theduran--2020-02-12--US Ambassador sends strong message to Netanyahu: patience, young grasshopper, you’ll annex the West

US Ambassador sends strong message to Netanyahu: patience, young grasshopper, you’ll annex the West Bank soon

Submitted by InfoBrics , authored by Sarah Abed , independent journalist and analyst… On January 28th , United States President Donald Trump accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top advisor/son-in-law Jared Kushner unveiled the much anticipated so-called “ Deal of the Century ” also referred to as the “ Mideast Peace Plan ” .
The deal greenlighted the annexation of Palestinian land , subjugation of Palestinians , and apartheid in Israel .
Israeli politicians couldn ’ t wait to pounce on the opportunity to steal vast areas of occupied land along the Jordan valley .
They did little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a vote on annexation would take place a few days later .
What became clear +even before the ink had dried is that behind the scam of the century was the normalization of Israel ’ s apartheid in Palestine .
The deal was praised by Israel as the opportunity of a lifetime and outright rejected by Palestinian politicians including President Mahmoud Abbas .
Just days after the deal was announced , plans were made to vote on annexing parts of the West Bank , which are sites of Israeli settlements , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal Israeli occupation that defies international law and United Nations Charters , but then that vote was postponed .
Almost two weeks later as word spread that another vote might be on the horizon ahead of the March 2nd election , Washington decided to halt Netanyahu ’ s progress just temporarily causing him to backtrack on his plan for immediate annexation of the West bank .
Netanyahu mentioned on Saturday that mapping of the region was underway .
David Friedman , the Trump administration ’ s Ambassador to Israel is not only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but has historically supported illegal colonial settlements .
On Sunday , he tweeted warning Israeli politicians against taking any unilateral steps which could endanger the Plan and American recognition .
Of course , Israeli Prime Minister took the cue very seriously and knowing that the US ’ s blessing is of utmost importance stressed to both his fans and critics that they have waited for this opportunity since 1967 and won ’ t jeopardize things by being impatient .
Friedman tweeted the following on Sunday February 9th , “ President Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than three years of close consultations among the President , PM Netanyahu and their respective senior staff .
As we have stated , the application of Israeli law to the territory which the Plan provides to be part of Israel is subject to the completion of a mapping process by a joint Israeli-American committee.
” He added “ Any unilateral action in advance of the completion of the committee process endangers the Plan & American recognition.
” As if it wasn ’ t already crystal-clear that the steal of the century was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s and Palestinians nor a deal that Palestinians would ever be able to consider let alone agree to , Friedman ’ s tweet drives home the message loud and clear .
Palestinians were neither consulted , nor will they be part of the mapping process .
Amidst widespread condemnation and what many countries consider a violation of international law , steps are being taken to pave the way for the annexation of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land captured during the 1967 war .
Netanyahu ’ s focus right now is on winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking drastic measures could help win him the election .
It ’ s probably also a good distraction from the series of corruption charges he is facing .
Palestinian authorities have adamantly rejected Washington ’ s supposed peace plan and are against any unilateral steps being taken whether it ’ s now or after the election that violate the 1967 Palestinian map borders .
Israel tries to appeal to the masses by citing security , biblical , and historic ties to the land on which their settlements are built and Palestinians refuse to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ancestral lands .
Many Israeli ’ s on Twitter didn ’ t appreciate Friedman ’ s tweets ; some were saying that the United States shouldn ’ t interfere in Israel ’ s internal affairs .
The irony of how Israel has hijacked US Middle Eastern policies seems to go over their heads .
They certainly appreciate how Trump and Kushner ’ s biased pro-Israeli “ Deal of the Century ” greenlights the subjugation of Palestinians and the illegal annexation of Palestinian-claimed land but they don ’ t want Washington involved in implementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly they can expand their reign of terror over Palestinians and their land .
The only reason why Israel is able to continue to override international law and make unilateral declarations of statehood and persist with its terror campaigns at the hands of its Jewish militias , all while ethnically cleansing and massacring countless Palestinians is because of its relationship with Washington and many nations around the world turning a blind eye .
Due to a lack of defined borders and the absence of accountability , Israel plans to annex East Jerusalem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon swathes of land in the West Bank .
The bottom line is peace can not be achieved without justice and the recognition of Palestinian human and political rights , solely by Israeli authorities and political figures .
Mutual recognition , Palestinian freedom of movement and Palestinian right of return , borders , security , water rights , control of Jerusalem are all part of the decades long conflict .
A democratic state can only exist in historical Palestine if Muslims , Jews , Christians , etc .
live in harmony with equal @ @

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Submitted by InfoBrics, authored by Sarah Abed, independent journalist and analyst…
On January 28th, United States President Donald Trump accompanied by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top advisor/son-in-law Jared Kushner unveiled the much anticipated so-called “Deal of the Century” also referred to as the “Mideast Peace Plan”. The deal greenlighted the annexation of Palestinian land, subjugation of Palestinians, and apartheid in Israel. Israeli politicians couldn’t wait to pounce on the opportunity to steal vast areas of occupied land along the Jordan valley. They did little to hide their enthusiasm as they announced that a vote on annexation would take place a few days later.
What became clear +even before the ink had dried is that behind the scam of the century was the normalization of Israel’s apartheid in Palestine. The deal was praised by Israel as the opportunity of a lifetime and outright rejected by Palestinian politicians including President Mahmoud Abbas.
Just days after the deal was announced, plans were made to vote on annexing parts of the West Bank, which are sites of Israeli settlements, and seen by a number of countries as illegal Israeli occupation that defies international law and United Nations Charters, but then that vote was postponed. Almost two weeks later as word spread that another vote might be on the horizon ahead of the March 2nd election, Washington decided to halt Netanyahu’s progress just temporarily causing him to backtrack on his plan for immediate annexation of the West bank. Netanyahu mentioned on Saturday that mapping of the region was underway.
David Friedman, the Trump administration’s Ambassador to Israel is not only one of the masterminds behind the annexation plan but has historically supported illegal colonial settlements. On Sunday, he tweeted warning Israeli politicians against taking any unilateral steps which could endanger the Plan and American recognition. Of course, Israeli Prime Minister took the cue very seriously and knowing that the US’s blessing is of utmost importance stressed to both his fans and critics that they have waited for this opportunity since 1967 and won’t jeopardize things by being impatient.
Friedman tweeted the following on Sunday February 9th, “President Trump’s Vision for Peace is the product of more than three years of close consultations among the President, PM Netanyahu and their respective senior staff. As we have stated, the application of Israeli law to the territory which the Plan provides to be part of Israel is subject to the completion of a mapping process by a joint Israeli-American committee.” He added “Any unilateral action in advance of the completion of the committee process endangers the Plan & American recognition.”
As if it wasn’t already crystal-clear that the steal of the century was never ever a legitimate deal between Israeli’s and Palestinians nor a deal that Palestinians would ever be able to consider let alone agree to, Friedman’s tweet drives home the message loud and clear. Palestinians were neither consulted, nor will they be part of the mapping process.
Amidst widespread condemnation and what many countries consider a violation of international law, steps are being taken to pave the way for the annexation of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land captured during the 1967 war. Netanyahu’s focus right now is on winning a fourth consecutive term in office and taking drastic measures could help win him the election. It’s probably also a good distraction from the series of corruption charges he is facing.
Palestinian authorities have adamantly rejected Washington’s supposed peace plan and are against any unilateral steps being taken whether it’s now or after the election that violate the 1967 Palestinian map borders. Israel tries to appeal to the masses by citing security, biblical, and historic ties to the land on which their settlements are built and Palestinians refuse to accept the theft of more of their ancestral lands.
Many Israeli’s on Twitter didn’t appreciate Friedman’s tweets; some were saying that the United States shouldn’t interfere in Israel’s internal affairs. The irony of how Israel has hijacked US Middle Eastern policies seems to go over their heads. They certainly appreciate how Trump and Kushner’s biased pro-Israeli “Deal of the Century” greenlights the subjugation of Palestinians and the illegal annexation of Palestinian-claimed land but they don’t want Washington involved in implementation or to set any guidelines on how quickly they can expand their reign of terror over Palestinians and their land.
The only reason why Israel is able to continue to override international law and make unilateral declarations of statehood and persist with its terror campaigns at the hands of its Jewish militias, all while ethnically cleansing and massacring countless Palestinians is because of its relationship with Washington and many nations around the world turning a blind eye. Due to a lack of defined borders and the absence of accountability, Israel plans to annex East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights of Syria, and soon swathes of land in the West Bank.
The bottom line is peace cannot be achieved without justice and the recognition of Palestinian human and political rights, solely by Israeli authorities and political figures. Mutual recognition, Palestinian freedom of movement and Palestinian right of return, borders, security, water rights, control of Jerusalem are all part of the decades long conflict. A democratic state can only exist in historical Palestine if Muslims, Jews, Christians, etc. live in harmony with equal rights.
Read Later Add to Favourites Add to Collection Report


theduran--2020-02-12--AG Barr drains Obama DOJ swamp after 9 year Stone sentencing proposal (Video)

The Duran ’ s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss Obama DOJ prosecutors recommending an unusually severe sentence for Roger Stone , while continuing to go after General Michael Flynn , even after it was revealed that the FBI worked o entrap Trump ’ s former NSA .
Subscribe to The Duran on YouTube – Find us on BitChute .
The Duran Audio Podcast : Follow on Soundcloud – Subscribe on iTunes .
The US Justice Department has reconsidered its recommendation that former Trump advisor Roger Stone serve nine years in prison for lying to Congress , instead deferring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its prosecutors have resigned .
Punishing the self-described “ dirty trickster ” with seven to nine years in prison “ could be considered excessive and unwarranted , ” prosecutors said in a statement on Tuesday .
“ Ultimately , the government defers to the Court as to what specific sentence is appropriate.
” As the report emerged , news broke that lead attorney for the government , Aaron Zelinsky , had withdrawn from the case .
What ’ s more , a footnote on the filing revealed Zelinsky had not only resigned from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his post as Special Assistant US Attorney for the District of Columbia .
Another Justice Department source told Fox News that “ the sentencing recommendation was not what had been briefed to the Department ” – their claim suggesting the prosecutor might have misrepresented the sentence he planned to recommend .
Later on Tuesday afternoon , Assistant US Attorney Jonathan Kravis also announced his resignation from both the case and his job at the DOJ .
US attorneys Adam Jed and Michael Marando also withdrew themselves from the case , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shortly after the resignations were announced , Trump took a swipe at the prosecutors , suggesting they were “ Mueller people ” who “ cut and ran after being exposed for recommending ” what he described as a “ ridiculous 9 year prison sentence ” to Stone .
In line with his previous statements , Trump slammed the collusion probe as “ the Mueller Scam , ” arguing that his former adviser “ got caught up in an investigation that was illegal.
” Prosecutors had declared in a Monday filing that Stone “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule of law ” when his ‘ crimes ’ – lying under oath , witness tampering , and obstructing Congress ’ investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election – came to light .
The Republican operative ’ s harsh sentence should serve as “ general deterrence ” for the “ deadly adversary ” represented by “ foreign election interference , ” the memo advised , insisting he serve as a reminder that “ our democratic processes can function only if those called to testify tell the truth , and…serious consequences lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Stone ’ s defense argued that 15 to 21 months was more typical given the offenses , observing that the campaign adviser had played no role in obtaining the emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee or Hillary Clinton campaign manager John Podesta and provided to WikiLeaks , nor had the probe yielded evidence of the promised “ collusion ” between the Trump campaign and Russia .
Stone himself filed a request with the court to avoid prison altogether , and even the witness he supposedly intimidated – comedian Randy Credico – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probation , admitting he did not actually feel physically threatened by Stone ’ s “ threats.
” But it was Trump ’ s Twitter plea , calling out the “ horrible and very unfair situation ” in which his former campaign ally had found himself , that got Stone ’ s plight trending among the # MAGA contingent .
The apparent DOJ reversal hours later , unsurprisingly , set off its own firestorm .
Trump later told reporters he did not ask the Justice Department to change Stone ’ s sentencing recommendation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority to do so .
He doubled down on his objection to the initial sentence , calling it “ ridiculous.
” Stone was found guilty in November of seven counts related to interference with the Congressional ‘ Russiagate ’ probe and is scheduled to be sentenced next week .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
The Duran’s Alex Christoforou and Editor-in-Chief Alexander Mercouris discuss Obama DOJ prosecutors recommending an unusually severe sentence for Roger Stone, while continuing to go after General Michael Flynn, even after it was revealed that the FBI worked o entrap Trump’s former NSA.
Support Free Speech:
Subscribe to The Duran on YouTube – Find us on BitChute.
The Duran Audio Podcast:
Follow on Soundcloud – Subscribe on iTunes.
Via RT…
The US Justice Department has reconsidered its recommendation that former Trump advisor Roger Stone serve nine years in prison for lying to Congress, instead deferring to the court, while four of its prosecutors have resigned.
Punishing the self-described “dirty trickster” with seven to nine years in prison “could be considered excessive and unwarranted,” prosecutors said in a statement on Tuesday. “Ultimately, the government defers to the Court as to what specific sentence is appropriate.”
Wow, Mueller prosecutor Zelinsky withdraws from the Stone case AND includes this footnote(!): "The Court is advised that the undersigned attorney has resigned effective immediately after this filing as a Special Assistant United States Attorney for District of Columbia" pic.twitter.com/TrNSo9qXeB — Jeremy Herb (@jeremyherb) February 11, 2020
As the report emerged, news broke that lead attorney for the government, Aaron Zelinsky, had withdrawn from the case. What’s more, a footnote on the filing revealed Zelinsky had not only resigned from the Stone case, but also entirely from his post as Special Assistant US Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Another Justice Department source told Fox News that “the sentencing recommendation was not what had been briefed to the Department” – their claim suggesting the prosecutor might have misrepresented the sentence he planned to recommend.
Significant Roger Stone developments – DOJ Prosecutor Jonathan Kravis has "resigned as an Assistant US Attorney" pic.twitter.com/mdjG6teWEW — Techno Fog (@Techno_Fog) February 11, 2020
Later on Tuesday afternoon, Assistant US Attorney Jonathan Kravis also announced his resignation from both the case and his job at the DOJ. US attorneys Adam Jed and Michael Marando also withdrew themselves from the case, according to separate court filings revealed on Tuesday.
Shortly after the resignations were announced, Trump took a swipe at the prosecutors, suggesting they were “Mueller people” who “cut and ran after being exposed for recommending” what he described as a “ridiculous 9 year prison sentence” to Stone. In line with his previous statements, Trump slammed the collusion probe as “the Mueller Scam,” arguing that his former adviser “got caught up in an investigation that was illegal.”
Who are the four prosecutors (Mueller people?) who cut and ran after being exposed for recommending a ridiculous 9 year prison sentence to a man that got caught up in an investigation that was illegal, the Mueller Scam, and shouldn’t ever even have started? 13 Angry Democrats? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2020
Prosecutors had declared in a Monday filing that Stone “displayed contempt for this Court and the rule of law” when his ‘crimes’ – lying under oath, witness tampering, and obstructing Congress’ investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election – came to light. The Republican operative’s harsh sentence should serve as “general deterrence” for the “deadly adversary” represented by “foreign election interference,” the memo advised, insisting he serve as a reminder that “our democratic processes can function only if those called to testify tell the truth, and…serious consequences lie in store for those who do not.”
Stone’s defense argued that 15 to 21 months was more typical given the offenses, observing that the campaign adviser had played no role in obtaining the emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee or Hillary Clinton campaign manager John Podesta and provided to WikiLeaks, nor had the probe yielded evidence of the promised “collusion” between the Trump campaign and Russia. Stone himself filed a request with the court to avoid prison altogether, and even the witness he supposedly intimidated – comedian Randy Credico – asked that he only be sentenced to probation, admitting he did not actually feel physically threatened by Stone’s “threats.”
This is a horrible and very unfair situation. The real crimes were on the other side, as nothing happens to them. Cannot allow this miscarriage of justice! https://t.co/rHPfYX6Vbv — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 11, 2020
But it was Trump’s Twitter plea, calling out the “horrible and very unfair situation” in which his former campaign ally had found himself, that got Stone’s plight trending among the #MAGA contingent.
You can tell who the most unreasonable people on the Left are today bc they are saying Roger Stone deserves 9 years in jail You don’t have to be a Trump supporter to see that is excessive — Jack Posobiec ???????? (@JackPosobiec) February 11, 2020
If #RogerStone goes to jail & Brennan, Clapper, Comey, Strzok and Page are still roaming free, that is a breach of the public trust and an injustice that cannot be ignored. The blatant bias against Trump supporters is displayed for the world to see.#PardonRogerStone — Amy Kremer (@AmyKremer) February 11, 2020
The apparent DOJ reversal hours later, unsurprisingly, set off its own firestorm.
We are officially a f*cking banana republic!
"The statement came hours after President Trump tweeted of the sentence prosecutors recommended, “This is a horrible and very unfair situation."" https://t.co/FpytpVI8Cy — Amy Siskind ???????? (@Amy_Siskind) February 11, 2020
Condolences to the career professionals at DOJ whose independence and professional integrity have been publicly undermined to suit the whims of the WH. Truly a cancer on our system of justice. https://t.co/PIEq7Kax6Z — Michael R. Bromwich (@mrbromwich) February 11, 2020
Trump later told reporters he did not ask the Justice Department to change Stone’s sentencing recommendation, though he maintained it was within his authority to do so. He doubled down on his objection to the initial sentence, calling it “ridiculous.”
Stone was found guilty in November of seven counts related to interference with the Congressional ‘Russiagate’ probe and is scheduled to be sentenced next week.
Read Later Add to Favourites Add to Collection Report


theduran--2020-02-13--What Macron Can Learn From Putin

What Macron Can Learn From Putin

In France , the strike over a pension reform project is over , but it had gone on far too long .
Millions of people have been affected by the refusal to work of a few thousand civil servants , but Macron remained invisible and silent for several weeks in December 2019 .
This public transport strike was the longest since 1986 .
Many French people were struggling to get from their home to their workplace , but Macron did not really address the subject until his year-end wishes – a strange occasion for such a topic – more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strike .
While Macron had pension reform in his campaign program , and while he was personally elected by an absolute majority by universal suffrage and the parliamentary majority of his party stems directly from this election , the President of the Republic preferred to let his Prime Minister speak on this subject , to use him as a “ fuse ” , an expression which is as frequent in France as it is condescending .
This absence of Macron from the public sphere should be shocking for everyone , because it shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility for his actions .
But this absence is especially frustrating because Macron does have the powers to carry out this reform .
Instead of complaining that France is “ irréformable ” , as he has already done , he should start by better understanding and using the power that is his via the Constitution of the Fifth Republic .
At the risk of appearing provocative , what would Putin have done ?
A comparison with the Russian President is interesting because Putin constitutionally enjoys powers similar to those of Macron , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modeled on the French one of 1958 .
In addition , Putin has carried out in 2018 a major pension reform which earned him strong disapproval in Russian public opinion .
In fact , the Duma voted and Putin signed a reform to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for men and 55 to 63 years for women , no less .
Critics would say that Russia is not as democratic as France , that it does not really have rule of law , that it does not have political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bodies that exist in France .
There is some truth to this criticism , but this does not mean the example of Putin can be completely dismissed , especially during this strike which has affected so many French .
In reality , Macron could have done much more .
For starters , he should have entered the political arena and shown his support and concern for the millions of French who were impacted by the arm wrestling between government and unions .
This is what Putin does ; he is constantly in communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the media , especially in this kind of tense social situation .
And no one can claim that this impacts his authority or weakens the position of the President of the Russian Federation .
This is an excuse that is often given in France to explain why the president apparently has to remain silent and stay above the fray ( “ prendre de l ’ hauteur ” , as the French say ) during major social crises , when these crises are the very consequences of his own political will ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The President of the French Republic is obviously not the only one responsible for the crisis the country is going through , but he is certainly the first and the last responsible for this type of social crisis .
Putin understands this and acts accordingly .
Macron should have had as an absolute priority – not to reform the pension system – but to end the strike , or at least limit its scope significantly , in order to save citizens further difficulties .
Constitutionally , the French President is responsible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge that the strike of certain parts of the public service is not acceptable if the absence of public service causes prejudice and suffering to the French people .
This is , moreover , what the Constitutional Council decided ( n° 79-105 DC of July 25 , 1979 ) : that the right to strike is not simply self-given in the public service , but on the contrary , is always to be put in relation to the public service provided , and that it is possible to decide “ the prohibition of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presence is essential to ensure the functioning of the elements of the service whose interruption would affect the essential needs of the country ” .
Is not public transport used daily by the French is an “ essential need “ ?
Certain public functions are already excluded from the right to strike , such as the police , judges , soldiers , penitentiary staff , etc .
And in 1964 , De Gaulle had already succeeded in prohibiting the right to strike of air traffic controllers ( law then partially repealed in 1984 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not known if they are not tested .
Macron is must consider all legislative levers and policies at its disposal to implement its own policy , as does Putin when necessary .
Concretely , there are several options available to him .
With a majority in parliament or in the Council of Ministers , the President could pass a law by ordinance , which would limit the right to strike in public transport .
The government could also seize article 49-3 of the Constitution in order to put back the unions in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seizure of their goods , which is not possible today ( for this a modification of the Code du Travail is required [ 1 ] ) .
In this way , Macron could also request that the accounts of the unions become public and be subject to the control of an independent body , which is not the case today .
Macron can seize the Constitutional Council , in order to introduce a more restrictive regulation of the right to strike , or to ask that the law on the “ service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council of State could also be seized by the President , to extend the prohibition of the right to strike for certain categories of civil servants .
Politically , these initiatives would probably require the alignment between the government and the management of the public establishments concerned ( notably the RATP , managing the Paris subway , and the SNCF , the French State railway operator ) .
In short , Macron must bring together his constitutional law experts and think about the exact tactics to adopt .
It is not acceptable that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rule of law , a few thousand strikers in public transport could harm so much and prevent the executive and the legislative branch of the French State from passing a major element of its political program .
The legal and political tools necessary to carry out significant reforms in France and to limit strikes by civil servants are therefore available to the presidents of the Fifth Republic .
The successive failures are mainly due to lack of firmness , clarity and political courage of the last presidents : Chirac , Sarkozy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement reforms in France , it is therefore necessary to fully want to exercise the power of President and not worry so much about opinion polls , the opposition , and the media .
Macron has shown neither the will nor the courage to implement the reforms that he himself wanted .
Reforms and policy initiatives such as the raise of gasoline prices , the transformation of the status of railway employees ( SNCF ) or the pension reform , can not even be proposed , in the current French political climate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In order to reform France , the political culture needs to change ; more precisely , a change in the balance of power in favor of the President of the Republic is necessary .
In other words , to reform France , the exercise of presidential power should be closer to the one in Russia .
Such an initiative can obviously only come from the President himself , the main protagonist of this recurring French political tragedy .
What a pity that Macron is the umpteenth president not to have understood this @

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Submitted by Finn Andreen…
In France, the strike over a pension reform project is over, but it had gone on far too long. Millions of people have been affected by the refusal to work of a few thousand civil servants, but Macron remained invisible and silent for several weeks in December 2019. This public transport strike was the longest since 1986. Many French people were struggling to get from their home to their workplace, but Macron did not really address the subject until his year-end wishes – a strange occasion for such a topic – more than three weeks after the start of the strike.
While Macron had pension reform in his campaign program, and while he was personally elected by an absolute majority by universal suffrage and the parliamentary majority of his party stems directly from this election, the President of the Republic preferred to let his Prime Minister speak on this subject, to use him as a “fuse”, an expression which is as frequent in France as it is condescending. This absence of Macron from the public sphere should be shocking for everyone, because it shows a person who does not take full responsibility for his actions. But this absence is especially frustrating because Macron does have the powers to carry out this reform. Instead of complaining that France is “irréformable”, as he has already done, he should start by better understanding and using the power that is his via the Constitution of the Fifth Republic.
At the risk of appearing provocative, what would Putin have done? A comparison with the Russian President is interesting because Putin constitutionally enjoys powers similar to those of Macron, because the Russian Constitution of 1993 is largely modeled on the French one of 1958. In addition, Putin has carried out in 2018 a major pension reform which earned him strong disapproval in Russian public opinion. In fact, the Duma voted and Putin signed a reform to increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years for men and 55 to 63 years for women, no less. Critics would say that Russia is not as democratic as France, that it does not really have rule of law, that it does not have political pluralism in the form of the intermediate bodies that exist in France. There is some truth to this criticism, but this does not mean the example of Putin can be completely dismissed, especially during this strike which has affected so many French.
In reality, Macron could have done much more. For starters, he should have entered the political arena and shown his support and concern for the millions of French who were impacted by the arm wrestling between government and unions. This is what Putin does; he is constantly in communication with the Russian people, directly and through the media, especially in this kind of tense social situation. And no one can claim that this impacts his authority or weakens the position of the President of the Russian Federation. This is an excuse that is often given in France to explain why the president apparently has to remain silent and stay above the fray (“prendre de l’hauteur”, as the French say) during major social crises, when these crises are the very consequences of his own political will (the yellow vests crisis is another example). The President of the French Republic is obviously not the only one responsible for the crisis the country is going through, but he is certainly the first and the last responsible for this type of social crisis. Putin understands this and acts accordingly.
Macron should have had as an absolute priority – not to reform the pension system – but to end the strike, or at least limit its scope significantly, in order to save citizens further difficulties. Constitutionally, the French President is responsible to the sovereign people, and could therefore judge that the strike of certain parts of the public service is not acceptable if the absence of public service causes prejudice and suffering to the French people. This is, moreover, what the Constitutional Council decided (n° 79-105 DC of July 25, 1979): that the right to strike is not simply self-given in the public service, but on the contrary, is always to be put in relation to the public service provided, and that it is possible to decide “the prohibition of the right to strike to agents whose presence is essential to ensure the functioning of the elements of the service whose interruption would affect the essential needs of the country”. Is not public transport used daily by the French is an “essential need “? Certain public functions are already excluded from the right to strike, such as the police, judges, soldiers, penitentiary staff, etc. And in 1964, De Gaulle had already succeeded in prohibiting the right to strike of air traffic controllers (law then partially repealed in 1984).
The limits of power are not known if they are not tested. Macron is must consider all legislative levers and policies at its disposal to implement its own policy, as does Putin when necessary. Concretely, there are several options available to him. With a majority in parliament or in the Council of Ministers, the President could pass a law by ordinance, which would limit the right to strike in public transport. The government could also seize article 49-3 of the Constitution in order to put back the unions in the common civil law, by making possible the seizure of their goods, which is not possible today (for this a modification of the Code du Travail is required[1]). In this way, Macron could also request that the accounts of the unions become public and be subject to the control of an independent body, which is not the case today. Macron can seize the Constitutional Council, in order to introduce a more restrictive regulation of the right to strike, or to ask that the law on the “service minimum” is strictly applied. The Council of State could also be seized by the President, to extend the prohibition of the right to strike for certain categories of civil servants. Politically, these initiatives would probably require the alignment between the government and the management of the public establishments concerned (notably the RATP, managing the Paris subway, and the SNCF, the French State railway operator). In short, Macron must bring together his constitutional law experts and think about the exact tactics to adopt. It is not acceptable that in a State, supposedly governed by the rule of law, a few thousand strikers in public transport could harm so much and prevent the executive and the legislative branch of the French State from passing a major element of its political program.
The legal and political tools necessary to carry out significant reforms in France and to limit strikes by civil servants are therefore available to the presidents of the Fifth Republic. The successive failures are mainly due to lack of firmness, clarity and political courage of the last presidents: Chirac, Sarkozy, Hollande and now Macron. To successfully implement reforms in France, it is therefore necessary to fully want to exercise the power of President and not worry so much about opinion polls, the opposition, and the media. Macron has shown neither the will nor the courage to implement the reforms that he himself wanted. Reforms and policy initiatives such as the raise of gasoline prices, the transformation of the status of railway employees (SNCF) or the pension reform, cannot even be proposed, in the current French political climate, without serious consequences for the French people.
In order to reform France, the political culture needs to change; more precisely, a change in the balance of power in favor of the President of the Republic is necessary. In other words, to reform France, the exercise of presidential power should be closer to the one in Russia. Such an initiative can obviously only come from the President himself, the main protagonist of this recurring French political tragedy. What a pity that Macron is the umpteenth president not to have understood this.
Read Later Add to Favourites Add to Collection Report


theduran--2020-02-13--Update: (Virginia Becomes 19th State to Award Electoral Votes to Popular Vote Winner)The National Po

Update: (Virginia Becomes 19th State to Award Electoral Votes to Popular Vote Winner)The National Popular Vote is Gaining Momentum

As part of Virginia ’ s quest to undermine the rights of its citizens and the Constitution , along with a Red Flag law and HB .
NO .
1627 Threats and harassment of certain officials and prosperity , a law that would make it illegal to publicly criticize a public official , Virginia has now joined 18 other states that have vowed to award their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote .
In a 51-46 vote Virginia wishes to enter the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact .
At the time I wrote the original piece below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ award their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote for a total of 180 electoral votes .
With Virginia becoming the 19th state to join , unless blocked by Governor Ralph Northam the number of electoral votes would bloom to 209 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency .
The compact will not become effective until enough states have joined to accumulate the necessary 270 electoral votes .
Something that the coalition has expressed they don ’ t expect to do until 2024 , but it seems that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 .
As I have expressed many times on social media the constant fighting between President Trump and Democrats has been a major distraction from what individual states are doing to plow ahead with the far left agenda many democrats have , but can not pass on a federal level .
Unless they maintain the majority in the House of Representatives and take the Senate with enough of a majority to gain presidential veto override power .
Many will take for granted that it will not happen , but let 2018 be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic Delegates Mark Levine and Marcia Price say that the electoral college “ began at a time when the founders actually didn ’ t think that there would be political parties.
” Which is not the case .
The electoral college , in laymen terms is , there to prevent states with the larger populations from dictating to the rest of the nation who will be our president .
Also according to Levine , “ They thought that a bunch of white men with property would get in a room in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president was.
” Now it seems that Democrat heavy states are only 61 electoral votes away from forever determining who the President of the United States will be .
This would undoubtedly change the Constitution and the course of America .
To read my other article on Virginia ’ s agenda to undermine the Constitution click the following link : Virginia Brings us One Step Closer to Being a Marxist Nation The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact has gained more momentum after Colorado Governor , Jared Polis ( D ) , announced his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that would see Colorado becoming the 12th state along with the District of Columbia to be a part of the NPVIC .
The Constitution provides that states can decide how they award their electoral votes in national elections .
Under the NPVIC , the 12 states which include New York and Illinois , the winner of the presidential popular vote would receive each states electoral votes .
This would be true even if the winner of the electoral vote loses the popular vote in such states .
270 electoral votes are needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the NPVIC currently have a total of 180 electoral votes .
Advocates of the Compact are bypassing hopes of having enough members to be effective in the 2020 election , but are targeting the 2024 election to have enough member states to surpass the needed 270 electoral votes to win the presidency .
New Mexico legislators are said to be considering joining the Compact .
One of the sponsors , Colorado State Rep. , Democrat Emily Sirota says the Compact is “ a way to ensure that every vote is counted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to force candidates to campaign nationwide instead of targeting swing states .
Talks of changing how electoral college votes are awarded became louder after Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election .
An election in which early data showed Clinton winning the popular vote , but supporters of President Trump say that is only if you consider the voter fraud that took place during the election .
Advocates also see the NPVIC as a way to ensure a sitting president doesn ’ t cater to swing states , but instead governs with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Popular Vote , 16 states have introduced bills to join the Compact , with New Mexico showing the most promise bringing to the table 5 electoral votes .
Other Democrat controlled states showing promise include Delaware , Maine , Nevada and Oregon which would add in total 20 more electoral votes .
Opponents of awarding electoral college votes to the winner of the popular vote say candidates would target large Democrat heavy states such as New York and California , as well as heavily Democrat controlled cities like Chicago in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large Democrat areas deciding who wins the presidency .
A concern that Republicans across the nation share .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Update
As part of Virginia’s quest to undermine the rights of its citizens and the Constitution, along with a Red Flag law and HB. NO. 1627 Threats and harassment of certain officials and prosperity, a law that would make it illegal to publicly criticize a public official, Virginia has now joined 18 other states that have vowed to award their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote. In a 51-46 vote Virginia wishes to enter the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
At the time I wrote the original piece below there were 12 states that vowed to award their electoral votes to the winner of the popular vote for a total of 180 electoral votes. With Virginia becoming the 19th state to join, unless blocked by Governor Ralph Northam the number of electoral votes would bloom to 209 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
The compact will not become effective until enough states have joined to accumulate the necessary 270 electoral votes. Something that the coalition has expressed they don’t expect to do until 2024, but it seems that there is a push for it in 2020. As I have expressed many times on social media the constant fighting between President Trump and Democrats has been a major distraction from what individual states are doing to plow ahead with the far left agenda many democrats have, but cannot pass on a federal level. Unless they maintain the majority in the House of Representatives and take the Senate with enough of a majority to gain presidential veto override power. Many will take for granted that it will not happen, but let 2018 be a vivid reminder of how possible it is.
Democratic Delegates Mark Levine and Marcia Price say that the electoral college “began at a time when the founders actually didn’t think that there would be political parties.” Which is not the case. The electoral college, in laymen terms is, there to prevent states with the larger populations from dictating to the rest of the nation who will be our president. Also according to Levine, “They thought that a bunch of white men with property would get in a room in the back and they would decide who the president was.”
Now it seems that Democrat heavy states are only 61 electoral votes away from forever determining who the President of the United States will be. This would undoubtedly change the Constitution and the course of America. To read my other article on Virginia’s agenda to undermine the Constitution click the following link: Virginia Brings us One Step Closer to Being a Marxist Nation
Original
The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact has gained more momentum after Colorado Governor, Jared Polis (D), announced his plans to sign into legislation a bill that would see Colorado becoming the 12th state along with the District of Columbia to be a part of the NPVIC. The Constitution provides that states can decide how they award their electoral votes in national elections.
Under the NPVIC, the 12 states which include New York and Illinois, the winner of the presidential popular vote would receive each states electoral votes. This would be true even if the winner of the electoral vote loses the popular vote in such states.
270 electoral votes are needed to win the presidential election, and the members of the NPVIC currently have a total of 180 electoral votes. Advocates of the Compact are bypassing hopes of having enough members to be effective in the 2020 election, but are targeting the 2024 election to have enough member states to surpass the needed 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. New Mexico legislators are said to be considering joining the Compact.
One of the sponsors, Colorado State Rep., Democrat Emily Sirota says the Compact is “a way to ensure that every vote is counted equally”. The Compact also seeks to force candidates to campaign nationwide instead of targeting swing states.
Talks of changing how electoral college votes are awarded became louder after Hillary Clinton lost the 2016 presidential election. An election in which early data showed Clinton winning the popular vote, but supporters of President Trump say that is only if you consider the voter fraud that took place during the election.
Advocates also see the NPVIC as a way to ensure a sitting president doesn’t cater to swing states, but instead governs with all states in mind. According to the National Popular Vote, 16 states have introduced bills to join the Compact, with New Mexico showing the most promise bringing to the table 5 electoral votes. Other Democrat controlled states showing promise include Delaware, Maine, Nevada and Oregon which would add in total 20 more electoral votes.
Opponents of awarding electoral college votes to the winner of the popular vote say candidates would target large Democrat heavy states such as New York and California, as well as heavily Democrat controlled cities like Chicago in order to rack up votes. Ultimately leading to large Democrat areas deciding who wins the presidency. A concern that Republicans across the nation share.
James Cheef
Buy now
Read Later Add to Favourites Add to Collection Report


theduran--2020-02-13--Trump Withdraws Treasury Nomination Of Former US Attorney Jessie Liu – Who Oversaw Flynn, Stone Case

Trump Withdraws Treasury Nomination Of Former US Attorney Jessie Liu – Who Oversaw Flynn , Stone CasesTue , 02/11/2020 – 20:05 President Trump withdrew the nomination of former US attorney for DC , Jessie Liu to the # 3 spot The Great Lou Dobbs Reveals Stunning Information about U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu Connected to Wolfe Case Cover-up… Wow , earlier tonight the great Lou Dobbs shared some incredible information with his audience that highlights just how Machiavellian the DC system of tiered justice can be .
In a tremendous exposé on Fox Business with Lou Dobbs , the intrepid bringer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee Security Director James Wolfe leaked the FISA application used against Carter Page and how DC U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu dropped all charges related to the leak and instead only charged Wolfe with one count of lying to FBI investigators .
Wolfe only received a 60 day sentence .
WATCH : Devin Nunes in Wolverine Mode : This is Only The Beginning of Sunlight on The Mueller Team… Devin Nunes appears with Lou Dobbs and breaks the news on national media the nomination of former DC Attorney Jessie Liu was withdrawn .
Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the DOJ and Deep State resistance effort and then contrasts the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone against the 30-day sentence for SSCI Security Director James Wolfe .
The Corruption and Influence of Jessie K Liu… What do the following four points have in common ?
• The manipulated DC legal case surrounding the Awan brothers ; and how they escaped full accountability , likely due to need to protect politicians .
( House of Representatives ) The sweetheart plea deal .
• The manipulated DC legal case surrounding SSCI Security Director James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to plea only to lying to investigators when the evidence was clear from the outset how he leaked classified information to his journalist concubine .
Again , likely due to the need to protect politicians .
( SSCI , Senate ) The sweetheart plea deal .
• The manipulated DC legal case surrounding Obama lawyer Greg Craig ; and how he escaped accountability for FARA violations by running out the statute of limitations and burying Mueller ’ s evidence for 18 months .
Again , likely due to the need to protect politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double standards .
• The manipulated DC legal case , a non-filing , surrounding former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe for lying to INSD investigators about his media leaks .
Again , likely due to the need to protect the administrative state .
Criminal referral ( April 19 , 2018 ) ; grand jury ( Approx .
July 2018 ) ; Status ?
… Oh , wait for it… .
US Attorney Who Declined To Charge Cops For Killing Innocent Man Is Nominated For Treasury Roleby Tyler DurdenFri , 02/07/2020 – 18:45…If this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Only in D.C. does cowardice get you a promotion.The driver was Bijan Ghaisar , a 25 year-old young man who fled the scene of a minor car accident .
( He was the one who had been hit . )
Officers Lucas Vinyard and Alejandro Amaya followed him and eventually blocked his Jeep ’ s path at an intersection .
Ghaisar turned his car from the officers and tried to get away at a low speed .
The officers weren ’ t threatened – Ghaisar didn ’ t have a gun and they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a speeding car .
They responded by firing nine shots into his Jeep at close range .
He was hit four times in the head and once in the wrist .
He later died at the hospital .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/trump-withdraws-treasury-nomination-former-us-attorney-jessie-liu-who-oversaw-flynn-stone
Trump Withdraws Treasury Nomination Of Former US Attorney Jessie Liu – Who Oversaw Flynn, Stone CasesTue, 02/11/2020 – 20:05
Tyler Durden
President Trump withdrew the nomination of former US attorney for DC, Jessie Liu to the #3 spot
…
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/02/11/the-great-lou-dobbs-reveals-stunning-information-about-u-s-attorney-jessie-liu-connected-to-wolfe-case-cover-up/
Posted on February 11, 2020by sundance
Wow, earlier tonight the great Lou Dobbs shared some incredible information with his audience that highlights just how Machiavellian the DC system of tiered justice can be.
In a tremendous exposé on Fox Business with Lou Dobbs, the intrepid bringer of sunlight outlined how the Senate Intelligence Committee Security Director James Wolfe leaked the FISA application used against Carter Page and how DC U.S. Attorney Jessie Liu dropped all charges related to the leak and instead only charged Wolfe with one count of lying to FBI investigators. Wolfe only received a 60 day sentence. WATCH:
…
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2020/02/11/devin-nunes-in-wolverine-mode-this-is-only-the-beginning-of-sunlight-on-the-mueller-team/
Posted on February 11, 2020by sundance
Devin Nunes appears with Lou Dobbs and breaks the news on national media the nomination of former DC Attorney Jessie Liu was withdrawn. Mr. Nunes went on to discuss the issues around the DOJ and Deep State resistance effort and then contrasts the sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone against the 30-day sentence for SSCI Security Director James Wolfe.
…
https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2019/04/14/the-corruption-and-influence-of-jessie-k-liu/
Posted on April 14, 2019by sundance
What do the following four points have in common?
The manipulated DC legal case surrounding the Awan brothers; and how they escaped full accountability, likely due to need to protect politicians. (House of Representatives) The sweetheart plea deal.
The manipulated DC legal case surrounding SSCI Security Director James Wolfe; and how he was allowed to plea only to lying to investigators when the evidence was clear from the outset how he leaked classified information to his journalist concubine. Again, likely due to the need to protect politicians. (SSCI, Senate) The sweetheart plea deal.
The manipulated DC legal case surrounding Obama lawyer Greg Craig; and how he escaped accountability for FARA violations by running out the statute of limitations and burying Mueller’s evidence for 18 months. Again, likely due to the need to protect politicians (Obama White House). Sweetheart double standards.
The manipulated DC legal case, a non-filing, surrounding former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe for lying to INSD investigators about his media leaks. Again, likely due to the need to protect the administrative state. Criminal referral (April 19, 2018); grand jury (Approx. July 2018); Status?… Oh, wait for it….
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/us-attorney-who-declined-charge-trigger-happy-cops-murder-nominated-treasury-role
US Attorney Who Declined To Charge Cops For Killing Innocent Man Is Nominated For Treasury Roleby Tyler DurdenFri, 02/07/2020 – 18:45…If this makes you angry, it should. Only in D.C. does cowardice get you a promotion.The driver was Bijan Ghaisar, a 25 year-old young man who fled the scene of a minor car accident. (He was the one who had been hit.) Officers Lucas Vinyard and Alejandro Amaya followed him and eventually blocked his Jeep’s path at an intersection. Ghaisar turned his car from the officers and tried to get away at a low speed. The officers weren’t threatened – Ghaisar didn’t have a gun and they weren’t in the path of a speeding car. They responded by firing nine shots into his Jeep at close range. He was hit four times in the head and once in the wrist. He later died at the hospital.
Read Later Add to Favourites Add to Collection Report


theduran--2020-02-13--SOTU and impeachment wins put Trump on the offensive [Video]

Dr Steven Turley posted an amazingly thorough summary of the effects felt in the Democrat Party by President Trump ’ s acquittal from the impeachment charges and the surprising temper tantrum by a hapless and enraged Nancy Pelosi , who ( after preparation ) tore up the pages of the President ’ s State of the Union address the night before his acquittal .
These events are both the culmination of the Democrat Party ’ s latest attempt at doing something to derail or even remove the President , and they outline the extent of Democrat hysteria and insanity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave the GOP and Donald Trump the reins to do whatever they want .
This has served to energize President Trump , who wasted no time going on the offensive , starting with two speeches – one at the National Prayer Breakfast , and the other , what might be called a “ victory celebration confab ” in the East Room of the White House , where the President held no punches .
The video presentation is excellent and far encompassing and we highly recommend watching all of it : The President and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaker Pelosi ’ s speech-ripping moment and turning her behavior entirely against her .
It is worthy of note that when her spokesperson tried to force Twitter and Facebook to stop running this clip : Both social media networks actually refused to take it down , noting that there was nothing in what was shown that was untrue .
Despite many complaints about the liberal bias of these platforms , they both are still running the clip for everyone to see .
And , why not ?
In this action , Nancy Pelosi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presently radicalized American Democrat Party .
It is probably not to the social media outlets ’ advantage to take such a telling post down , any more than it would be for Twitter to refuse President Trump ’ s own access to that network , despite Twitter ’ s evident bias against the President .
This is one time that the pursuit of dollar signs is actually helping the truth get out .
This shows that it can happen .
The question now is this : The GOP has more opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down all the Deep State and Obama embeds and get rid of them than it has ever had .
This situation is , of course , far older than President Obama ’ s term .
Some of the Deep Staters are the globalist , war-mongering elites of the supposed “ military-industrial complex ” .
Whether this structure actually exists or not , these people , like John Bolton , Mitt Romney , John Brennan and others have made fortunes from manipulating foreign policy , sending US troops into wars that have no purpose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real threats to the security of the American people.
” However , there are still notable signs of weakness , by design , in the doings on Capitol Hill .
The first , and most telling , is Lindsey Graham ’ s attempt to “ punt ” the matter to some other authority .
Perhaps this is because Lindsey defends his friendship with the former Vice President , a friendship long held and known about .
According to this piece in The Washington Post , the two had a good personal and professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month , Senator Graham noted that Joe Biden is and was “ one of the finest men I know.
” It is certainly understandable that the Senator is reluctant to go after his friend .
Any of us would want to defend those we care about , even if they were clearly involved in something terribly wrong .
Perhaps Graham ’ s attempt to punt the investigation into Hunter Biden and Joe Biden ’ s alleged corruption in Ukraine to the Department of Justice is his way of trying to keep out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , this is representative of the problems in Washington .
It is almost impossible that friendships – even and especially across party lines – should never develop .
However , in any long-standing establishment , the potential for a little “ you scratch my back and I ’ ll scratch yours ” turns into even more corruption .
This got so bad that when the change-maker came in , resistance was strong , sneaky and immediate .
Anyone who has ever experienced a corporate restructuring can assent to the psychology of resistance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary the change is .
When hard decisions come , when those who have been riding off the system have to be exposed , called out and removed , the establishment of the company resists , with all its might , and often without logic or reason at all .
Nothing is different in terms of the US government , except for the fact that the laws that are supposed to bind most of us have a way of getting trampled on in D.C. , so that all kinds of criminal and dishonest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without anyone truly responsible getting dealt with for it .
Now we are going to see this tested .
Attorney General Bill Bar , John Durham , Former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and President Trump are taking the offensive to the Swamp in the most direct manner possible .
Mitt Romney already cracked , due to his own personal animus against the President , most likely .
But Lindsey Graham , once a staunch “ never Trumper ” and now his “ biggest supporter ” is going to be put to the test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watched by many millions of hopefully skeptical and vocal Americans .
The establishment may get exposed .
It knows this .
And the real fight may just be beginning .

The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of this site. This site does not give financial, investment or medical advice.
Dr Steven Turley posted an amazingly thorough summary of the effects felt in the Democrat Party by President Trump’s acquittal from the impeachment charges and the surprising temper tantrum by a hapless and enraged Nancy Pelosi, who (after preparation) tore up the pages of the President’s State of the Union address the night before his acquittal. These events are both the culmination of the Democrat Party’s latest attempt at doing something to derail or even remove the President, and they outline the extent of Democrat hysteria and insanity. But there is more: they also gave the GOP and Donald Trump the reins to do whatever they want. This has served to energize President Trump, who wasted no time going on the offensive, starting with two speeches – one at the National Prayer Breakfast, and the other, what might be called a “victory celebration confab” in the East Room of the White House, where the President held no punches. The video presentation is excellent and far encompassing and we highly recommend watching all of it:
The President and Turning Point USA wasted no time taking Speaker Pelosi’s speech-ripping moment and turning her behavior entirely against her. It is worthy of note that when her spokesperson tried to force Twitter and Facebook to stop running this clip:
Both social media networks actually refused to take it down, noting that there was nothing in what was shown that was untrue. Despite many complaints about the liberal bias of these platforms, they both are still running the clip for everyone to see. And, why not? In this action, Nancy Pelosi revealed the utter ineffectiveness and uselessness of the presently radicalized American Democrat Party. It is probably not to the social media outlets’ advantage to take such a telling post down, any more than it would be for Twitter to refuse President Trump’s own access to that network, despite Twitter’s evident bias against the President.
This is one time that the pursuit of dollar signs is actually helping the truth get out. This shows that it can happen.
The question now is this:
The GOP has more opportunity to go on the offensive, to run down all the Deep State and Obama embeds and get rid of them than it has ever had. This situation is, of course, far older than President Obama’s term. Some of the Deep Staters are the globalist, war-mongering elites of the supposed “military-industrial complex”. Whether this structure actually exists or not, these people, like John Bolton, Mitt Romney, John Brennan and others have made fortunes from manipulating foreign policy, sending US troops into wars that have no purpose, certainly not defensible as “countering real threats to the security of the American people.”
However, there are still notable signs of weakness, by design, in the doings on Capitol Hill. The first, and most telling, is Lindsey Graham’s attempt to “punt” the matter to some other authority. Perhaps this is because Lindsey defends his friendship with the former Vice President, a friendship long held and known about. According to this piece in The Washington Post, the two had a good personal and professional relationship in early years, and even last month, Senator Graham noted that Joe Biden is and was “one of the finest men I know.”
It is certainly understandable that the Senator is reluctant to go after his friend. Any of us would want to defend those we care about, even if they were clearly involved in something terribly wrong. Perhaps Graham’s attempt to punt the investigation into Hunter Biden and Joe Biden’s alleged corruption in Ukraine to the Department of Justice is his way of trying to keep out of personally going after his friend.
However, this is representative of the problems in Washington. It is almost impossible that friendships – even and especially across party lines – should never develop. However, in any long-standing establishment, the potential for a little “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” turns into even more corruption. This got so bad that when the change-maker came in, resistance was strong, sneaky and immediate.
Anyone who has ever experienced a corporate restructuring can assent to the psychology of resistance to change, no matter how vitally necessary the change is. When hard decisions come, when those who have been riding off the system have to be exposed, called out and removed, the establishment of the company resists, with all its might, and often without logic or reason at all.
Nothing is different in terms of the US government, except for the fact that the laws that are supposed to bind most of us have a way of getting trampled on in D.C., so that all kinds of criminal and dishonest, and unlawful or unethical things happen without anyone truly responsible getting dealt with for it.
Now we are going to see this tested. Attorney General Bill Bar, John Durham, Former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani and President Trump are taking the offensive to the Swamp in the most direct manner possible. Mitt Romney already cracked, due to his own personal animus against the President, most likely. But Lindsey Graham, once a staunch “never Trumper” and now his “biggest supporter” is going to be put to the test, and how he responds will be watched by many millions of hopefully skeptical and vocal Americans.
The establishment may get exposed. It knows this.
And the real fight may just be beginning.
Read Later Add to Favourites Add to Collection Report