in this role . ''
President Trump announced Barr 's resignation earlier this month , saying he had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their relationship `` a very good one . ''
Trump and Barr 's relationship has at times been strained — with Trump repeatedly criticizing the attorney general for decisions he made regarding investigations into Hunter Biden 's overseas business deals , the Trump campaign 's allegations of widespread voter fraud , and , most recently , his refusal to appoint special counsels to investigate either issue .
Earlier this month , Trump fumed after learning Barr told Republicans not to expect any more indictments or a report from U.S. Attorney John Durham before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Justice Department had not found any evidence of widespread voter fraud .
Concluding his letter , Barr congratulated his colleagues for rising `` to meet historic challenges '' and enforce the rule of law .
`` Over the past two years , the dedicated men and women of this Department — including its operational components — have risen to meet historic challenges and upheld our vital mission to enforce the rule of law , '' he wrote .
`` I have been continually inspired by your professionalism and outstanding work .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I leave this Office with deep respect for you , and I will always be grateful for your devoted service to the Nation we love . ''

On his last day at the Department of Justice, Attorney General William Barr sent a letter to his colleagues expressing how grateful he was for their "outstanding work" and "devoted service."
"Today is my last day as Attorney General," Barr wrote." As I told the President in my departure letter and reiterated during my final press conference on Monday, it has been a great honor to serve once again in this role."
President Trump announced Barr's resignation earlier this month, saying he had "done an outstanding job" and calling their relationship "a very good one."
Trump and Barr's relationship has at times been strained — with Trump repeatedly criticizing the attorney general for decisions he made regarding investigations into Hunter Biden's overseas business deals, the Trump campaign's allegations of widespread voter fraud, and, most recently, his refusal to appoint special counsels to investigate either issue.
Earlier this month, Trump fumed after learning Barr told Republicans not to expect any more indictments or a report from U.S. Attorney John Durham before the election. Barr also said that the Justice Department had not found any evidence of widespread voter fraud.
Concluding his letter, Barr congratulated his colleagues for rising "to meet historic challenges" and enforce the rule of law.
"Over the past two years, the dedicated men and women of this Department — including its operational components — have risen to meet historic challenges and upheld our vital mission to enforce the rule of law," he wrote. "I have been continually inspired by your professionalism and outstanding work. As I did almost 30 years ago, I leave this Office with deep respect for you, and I will always be grateful for your devoted service to the Nation we love."


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--One of 2020’s Most Accurate Pollsters Said Last Minute Rule Changes Massively Boosted Biden

One of this year ’ s most accurate pollsters believes that last-minute changes to election laws had a significant effect on the results of the presidential election .
`` If this election had been run based on the rules of 2016 , it would have come out differently , '' Robert Cahaly , the chief pollster for the Trafalgar Group , told the Washington Examiner .
“ I think those little changes made a tremendous difference.
” Prior to November ’ s election , and Washington , D.C. , made changes to election rules that made casting mail-in ballots easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , states eased the requirements to vote absentee and allowed ballot drop box locations , while some states proactively sent voters absentee ballot applications or even the ballots themselves .
Other changes included lifting requirements that voters have witnesses sign their absentee ballots , with Rhode Island and Minnesota doing away with the rule .
North Carolina required only one signature instead of the usual two .
Perhaps most controversially , battleground states that helped push President Trump to victory in 2016 , such as Michigan , Wisconsin , and Pennsylvania , made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to be received or postmarked .
Those changes led to late counting that saw early Trump leads evaporate as late-arriving ballots well into the next few days .
Cahaly believes that such rule changes open the door to fraud , but he didn ’ t say fraud was what cost the president reelection .
“ Pennsylvania had voter fraud in 2020 .
Pennsylvania had voter fraud in 2018 , ” Cahaly said , adding that Pennsylvania has had voter fraud “ as far back ” as he can remember .
“ Philadelphia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he continued .
“ Did these rule changes make [ potential fraud ] more likely ?
I don ’ t think there ’ s any question they did.
” Trafalgar ’ s final Pennsylvania showed Trump with a slim lead of fewer than 2 percentage points over then-candidate Joe Biden , but Biden ended up winning the state by 1.2 points .
In the lead-up to the election , Cahaly that Trump ’ s lead would have to be closer to 4-5 points to prevail in the state .
Otherwise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump victory into a Trump defeat .
Cahaly told the Washington Examiner that he always felt that the “ only way '' Trump was going to win Pennsylvania was if every vote had a “ legit postmark ” and a “ verified signature , ” something he said “ did not happen.
” But Cahaly also expressed frustration with Republicans who complained about fraud costing the president reelection , noting that fraud has “ always been there.
” Instead , Cahaly said Republicans should have been more aggressive in fighting the rule changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s like being mad there was a designated hitter this year , ” Cahaly said .
“ There ’ s no question it made a difference , but it ’ s a difference everyone saw coming .
You can only cry wolf so much.
” Cahaly said it 's “ easy to complain about the rules after the game ’ s over , but the question is , what did you do to prevent it ?
” He added , “ If you think what was done was n't legit , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure it out.
” Cahaly said voter integrity will remain a “ huge issue ” in “ every single red state and quite a few of the purple ones.
” “ If I was a Republican attorney general … I would spend the next two years talking about voter integrity and trying to get the laws changed , ” he said .
“ I think Republicans want to see voter integrity be a big issue.
” Cahaly 's Trafalgar Group has earned a reputation for accuracy during the last three election cycles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Pennsylvania correctly for Trump in 2016 , even predicting his exact electoral vote count .
That success continued in 2018 , with Trafalgar being the only pollster to predict a victory for Gov .
Ron DeSantis in Florida correctly .
This year ’ s election cycle saw more of the same , with Trafalgar being one of the few pollsters showing a tight race between Trump and Biden .
Nowhere was the disconnect between Trafalgar and other pollsters more obvious than Wisconsin , where Trafalgar 's showed Biden winning by 1 point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the New York Times/Siena College and ABC News/Washington Post polls , had Biden leading by 11 points and 17 points , respectively .
Biden ended up by less than 1 point .
Internal data provided to the Washington Examiner by Trafalgar showed the pollster with a 91.2 % five-year correct election call rating .
Cahaly provided a glimpse of where Republicans might be leaning in 2024 .
Asked by the Washington Examiner if there was an early front-runner to be at the top of the ticket in the post-Trump era , Cahaly came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazingly , the few times we ’ ve polled that , the name that keeps coming up first … Tucker Carlson , ” Cahaly said .
“ We polled that three times , and every time his name is on the list , he comes in first.
” While Carlson , the host of Fox News ’ s Tucker Carlson Tonight , has gotten the most mentions so far , other early popular candidates are Sens .
Tim Scott , Ben Sasse , and Josh Hawley .
Cahaly said Trafalgar will begin digging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate runoff elections in January are complete .
For now , he ’ ll stay focused on calling two more 2020 races .

One of this year’s most accurate pollsters believes that last-minute changes to election laws had a significant effect on the results of the presidential election.
"If this election had been run based on the rules of 2016, it would have come out differently," Robert Cahaly, the chief pollster for the Trafalgar Group, told the Washington Examiner. “I think those little changes made a tremendous difference.”
Prior to November’s election, at least 30 states and Washington, D.C., made changes to election rules that made casting mail-in ballots easier. Citing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic, states eased the requirements to vote absentee and allowed ballot drop box locations, while some states proactively sent voters absentee ballot applications or even the ballots themselves.
Other changes included lifting requirements that voters have witnesses sign their absentee ballots, with Rhode Island and Minnesota doing away with the rule. North Carolina required only one signature instead of the usual two.
Perhaps most controversially, battleground states that helped push President Trump to victory in 2016, such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, made changes to extend the deadline that ballots had to be received or postmarked. Those changes led to late counting that saw early Trump leads evaporate as late-arriving ballots were counted well into the next few days.
Cahaly believes that such rule changes open the door to fraud, but he didn’t say fraud was what cost the president reelection.
“Pennsylvania had voter fraud in 2020. Pennsylvania had voter fraud in 2018,” Cahaly said, adding that Pennsylvania has had voter fraud “as far back” as he can remember.
“Philadelphia has an inherent problem with the system,” he continued. “Did these rule changes make [potential fraud] more likely? I don’t think there’s any question they did.”
Trafalgar’s final Pennsylvania presidential poll showed Trump with a slim lead of fewer than 2 percentage points over then-candidate Joe Biden, but Biden ended up winning the state by 1.2 points. In the lead-up to the election, Cahaly warned that Trump’s lead would have to be closer to 4-5 points to prevail in the state. Otherwise, changes to the rules could turn a Trump victory into a Trump defeat.
Cahaly told the Washington Examiner that he always felt that the “only way" Trump was going to win Pennsylvania was if every vote had a “legit postmark” and a “verified signature,” something he said “did not happen.”
But Cahaly also expressed frustration with Republicans who complained about fraud costing the president reelection, noting that fraud has “always been there.” Instead, Cahaly said Republicans should have been more aggressive in fighting the rule changes before the election took place.
“It’s like being mad there was a designated hitter this year,” Cahaly said. “There’s no question it made a difference, but it’s a difference everyone saw coming. You can only cry wolf so much.”
Cahaly said it's “easy to complain about the rules after the game’s over, but the question is, what did you do to prevent it?”
He added, “If you think what was done wasn't legit, you’ve got two years to figure it out.”
Cahaly said voter integrity will remain a “huge issue” in “every single red state and quite a few of the purple ones.”
“If I was a Republican attorney general … I would spend the next two years talking about voter integrity and trying to get the laws changed,” he said. “I think Republicans want to see voter integrity be a big issue.”
Cahaly's Trafalgar Group has earned a reputation for accuracy during the last three election cycles. Trafalgar was the only polling outfit to call Michigan and Pennsylvania correctly for Trump in 2016, even predicting his exact electoral vote count. That success continued in 2018, with Trafalgar being the only pollster to predict a victory for Gov. Ron DeSantis in Florida correctly.
This year’s election cycle saw more of the same, with Trafalgar being one of the few pollsters showing a tight race between Trump and Biden. Nowhere was the disconnect between Trafalgar and other pollsters more obvious than Wisconsin, where Trafalgar's final poll showed Biden winning by 1 point. More well-known pollsters, such as the New York Times/Siena College and ABC News/Washington Post polls, had Biden leading by 11 points and 17 points, respectively. Biden ended up carrying the state by less than 1 point.
Internal data provided to the Washington Examiner by Trafalgar showed the pollster with a 91.2% five-year correct election call rating.
Cahaly provided a glimpse of where Republicans might be leaning in 2024. Asked by the Washington Examiner if there was an early front-runner to be at the top of the ticket in the post-Trump era, Cahaly came up with a surprising name.
“Amazingly, the few times we’ve polled that, the name that keeps coming up first … Tucker Carlson,” Cahaly said. “We polled that three times, and every time his name is on the list, he comes in first.”
While Carlson, the host of Fox News’s Tucker Carlson Tonight, has gotten the most mentions so far, other early popular candidates are Sens. Tim Scott, Ben Sasse, and Josh Hawley.
Cahaly said Trafalgar will begin digging deeper into that race after the Georgia Senate runoff elections in January are complete. For now, he’ll stay focused on calling two more 2020 races.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--Dominion Prepares to Sue Trump Legal Team

Lawyers representing Dominion Voting Systems sent a letter to both President Trump 's campaign and the White House counsel demanding they preserve all records and warning them that a defamation lawsuit could be on the way .
The letter , sent to Rudy Giuliani , the former New York City mayor who is heading Trump 's legal team , and White House counsel Pat Cipollone , told them to cease `` defamatory claims against Dominion '' and ensure there is `` no confusion about your obligation to preserve and retain all documents relating to Dominion and your smear campaign against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday .
In the time since President-elect Joe Biden won the election , Trump , his campaign , and many others in his orbit have pushed voter fraud claims that have been largely rejected in court and rejected by federal and state officials .
Dominion is one of the most prominent targets of the campaign to overturn the results of the election , prompting an ever-growing `` Facts & Rumors '' page on its website to push back on the allegations .
Giuliani is focused on voting machine irregularities , which is distinct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about bribery of U.S. politicians and foreign countries being involved in a plot to rig the election in favor of Biden with electronic voting systems .
Giuliani distanced the president from Powell on Monday , weeks after initially declaring that she was not part of the Trump legal team .
Last week , Dominion wrote a letter to the former federal prosecutor demanding she retract the “ wild , knowingly baseless and false accusations ” it says she has made about the company .
Powell said she will not retract anything .
Additionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuit against Giuliani , the Trump campaign , and a handful of others , including media personalities and media outlets .
He alleges that the 14 defendants promoted unverified election-related conspiracy theories involving Dominion , which put his personal safety at risk .

Lawyers representing Dominion Voting Systems sent a letter to both President Trump's campaign and the White House counsel demanding they preserve all records and warning them that a defamation lawsuit could be on the way.
The letter, sent to Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who is heading Trump's legal team, and White House counsel Pat Cipollone, told them to cease "defamatory claims against Dominion" and ensure there is "no confusion about your obligation to preserve and retain all documents relating to Dominion and your smear campaign against the company," CNN reported on Wednesday.
In the time since President-elect Joe Biden won the election, Trump, his campaign, and many others in his orbit have pushed voter fraud claims that have been largely rejected in court and rejected by federal and state officials. Dominion is one of the most prominent targets of the campaign to overturn the results of the election, prompting an ever-growing "Facts & Rumors" page on its website to push back on the allegations.
Giuliani is focused on voting machine irregularities, which is distinct from claims attorney Sidney Powell has made about bribery of U.S. politicians and foreign countries being involved in a plot to rig the election in favor of Biden with electronic voting systems. Giuliani distanced the president from Powell on Monday, weeks after initially declaring that she was not part of the Trump legal team.
Last week, Dominion wrote a letter to the former federal prosecutor demanding she retract the “wild, knowingly baseless and false accusations” it says she has made about the company. Powell said she will not retract anything.
Additionally, a Dominion employee filed a defamation lawsuit against Giuliani, the Trump campaign, and a handful of others, including media personalities and media outlets. He alleges that the 14 defendants promoted unverified election-related conspiracy theories involving Dominion, which put his personal safety at risk.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--LOL: Esquire Magazine Brands CNN’s Jake Tapper the “King of Truth”

Jake Tapper , famous for pushing the now-debunked Russia collusion hoax and for suppressing the Hunter Biden influence-peddling story , was named `` The King of Truth '' by Esquire Magazine .
As part of its year end review in which they `` hail the people , the moments and the menswear that 's made a better place of 2020 , '' otherwise known as `` the weirdest year on record , '' Tapper was named `` King of Truth , '' among men and women who were named kings of other things .
Of CNN anchor Jake Tapper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a great many things , Esquire writes `` In the time between America voting in the 2020 presidential election and the results being known ( which , in true 2020 fashion , went on forever ) people around the world watching CNN were calmed by the steady voice and fine jaw of one Jake Tapper .
`` As one of several of the network ’ s reporters who gave literal meaning to the job of 'anchor ' during a truly weird week , Tapper kept those nervously watching in Pennsylvania or Paris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sane .
`` In the days following the result Tapper and his co-hosts alternated between snatches of sleep and holding the Trump administration 's feet to the fire by showing the receipts against every wild claim being made .
Undoubtedly the humble JT would want this award given instead to Gritty : the Philadelphia Flyer ’ s chaotic orange mascot from his home city who danced in the streets when the news broke of Donald Trump 's defeat . ''
Tapper , who told Americans that `` Christmas is not going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be consequences for Trump supporters changing his tune only days later , and had to delete information he 'd posted about Trump supporters targeting Biden supporters when it turned out to be untrue , is not well-known as a teller of truth .
Tapper 's work on the fraud that was Russiagate has also been well-documented .
In April 2019 , after it began to become apparent that the allegations that President Trump had colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election were unfounded , Tapper backed his network , and his claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gotten `` anything '' wrong in their incorrect reporting of Russiagate , despite the stark evidence to the contrary .
`` I 'm not sure what you 're saying the media got wrong , '' Tapper said to acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney .
`` The media reported the investigation was going on .
Other than the people in the media on the left , not on this network , I don ’ t know anybody that got anything wrong . ''
`` We did n't say there was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conspiracy , '' Tapper clarified .
`` That ’ s fine , if that ’ s your recollection of history , that 's great , ” Mulvaney said .
`` Face it , the media got this wrong .
It 's okay .
People get stuff wrong all the time , just not at this level . ''
`` We need to figure out what went wrong with the Mueller report , why — in all fairness to your network — why the media got it so wrong for so long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was n't concerned about Tapper 's lack of truth in 2019 , and as 2020 is a whole new year , they felt comfortable crowning Tapper despite the myriad untruths he has promulgated .
In October 2020 , he also suppressed the reporting on allegations of influence-peddling and spurious foreign business dealings involving Hunter Biden and his now President-elect father Joe Biden .
It was n't until early December , after the election , that Tapper deigned to give air time to the controversy that , if more Americans had known about it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The reporting was squashed by multiple mainstream media outlets as well as Twitter and Facebook .
Rick Grenell called Tapper out on his lack of reporting prior to the election , only to bring the allegations to light once it was all over .
CNN , arbiter 's , according to Esquire , of truth , specifically refused to do this reporting from an executive level .
`` Obviously , we 're not going with the New York Post story right now on Hunter Biden , '' CNN Political Director David Chalian said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 , which was the date of publication for the New York Post 's bombshell reporting on the matter .
This was reported by Project Veritas , who obtained access to the conference call .
`` The Trump media , you know , moves immediately from—OK , well , never mind—the [ Michael Flynn ] unmasking was , you know , found to be completely nonsensical to the latest alleged scandal and expects everybody to just follow suit , '' Jeff Zucker said , `` So , I do n't think that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right-wing media suggests that we should . ''
Tapper must have taken these executive orders to suppress the truth to heart when , on Oct. 22 , he said that the concerns revealed about Hunter Biden by the New York Post were `` too disgusting '' to repeat and that the `` right wing is going crazy . ''
Since the election , however , Tapper has mentioned it , and asked Joe Biden about the allegations on the air .
`` When your son came under scrutiny during the campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or associated with me will be involved in any foreign operations whatsoever .
Period .
End of story , ' '' Tapper said .
`` Will your brothers , will your son take leave from any business interests , not just foreign but any business interests , that might create any even an appearance of impropriety ? ''
Biden responded `` My son , my family will not be involved in any business , any enterprise that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict with an appropriate distance from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` King of Truth , '' let that stand without further investigation .

Jake Tapper, famous for pushing the now-debunked Russia collusion hoax and for suppressing the Hunter Biden influence-peddling story , was named "The King of Truth" by Esquire Magazine.
As part of its year end review in which they "hail the people, the moments and the menswear that's made a better place of 2020," otherwise known as "the weirdest year on record," Tapper was named "King of Truth," among men and women who were named kings of other things.
Of CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who notable has not told the truth about a great many things, Esquire writes "In the time between America voting in the 2020 presidential election and the results being known (which, in true 2020 fashion, went on forever) people around the world watching CNN were calmed by the steady voice and fine jaw of one Jake Tapper.
"As one of several of the network’s reporters who gave literal meaning to the job of 'anchor' during a truly weird week, Tapper kept those nervously watching in Pennsylvania or Paris, LA or London, grounded and sane.
"In the days following the result Tapper and his co-hosts alternated between snatches of sleep and holding the Trump administration's feet to the fire by showing the receipts against every wild claim being made. Undoubtedly the humble JT would want this award given instead to Gritty: the Philadelphia Flyer’s chaotic orange mascot from his home city who danced in the streets when the news broke of Donald Trump's defeat."
Tapper, who told Americans that "Christmas is not going to be possible," claimed that there should be consequences for Trump supporters changing his tune only days later, and had to delete information he'd posted about Trump supporters targeting Biden supporters when it turned out to be untrue, is not well-known as a teller of truth.
Tapper's work on the fraud that was Russiagate has also been well-documented.
In April 2019, after it began to become apparent that the allegations that President Trump had colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election were unfounded, Tapper backed his network, and his claims.
He said that CNN had not gotten "anything" wrong in their incorrect reporting of Russiagate, despite the stark evidence to the contrary.
"I'm not sure what you're saying the media got wrong," Tapper said to acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. "The media reported the investigation was going on. Other than the people in the media on the left, not on this network, I don’t know anybody that got anything wrong."
.@MickMulvaneyOMB tells @jaketapper that ethics are not the issue when it comes to the Russia probe on #CNNSotu https://t.co/geGGK4lD1N — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) March 31, 2019
"We didn't say there was a conspiracy. We said Mueller was investigating a conspiracy," Tapper clarified.
"That’s fine, if that’s your recollection of history, that's great,” Mulvaney said. "Face it, the media got this wrong. It's okay. People get stuff wrong all the time, just not at this level."
"We need to figure out what went wrong with the Mueller report, why — in all fairness to your network — why the media got it so wrong for so long," said Mulvaney.
But perhaps Esquire wasn't concerned about Tapper's lack of truth in 2019, and as 2020 is a whole new year, they felt comfortable crowning Tapper despite the myriad untruths he has promulgated.
In October 2020, he also suppressed the reporting on allegations of influence-peddling and spurious foreign business dealings involving Hunter Biden and his now President-elect father Joe Biden.
It wasn't until early December, after the election, that Tapper deigned to give air time to the controversy that, if more Americans had known about it, could have swayed the election. The reporting was squashed by multiple mainstream media outlets as well as Twitter and Facebook.
Rick Grenell called Tapper out on his lack of reporting prior to the election, only to bring the allegations to light once it was all over.
This story broke in October.
You didn’t do it then.
Were you instructed to ignore it until after the election? https://t.co/IZTsCRtywm — Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) December 10, 2020
CNN, arbiter's, according to Esquire, of truth, specifically refused to do this reporting from an executive level.
"Obviously, we're not going with the New York Post story right now on Hunter Biden," CNN Political Director David Chalian said in a company conference call on Oct. 14, which was the date of publication for the New York Post's bombshell reporting on the matter. This was reported by Project Veritas, who obtained access to the conference call.
"The Trump media, you know, moves immediately from—OK, well, never mind—the [Michael Flynn] unmasking was, you know, found to be completely nonsensical to the latest alleged scandal and expects everybody to just follow suit," Jeff Zucker said, "So, I don't think that we should be repeating unsubstantiated smears just because the right-wing media suggests that we should."
Tapper must have taken these executive orders to suppress the truth to heart when, on Oct. 22, he said that the concerns revealed about Hunter Biden by the New York Post were "too disgusting" to repeat and that the "right wing is going crazy."
Jake Tapper didn’t just ignore the Hunter Biden/Biden Crime Family story that broke weeks before the election.
He vehemently raged against it on national television.
Now, why would he do that when he knew it to be true? https://t.co/KvXFO1wl7b pic.twitter.com/XJe5gR1H3U — August eWst (@PerryVanderbilt) December 18, 2020
Since the election, however, Tapper has mentioned it, and asked Joe Biden about the allegations on the air.
"When your son came under scrutiny during the campaign, you vowed 'No one in my family or associated with me will be involved in any foreign operations whatsoever. Period. End of story,'" Tapper said. "Will your brothers, will your son take leave from any business interests, not just foreign but any business interests, that might create any even an appearance of impropriety?"
Biden responded "My son, my family will not be involved in any business, any enterprise that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict with an appropriate distance from the presidency and government."
Tapper, "King of Truth," let that stand without further investigation.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--Latest Bitcoin Rally Attracts Institutional Investors

The bitcoin rally has seen the cryptocurrency climb to uncharted highs and this hasn ’ t just been reflected in the markets .
Away from the exchanges and OTC desks setting the price of BTC , private and institutional investor interest is growing at pace .
Evidence of this can be seen in the growth of crypto venture capital funds , which have raised billions of dollars in 2020 .
On December 23rd , Seoul-based blockchain investment group Hashed revealed that it has raised $ 120 million for its first crypto fund .
The firm , led by CEO Simon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockchain startups including base layer protocols similar to Ethereum .
According to Kim , the next wave of crypto networks will mark the start of the “ protocol economy , ” an era in which data and value is transmitted globally by crypto networks using a shared public ledger .
He predicts strong government and institutional support for this new paradigm and has had no trouble selling out the group ’ s first VC fund .
Accredited investors are limited in terms of the crypto assets they can trade , primarily consisting of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custodians .
Blockchain funds provide an alternative way of gaining exposure to digital assets and the ecosystem they support .
As bitcoin has broken new records , surging past $ 22,000 , some investors are looking beyond the 12-year-old cryptocurrency to bootstrapping the next wave of blockchain networks .
Data from research group The Block shows a record $ 900 million was invested in blockchain startups in Q3 of 2020 .
Investors rushed to bootstrap decentralized finance projects in particular , including those focused on portfolio management , lending , and derivatives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nakamoto originated , with speculation placing him everywhere from London to LA .
What can be said is that the movement he started , founded on blockchain technology , has become a borderless industry that ’ s attracting major investment around the globe .
In the U.S. , Andreessen Horowitz subsidiary a16z was founded to seek out promising crypto startups , alongside firms like Pantera Capital and Galaxy Digital , led by veteran investor Mike Novogratz .
In Asia , meanwhile , Hashed is not alone in securing private investment to fund public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exchanges , including Binance and BitMax , have their own VC arms , tasked with nurturing next generation crypto companies .
The symbiotic relationship often results in the same exchanges listing the native token of the projects they ’ ve incubated once they reach maturity .
It ’ s not just VCs that have sought exposure to blockchain either .
Family offices and hedge funds have also taken an interest in the space .
Harvard University ’ s investment arm is one endowment fund that has already jumped into the crypto market , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11.5 million investment in crypto company Blockstack .
Yale University is also known to have made a significant cryptocurrency investment .
Bitcoin is going through the early stages of a new asset class , from suffering early bubbles to attracting scammers with their get-rich-quick schemes .
The frothiness of the market has been tempered by robust products that cater to a professional audience .
Crypto is significantly more mature now than in 2017 when BTC last approached the heights it is now trading at .
Today , the industry supports a healthy futures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have all anchored bitcoin while making it palatable to institutional investors .
Elon Musk ’ s flirtation with bitcoin , which has largely consisted of tweeting crypto memes to his 41 million followers , hints at a deeper interest in the digital currency .
In a typically Musk-ian exchange on December 20 , the Tesla CEO was encouraged by MicroStrategy ’ s Michael Saylor to follow his lead and convert some of Tesla ’ s cash reserves to BTC .
“ Are such large transactions even possible ?
” pondered Musk , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affirmative , before offering to show Musk how .
Bitcoin ’ s low correlation to traditional assets has compelled some investors to rebalance portfolios that were heavy on bonds and equities , allocating a tranche to BTC .
Bolder investors , however , are looking beyond bitcoin to the possibilities afforded by new blockchain protocols , where the risk-reward is higher , but so is the potential for outsized returns .
While institutional investors have been buying bitcoin , and investing in the industry that ’ s formed around it , companies have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hashed has publicly supported Kakao , responsible for developing the country ’ s Klatyn blockchain , and LINE blockchain , owned by Tokyo ’ s LVC Corporation .
Big Four accountancy firm KPMG , meanwhile , has expanded its blockchain strategy , supporting Microsoft , Tomia , and R3 in developing a solution for 5G network , and filing its own blockchain patents .
Against this backdrop of corporate innovation and private investment in blockchain , VCs have seen crypto funds fill up fast .
This digital gold rush has prompted a booming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tools and apps for interacting with the next wave of decentralized protocols .

Bitcoin in Uncharted Territory. (Photo Illustration by Nik Oiko/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ... [+] Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The bitcoin rally has seen the cryptocurrency climb to uncharted highs and this hasn’t just been reflected in the markets. Away from the exchanges and OTC desks setting the price of BTC, private and institutional investor interest is growing at pace. Evidence of this can be seen in the growth of crypto venture capital funds, which have raised billions of dollars in 2020.
On December 23rd, Seoul-based blockchain investment group Hashed revealed that it has raised $120 million for its first crypto fund. The firm, led by CEO Simon Kim, intends to invest in disruptive blockchain startups including base layer protocols similar to Ethereum. According to Kim, the next wave of crypto networks will mark the start of the “protocol economy,” an era in which data and value is transmitted globally by crypto networks using a shared public ledger. He predicts strong government and institutional support for this new paradigm and has had no trouble selling out the group’s first VC fund.
Investors Circle Blockchain Startups
Accredited investors are limited in terms of the crypto assets they can trade, primarily consisting of BTC and ETH via regulated brokers and custodians. Blockchain funds provide an alternative way of gaining exposure to digital assets and the ecosystem they support. As bitcoin has broken new records, surging past $22,000, some investors are looking beyond the 12-year-old cryptocurrency to bootstrapping the next wave of blockchain networks.
Data from research group The Block shows a record $900 million was invested in blockchain startups in Q3 of 2020. Investors rushed to bootstrap decentralized finance projects in particular, including those focused on portfolio management, lending, and derivatives.
Private Investors Fund Public Networks
No one knows where Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto originated, with speculation placing him everywhere from London to LA. What can be said is that the movement he started, founded on blockchain technology, has become a borderless industry that’s attracting major investment around the globe. In the U.S., Andreessen Horowitz subsidiary a16z was founded to seek out promising crypto startups, alongside firms like Pantera Capital and Galaxy Digital, led by veteran investor Mike Novogratz.
In Asia, meanwhile, Hashed is not alone in securing private investment to fund public blockchain networks. A number of cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance and BitMax, have their own VC arms, tasked with nurturing next generation crypto companies. The symbiotic relationship often results in the same exchanges listing the native token of the projects they’ve incubated once they reach maturity.
It’s not just VCs that have sought exposure to blockchain either. Family offices and hedge funds have also taken an interest in the space. Harvard University’s investment arm is one endowment fund that has already jumped into the crypto market, joining two other investors in an $11.5 million investment in crypto company Blockstack. Yale University is also known to have made a significant cryptocurrency investment.
The Institutional Case for Crypto
Bitcoin is going through the early stages of a new asset class, from suffering early bubbles to attracting scammers with their get-rich-quick schemes. The frothiness of the market has been tempered by robust products that cater to a professional audience. Crypto is significantly more mature now than in 2017 when BTC last approached the heights it is now trading at. Today, the industry supports a healthy futures market, while enhanced options and custody have all anchored bitcoin while making it palatable to institutional investors.
Elon Musk’s flirtation with bitcoin, which has largely consisted of tweeting crypto memes to his 41 million followers, hints at a deeper interest in the digital currency. In a typically Musk-ian exchange on December 20, the Tesla CEO was encouraged by MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor to follow his lead and convert some of Tesla’s cash reserves to BTC.
“Are such large transactions even possible?” pondered Musk, to which bitcoin bull Saylor replied in the affirmative, before offering to show Musk how.
Bitcoin’s low correlation to traditional assets has compelled some investors to rebalance portfolios that were heavy on bonds and equities, allocating a tranche to BTC. Bolder investors, however, are looking beyond bitcoin to the possibilities afforded by new blockchain protocols, where the risk-reward is higher, but so is the potential for outsized returns.
Corporations Catch the Crypto Bug
While institutional investors have been buying bitcoin, and investing in the industry that’s formed around it, companies have been trialling their own blockchain solutions. Hashed has publicly supported Kakao, responsible for developing the country’s Klatyn blockchain, and LINE blockchain, owned by Tokyo’s LVC Corporation. Big Four accountancy firm KPMG, meanwhile, has expanded its blockchain strategy, supporting Microsoft, Tomia, and R3 in developing a solution for 5G network, and filing its own blockchain patents.
Against this backdrop of corporate innovation and private investment in blockchain, VCs have seen crypto funds fill up fast. This digital gold rush has prompted a booming business in picks and shovels - the tools and apps for interacting with the next wave of decentralized protocols.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--President Trump Slams “Disgrace” Relief Bill – Demands $2,000 Checks – Threatens Veto

President Donald Trump slammed Congress on Tuesday evening for the latest coronavirus relief bill , calling on lawmakers to increase the `` ridiculously low '' $ 600 , amend the `` disgrace , '' and send him a `` suitable bill '' or `` else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package . ''
`` Maybe that administration will be me .
And we will get it done .
Thank you very much , '' Trump concluded .
`` Throughout the summer , Democrats cruelly blocked COVID relief legislation in an effort to advance their extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump prefaced the speech blasted on Twitter that criticized the mammoth of an economic relief package passed by Congress this week .
A few months ago , Congress started negotiations on the new monstrous move to usher urgently-needed help to the American people , Trump continued .
`` It 's taken forever , '' he fired back .
`` However , the bill they are now planning to send back to my desk is much different than anticipated .
It really is a disgrace . ''
Trump pointed out that among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress has read because of its length and complexity '' —is called the COVID relief bill , but it has nothing to do with the coronavirus .
This bill contains $ 85.5 million for assistance to Cambodia , $ 134 million to Burma , $ 1.3 billion for Egypt—which will buy almost exclusively Russian military equipment , he alleged— $ 25 million for democracy and gender programs in Pakistan , $ 505 million to Belize , Costa Rica , El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras , Nicaragua , and Panama .
Trump also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allocated towards the Kennedy Center in Washington , DC—which is not even open for business— $ 1 billion towards the Smithsonian , and an additional $ 154 million for the National Gallery of Art .
Likewise , these facilities are essentially not open .
He went on to account $ 7 million for reef fish management , $ 25 billion to combat Asian carp , $ 2.5 million to `` count the number of amberjack fish '' in the Gulf of Mexico , a provision to promote the breeding of fish in federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production technology , $ 2 million to research the impact of down trees , and $ 566 million for construction projects at the Federal Bureau of Investigation .
The bill also allows stimulus checks for the family members of illegal aliens , allowing these individuals to be awarded up to $ 1,800 each .
`` This is far more than the Americans are given , '' Trump charged .
`` Despite all of this wasteful spending and much more , the $ 900 billion package provides hardworking taxpayers with only $ 600 each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is given to small businesses , '' he argued , `` And in particular , restaurants whose owners have suffered so grievously .
They were only given a deduction for others to use in business , their restaurants , for two years . ''
Trump then asserted that this two year period must be withdrawn , which would allow the owners to obtain financing and restore their restaurants to peak condition .
`` Congress can terminate it at a much later date , but two years is not acceptable .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president lambasted Congress for finding `` plenty of money for foreign countries , lobbyists , and special interests while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it . ''
`` It wasn ’ t their fault ; it was China ’ s fault , '' Trump stated .
`` I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $ 600 to $ 2,000 or $ 4,000 for a couple . ''
Trump also called on Congress to immediately slash the `` wasteful and unnecessary '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him a `` suitable bill '' or else the next administration will have to deliver its own COVID-19 relief package .
`` Maybe that administration will be me .
And we will get it done .
Thank you very much , '' Trump concluded .
This is a breaking story and will be updated .

President Donald Trump slammed Congress on Tuesday evening for the latest coronavirus relief bill, calling on lawmakers to increase the "ridiculously low" $600, amend the "disgrace," and send him a "suitable bill" or "else the next administration will have to deliver a COVID relief package."
"Maybe that administration will be me. And we will get it done. Thank you very much," Trump concluded.
"Throughout the summer, Democrats cruelly blocked COVID relief legislation in an effort to advance their extreme left-wing agenda and influence the election," Trump prefaced the speech blasted on Twitter that criticized the mammoth of an economic relief package passed by Congress this week.
A few months ago, Congress started negotiations on the new monstrous move to usher urgently-needed help to the American people, Trump continued.
"It's taken forever," he fired back. "However, the bill they are now planning to send back to my desk is much different than anticipated. It really is a disgrace."
Trump pointed out that among the more than 5,000 pages—which "nobody in Congress has read because of its length and complexity"—is called the COVID relief bill, but it has nothing to do with the coronavirus.
This bill contains $85.5 million for assistance to Cambodia, $134 million to Burma, $1.3 billion for Egypt—which will buy almost exclusively Russian military equipment, he alleged—$25 million for democracy and gender programs in Pakistan, $505 million to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Trump also noted that $40 million will be allocated towards the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC—which is not even open for business—$1 billion towards the Smithsonian, and an additional $154 million for the National Gallery of Art. Likewise, these facilities are essentially not open.
He went on to account $7 million for reef fish management, $25 billion to combat Asian carp, $2.5 million to "count the number of amberjack fish" in the Gulf of Mexico, a provision to promote the breeding of fish in federal hatcheries, $3 million in poultry production technology, $2 million to research the impact of down trees, and $566 million for construction projects at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The bill also allows stimulus checks for the family members of illegal aliens, allowing these individuals to be awarded up to $1,800 each. "This is far more than the Americans are given," Trump charged.
"Despite all of this wasteful spending and much more, the $900 billion package provides hardworking taxpayers with only $600 each in relief payments and not enough money is given to small businesses," he argued, "And in particular, restaurants whose owners have suffered so grievously. They were only given a deduction for others to use in business, their restaurants, for two years."
Trump then asserted that this two year period must be withdrawn, which would allow the owners to obtain financing and restore their restaurants to peak condition. "Congress can terminate it at a much later date, but two years is not acceptable. It’s not enough," Trump declared.
The president lambasted Congress for finding "plenty of money for foreign countries, lobbyists, and special interests while sending the bare minimum to the American people who need it."
"It wasn’t their fault; it was China’s fault," Trump stated. "I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000 or $4,000 for a couple."
Trump also called on Congress to immediately slash the "wasteful and unnecessary" items from this legislation and to send him a "suitable bill" or else the next administration will have to deliver its own COVID-19 relief package.
"Maybe that administration will be me. And we will get it done. Thank you very much," Trump concluded.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--Flashback: Susan Rice Actually Once Had a Common Sense Opinion on Reparations

• Former national security adviser Susan Rice said in 1998 that laying responsibility for slavery is “ largely irrelevant ” and noted that there were “ both buyers and sellers ” in Africa who participated in the slave trade .
• Rice made these remarks when she defended former President Bill Clinton ’ s apology for slavery made in 1998 in a village outside the Ugandan capital .
• “ I ’ d like to make the point to all of you that you ought to be , I would argue , not focused on the past , not focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on slavery , which , as an African American , is largely irrelevant to what we ’ re about here , but focus on the future , ” she said .
Former national security adviser Susan Rice said in 1998 that laying responsibility for slavery is “ largely irrelevant ” and noted that there were “ both buyers and sellers ” in Africa who participated in the slave trade .
Rice , who president-elect Biden has chosen to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council , defended former President Bill Clinton ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a village outside the Ugandan capital .
Clinton ’ s speech had sparked anxieties among his staff who feared that the speech would trigger a backlash in the United States , the Washington Post reported at the time .
“ Going back to the time before we were even a nation , European Americans received the fruits of the slave trade , ” Clinton said , according to WaPo .
“ And we were wrong in that.
” The former president added : “ In our own time , during the Cold War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being in competition with the Soviet Union , very often we dealt with countries in Africa and other parts of the world based more on how they stood in the struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union than how they stood in the struggle for their own people ’ s aspirations to live up to the fullest of their God-given abilities.
” Rice , who served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 1997 to 2001 , discussed the president ’ s remarks during a March 24 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia Pastor Refers To Black RNC Speakers As ‘ Slaves ’ ) “ I ’ d like to make the point to all of you that you ought to be , I would argue , not focused on the past , not focused on the Cold War , not focused on slavery , which , as an African American , is largely irrelevant to what we ’ re about here , but focus on the future , ” she said .
“ You asked a question of Reverend Jackson , how do you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing the comments of the President or experiencing the slave castles as an African American , ” she continued .
“ Let me just speak for myself — I felt , one , a sense of reverence and a sense of history , but far more interested in the future .
What is going to be the fate of my 8-month-old son , what is going to be the fate of the young children we saw today in Jinja — that ’ s what ’ s relevant.
” Rice emphasized that Clinton was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa with which we can and must work in the 21st century , ” noting that “ we need strong partners in Africa with which we can work to cooperate to combat ” threats to the United States .
( RELATED : Obama ’ s Solicitor General Defends Corporations Accused Of Abetting Child Slavery ) “ So I hope that we can increasingly stop talking about slaver ( y ) , which is , frankly , largely irrelevant to most of us here today , ” she said , “ and talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both positive and negative , in a fashion that builds a brighter future for Americans and Africans alike.
” Rice had previously said that there were both “ buyers and sellers ” in Africa who participated in the slave trade , the Post reported , and emphasized during the press conference that she stood by these remarks .
“ I stand by my statement , ” she told a reporter during the 1998 White House Press Briefing .
“ There were buyers and sellers .
That ’ s a historical fact .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She continued : “ That ’ s simply to say that the past is past , and buyers and sellers are now on both sides of the Atlantic and it ’ s our task together to build a brighter future .
We can spend the rest of this trip and the rest of our time while we ’ re in government talking about the past , or we can seize an opportunity and build a better future for American young people and African young people .
To me , that ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation sent through the Biden transition team .
Biden and his fellow Democrats have repeatedly promised to “ study ” how to pay reparations to the black community for the devastating effects of slavery in American history .
“ Joe Biden knows that African Americans can never have a fair shot at the American Dream so long as entrenched disparities are allowed to quietly chip away at opportunity , ” Biden ’ s “ Plan for Black America ” states .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy in a way that finally brings everyone along—and that starts by rooting out systemic racism from our laws , our policies , our institutions , and our hearts.
” “ As Biden has said in this campaign , a Biden Administration will support a study of reparations , ” the plan said .
“ Biden will begin on day one of his Administration to address the systemic racism that persists across our institutions today .
That ’ s why he developed education , climate change , and health care policies , among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic racism and ensure that all Americans have a fair shot at living the American dream .
“ Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Former national security adviser Susan Rice said in 1998 that laying responsibility for slavery is “largely irrelevant” and noted that there were “both buyers and sellers” in Africa who participated in the slave trade.
Rice made these remarks when she defended former President Bill Clinton’s apology for slavery made in 1998 in a village outside the Ugandan capital.
“I’d like to make the point to all of you that you ought to be, I would argue, not focused on the past, not focused on the Cold War, not focused on slavery, which, as an African American, is largely irrelevant to what we’re about here, but focus on the future,” she said.
Former national security adviser Susan Rice said in 1998 that laying responsibility for slavery is “largely irrelevant” and noted that there were “both buyers and sellers” in Africa who participated in the slave trade.
Rice, who president-elect Biden has chosen to lead the White House Domestic Policy Council, defended former President Bill Clinton’s apology for slavery made in 1998 in a village outside the Ugandan capital. Clinton’s speech had sparked anxieties among his staff who feared that the speech would trigger a backlash in the United States, the Washington Post reported at the time.
“Going back to the time before we were even a nation, European Americans received the fruits of the slave trade,” Clinton said, according to WaPo. “And we were wrong in that.”
The former president added: “In our own time, during the Cold War, when we were so concerned about being in competition with the Soviet Union, very often we dealt with countries in Africa and other parts of the world based more on how they stood in the struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union than how they stood in the struggle for their own people’s aspirations to live up to the fullest of their God-given abilities.”
Rice, who served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from 1997 to 2001, discussed the president’s remarks during a March 24, 1998 press conference. (RELATED: Georgia Pastor Refers To Black RNC Speakers As ‘Slaves’)
“I’d like to make the point to all of you that you ought to be, I would argue, not focused on the past, not focused on the Cold War, not focused on slavery, which, as an African American, is largely irrelevant to what we’re about here, but focus on the future,” she said.
“You asked a question of Reverend Jackson, how do you feel — or how did you feel hearing the comments of the President or experiencing the slave castles as an African American,” she continued. “Let me just speak for myself — I felt, one, a sense of reverence and a sense of history, but far more interested in the future. What is going to be the fate of my 8-month-old son, what is going to be the fate of the young children we saw today in Jinja — that’s what’s relevant.”
Rice emphasized that Clinton was trying to show America “a new Africa with which we can and must work in the 21st century,” noting that “we need strong partners in Africa with which we can work to cooperate to combat” threats to the United States. (RELATED: Obama’s Solicitor General Defends Corporations Accused Of Abetting Child Slavery)
“So I hope that we can increasingly stop talking about slaver(y), which is, frankly, largely irrelevant to most of us here today,” she said, “and talk about how we can overcome our history, both positive and negative, in a fashion that builds a brighter future for Americans and Africans alike.”
Rice had previously said that there were both “buyers and sellers” in Africa who participated in the slave trade, the Post reported, and emphasized during the press conference that she stood by these remarks.
“I stand by my statement,” she told a reporter during the 1998 White House Press Briefing. “There were buyers and sellers. That’s a historical fact. That’s not to cast blame.”
She continued: “That’s simply to say that the past is past, and buyers and sellers are now on both sides of the Atlantic and it’s our task together to build a brighter future. We can spend the rest of this trip and the rest of our time while we’re in government talking about the past, or we can seize an opportunity and build a better future for American young people and African young people. To me, that’s a no-brainer.”
Rice did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation sent through the Biden transition team.
Biden and his fellow Democrats have repeatedly promised to “study” how to pay reparations to the black community for the devastating effects of slavery in American history.
“Joe Biden knows that African Americans can never have a fair shot at the American Dream so long as entrenched disparities are allowed to quietly chip away at opportunity,” Biden’s “Plan for Black America” states. “He is running for President to rebuild our economy in a way that finally brings everyone along—and that starts by rooting out systemic racism from our laws, our policies, our institutions, and our hearts.”
“As Biden has said in this campaign, a Biden Administration will support a study of reparations,” the plan said. “Biden will begin on day one of his Administration to address the systemic racism that persists across our institutions today. That’s why he developed education, climate change, and health care policies, among others, that will root out this systemic racism and ensure that all Americans have a fair shot at living the American dream. “
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


bonginoreport--2020-12-23--16 GOP AGs Side With NRA After NY AG’s Politically Motivated Attacks

Sixteen Republican state attorneys general are voicing support for the National Rifle Association ( NRA ) in its legal battle against New York Attorney General Letitia James , who seeks to dissolve the gun rights group .
The GOP attorneys general , led by Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge , filed an amicus brief with U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York on Tuesday backing an NRA lawsuit against James alleging that the New York AG is seeking to crush the advocacy group ’ s First Amendment rights .
“ New York ’ s lawsuit is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who promised in her campaign to go after the NRA .
It is designed to undermine our Second Amendment right , ” Rutledge said in a statement .
“ Even if it makes me unpopular in places like New York , I stand committed to protecting the Constitution — particularly Arkansans ’ right to bear arms .
That is why I oppose the New York Attorney General ’ s political stunt and am proud to lead these 16 States in supporting the NRA ’ s lawsuit against New York.
” “ I repeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Natural State would happily welcome an organization that fights for the Second Amendment rights of Arkansans and all Americans , ” she added .
The attorneys general of Alaska , Georgia , Idaho , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississippi , Missouri , Ohio , Oklahoma , South Carolina , South Dakota , Texas , Utah , and West Virginia joined Rutledge against James ’ “ politically-motivated ” suit against the NRA , according to the statement .
James responded to the brief on Tuesday , saying : “ The NRA has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abuse , and brazen illegality .
Simply put , the rot runs deep , which is why our lawsuit to dissolve the organization will continue undeterred , ” according to The Wall Street Journal .
James sued the NRA on Aug. 6 , seeking to dissolve the gun advocacy group over alleged financial irregularities and self-dealing among the group ’ s executives .
“ We are seeking to dissolve the NRA for years of self-dealing and illegal conduct that violate New York ’ s charities laws and undermine its own mission .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its charitable mission for personal use by senior leadership , ” she stated .
“ Our lawsuit charges the NRA as a whole and four senior leaders , including Wayne LaPierre , with failing to manage the NRA ’ s funds and failing to follow numerous state and federal laws .
These actions contributed to the loss of more than $ 64 million in just three years for the NRA.
” The NRA countered with its own lawsuit filed days later , accusing James of attempting to trample the group ’ s right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political points and fulfill a campaign promise .
“ Despite hopes that playing by the rules would procure a just outcome , the NRA has not been treated fairly by James ’ s office , ” the NRA lawsuit said .
“ The New York Democratic Party political machine seeks to harass , defund , and dismantle the NRA because of what it believes and what it says.
” Related : Democrats In Battleground State Apoplectic Over NY ’ s NRA Lawsuit : ‘ Equivalent Of Alabama AG Suing To Dissolve Planned Parenthood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s fastest-growing conservative media companies and counter-cultural outlets for news , opinion , and entertainment .
Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member .

Sixteen Republican state attorneys general are voicing support for the National Rifle Association (NRA) in its legal battle against New York Attorney General Letitia James, who seeks to dissolve the gun rights group.
The GOP attorneys general, led by Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, filed an amicus brief with U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York on Tuesday backing an NRA lawsuit against James alleging that the New York AG is seeking to crush the advocacy group’s First Amendment rights.
“New York’s lawsuit is a political stunt by a liberal attorney general who promised in her campaign to go after the NRA. It is designed to undermine our Second Amendment right,” Rutledge said in a statement. “Even if it makes me unpopular in places like New York, I stand committed to protecting the Constitution — particularly Arkansans’ right to bear arms. That is why I oppose the New York Attorney General’s political stunt and am proud to lead these 16 States in supporting the NRA’s lawsuit against New York.”
“I repeat my invitation to the NRA: The Natural State would happily welcome an organization that fights for the Second Amendment rights of Arkansans and all Americans,” she added. The attorneys general of Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia joined Rutledge against James’ “politically-motivated” suit against the NRA, according to the statement.
James responded to the brief on Tuesday, saying: “The NRA has been a breeding ground of fraud, abuse, and brazen illegality. Simply put, the rot runs deep, which is why our lawsuit to dissolve the organization will continue undeterred,” according to The Wall Street Journal.
James sued the NRA on Aug. 6, seeking to dissolve the gun advocacy group over alleged financial irregularities and self-dealing among the group’s executives.
“We are seeking to dissolve the NRA for years of self-dealing and illegal conduct that violate New York’s charities laws and undermine its own mission. The NRA diverted millions of dollars away from its charitable mission for personal use by senior leadership,” she stated. “Our lawsuit charges the NRA as a whole and four senior leaders, including Wayne LaPierre, with failing to manage the NRA’s funds and failing to follow numerous state and federal laws. These actions contributed to the loss of more than $64 million in just three years for the NRA.”
The NRA countered with its own lawsuit filed days later, accusing James of attempting to trample the group’s right to free speech in order to score political points and fulfill a campaign promise.
“Despite hopes that playing by the rules would procure a just outcome, the NRA has not been treated fairly by James’s office,” the NRA lawsuit said. “The New York Democratic Party political machine seeks to harass, defund, and dismantle the NRA because of what it believes and what it says.”
Related: Democrats In Battleground State Apoplectic Over NY’s NRA Lawsuit: ‘Equivalent Of Alabama AG Suing To Dissolve Planned Parenthood’