occupydemocrats--2020-12-02--Trump schemes to sabotage Biden in final military budget request

Shattering norms even on his way out the door , Donald Trump has another stunt in his belt to make life more difficult for the man who will thankfully replace him as president in 49 days .
While traditionally a lame-duck administration will prepare a military budget proposal for the coming fiscal year — usually one that is started prior to the results of the election being determined — once it is clear that a new president will be taking over , the work on the budget is discretely handed over to the transition team of the incoming administration who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlays with a budget that reflects the new president ’ s priorities .
With Trump still stubbornly defying reality with his claims that he actually won the election — if you don ’ t count the votes cast for Joe Biden — he is continuing the fiction of his delusional victory by releasing his proposed 2022 Pentagon budget , reflecting his own misguided priorities and seemingly attempting to limit the Democratic president-elect ’ s flexibility in making changes going forward .
According to an article in Defense One , a publication aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the two percent rise in the Trump administration ’ s military budget proposal consists of items that have been “ fabricated ” by current White House officials in a bid to “ create a fake appearance of generosity to fund Defense priorities ” that will “ set [ the Trump administration ] up to be able to heckle the Biden administration from the sidelines for all of the inevitable reductions that will be made when we redo the budget in January [ or ] February , and in subsequent years , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crafting the budget plans ” as the source of its info .
The move is unprecedented in recent times since none of the previous four presidents publicly submitted budgets during their lame-duck months out of courtesy to their incoming successors .
Even if the publication of the Trump military budget request is ultimately meaningless in terms of what is presented to Congress once Biden takes office , the details it includes does offer the public a glimpse at the literal bullets dodged through Trump ’ s defeat at the ballot box .
Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense spending and policy choices that the outgoing administration has proposed for our nation ’ s defense spending .
“ Among other things , the document shows a White House demand to “ zero out ” all funding for the counter-ISIS fight by 2022 .
It calls on the Defense Department to allocate funding to “ determine new sites for EUCOM , SOCEUR , AFRICOM , SOCAF , and any other NATO moves ” — referencing combatant and component commands for troops in Europe and Africa , currently located in Germany , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops earlier this year , and where the Army last month ordered its commands to be combined and reorganized .
It calls for a military pay raise , a favored , if exaggerated , political boast of the president ’ s .
And it would grow the Space Force , the newest service branch of the military created under Trump.
” “ It ’ s a ludicrous exercise , but its purpose is political , not planning , ” said Gordon Adams , who ran defense budgeting during the Clinton administration and worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
“ What it allows the Republicans on the Hill to do is to claim that whatever Biden comes up with is a reduction from what the Pentagon should have .
So they ’ re really setting up a political argument.
” For all of Donald Trump ’ s malevolence and mental incapacity , he has surrounded himself with some shrewd political operatives who are thinking ahead to the next battle .
Unfortunately , instead of planning for the next battle in the defense of the United States , Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of political attacks on the duly-elected next president .
Trump seems to be exiting the White House using the same sleazy political dirty tricks with which he entered the office of the presidency , planning his next barrage of mean tweets in his expected post-presidential propaganda offensive .
You can read more of Defense One ‘ s analysis of the Trump administration ’ s Pentagon budget request at this link .
Original reporting by Katie Bo Williams and Marcus Weinberger at Defense One .
We want to hear what YOU have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know in our NEW comment section !

Shattering norms even on his way out the door, Donald Trump has another stunt in his belt to make life more difficult for the man who will thankfully replace him as president in 49 days.
While traditionally a lame-duck administration will prepare a military budget proposal for the coming fiscal year — usually one that is started prior to the results of the election being determined — once it is clear that a new president will be taking over, the work on the budget is discretely handed over to the transition team of the incoming administration who then revise and replace the proposed Pentagon outlays with a budget that reflects the new president’s priorities.
With Trump still stubbornly defying reality with his claims that he actually won the election — if you don’t count the votes cast for Joe Biden — he is continuing the fiction of his delusional victory by releasing his proposed 2022 Pentagon budget, reflecting his own misguided priorities and seemingly attempting to limit the Democratic president-elect’s flexibility in making changes going forward.
According to an article in Defense One, a publication aimed at defense and national security professionals, most of the two percent rise in the Trump administration’s military budget proposal consists of items that have been “fabricated” by current White House officials in a bid to “create a fake appearance of generosity to fund Defense priorities” that will “set [the Trump administration] up to be able to heckle the Biden administration from the sidelines for all of the inevitable reductions that will be made when we redo the budget in January [or] February, and in subsequent years,” citing “a defense official involved in crafting the budget plans” as the source of its info.
The move is unprecedented in recent times since none of the previous four presidents publicly submitted budgets during their lame-duck months out of courtesy to their incoming successors.
“’All [administrations] come in and get a finished budget handed to them, which they then make changes to. It’s just normally one doesn’t see the “draft” one,’ said a congressional aide, who called the move a ‘stunt,’” Defense One writes.
Even if the publication of the Trump military budget request is ultimately meaningless in terms of what is presented to Congress once Biden takes office, the details it includes does offer the public a glimpse at the literal bullets dodged through Trump’s defeat at the ballot box.
Defense One details many of the most controversial defense spending and policy choices that the outgoing administration has proposed for our nation’s defense spending.
“Among other things, the document shows a White House demand to “zero out” all funding for the counter-ISIS fight by 2022. It calls on the Defense Department to allocate funding to “determine new sites for EUCOM, SOCEUR, AFRICOM, SOCAF, and any other NATO moves” — referencing combatant and component commands for troops in Europe and Africa, currently located in Germany, where Trump controversially ordered a withdrawal of U.S. troops earlier this year, and where the Army last month ordered its commands to be combined and reorganized. It calls for a military pay raise, a favored, if exaggerated, political boast of the president’s. And it would grow the Space Force, the newest service branch of the military created under Trump.” “It’s a ludicrous exercise, but its purpose is political, not planning,” said Gordon Adams, who ran defense budgeting during the Clinton administration and worked on President Barack Obama’s transition team. “What it allows the Republicans on the Hill to do is to claim that whatever Biden comes up with is a reduction from what the Pentagon should have. So they’re really setting up a political argument.”
For all of Donald Trump’s malevolence and mental incapacity, he has surrounded himself with some shrewd political operatives who are thinking ahead to the next battle.
Unfortunately, instead of planning for the next battle in the defense of the United States, Trump’s minions seem to be planning the next series of political attacks on the duly-elected next president.
Trump seems to be exiting the White House using the same sleazy political dirty tricks with which he entered the office of the presidency, planning his next barrage of mean tweets in his expected post-presidential propaganda offensive.
You can read more of Defense One‘s analysis of the Trump administration’s Pentagon budget request at this link.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Katie Bo Williams and Marcus Weinberger at Defense One.
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Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-02--Trump threatens to veto Pentagon budget unless his petty social media demands are met

Donald Trump ’ s skewed priorities have been apparent since day one .
The man who swore an oath to defend our Constitution never had any interest in doing so and pursued the presidency for the mercenary purpose of accumulating personal power to line the pockets of himself , his family , and his cronies .
This president has spent the last four years waging way against the institutions that lend our democracy its strength in service to his own ego and immediate political needs .
He claimed to be the “ law & order ” president while flagrantly violating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on national security while not even bothering to read the President ’ s Daily Briefing .
The simple fact is that Trump has never cared about anything other than himself and he will leave our nation plundered , divided , and weaker in his wake .
Joe Biden will strive to do undo the damage that Trump has inflicted on our Republic , but unfortunately , we still 49 days until he ’ s sworn into office and there ’ s no telling what Trump might do in the interim .
So far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last night , Trump hopped on Twitter and threatened to veto the annual defense bill unless Congress agrees to repeal Section 230 , a law that shields social media giants like Twitter and Facebook from legal liability for the content posted on their websites .
It also gives them near unlimited leeway to police their platforms and decide what to delete or keep up .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
Section 230 has become a personal obsession of Trump ’ s .
He and other Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that social media companies are violating the rights of conservatives and unfairly suppressing their opinions on their websites .
The allegations are unproven and conveniently overlook the fact that many right-wingers are often banned or censored on social media for violating the relevant terms of services—for reasons ranging from the posting of Nazi memes to targeted harassment to the spreading of blatant misinformation .
By dragging the roughly $ 740 billion defense budget into his personal vendetta against Silicon Valley , Trump is once again showing that he will always put his own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To him , the safety of our country is just another bargaining chip in the endless series of corrupt deals that constitutes his life .
Regardless of what one thinks of the defense budget—and there are compelling arguments for why it should be reconsidered and reshaped—this is not the way to do it .
Trump has no interest in meaningful reform or in taking a hard , clear-eyed look at the role of the military-industrial complex in American politics .
This is just a cheap , dangerous stunt to get what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignorant beast for four years , Republicans can never again claim with a straight-face to be the party of national security .

Donald Trump’s skewed priorities have been apparent since day one. The man who swore an oath to defend our Constitution never had any interest in doing so and pursued the presidency for the mercenary purpose of accumulating personal power to line the pockets of himself, his family, and his cronies.
This president has spent the last four years waging way against the institutions that lend our democracy its strength in service to his own ego and immediate political needs. He claimed to be the “law & order” president while flagrantly violating the law and pretended to be strong on national security while not even bothering to read the President’s Daily Briefing. The simple fact is that Trump has never cared about anything other than himself and he will leave our nation plundered, divided, and weaker in his wake.
Joe Biden will strive to do undo the damage that Trump has inflicted on our Republic, but unfortunately, we still 49 days until he’s sworn into office and there’s no telling what Trump might do in the interim. So far, the indicators are grim.
Late last night, Trump hopped on Twitter and threatened to veto the annual defense bill unless Congress agrees to repeal Section 230, a law that shields social media giants like Twitter and Facebook from legal liability for the content posted on their websites. It also gives them near unlimited leeway to police their platforms and decide what to delete or keep up.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Section 230 has become a personal obsession of Trump’s. He and other Republicans believe or at least pretend to believe that social media companies are violating the rights of conservatives and unfairly suppressing their opinions on their websites. The allegations are unproven and conveniently overlook the fact that many right-wingers are often banned or censored on social media for violating the relevant terms of services—for reasons ranging from the posting of Nazi memes to targeted harassment to the spreading of blatant misinformation.
By dragging the roughly $740 billion defense budget into his personal vendetta against Silicon Valley, Trump is once again showing that he will always put his own interests over those of the United States. To him, the safety of our country is just another bargaining chip in the endless series of corrupt deals that constitutes his life.
Regardless of what one thinks of the defense budget—and there are compelling arguments for why it should be reconsidered and reshaped—this is not the way to do it. Trump has no interest in meaningful reform or in taking a hard, clear-eyed look at the role of the military-industrial complex in American politics. This is just a cheap, dangerous stunt to get what he wants. After supporting and enabling this ignorant beast for four years, Republicans can never again claim with a straight-face to be the party of national security.
…..Therefore, if the very dangerous & unfair Section 230 is not completely terminated as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I will be forced to unequivocally VETO the Bill when sent to the very beautiful Resolute desk. Take back America NOW. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2020
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-03--Trump informant reportedly banned from Justice Department building

How much is Donald Trump losing control of the levers of power as his unacknowledged lame-duck presidency further fractures with each passing day ?
Enough that Trump ’ s own Justice Department has barred — no pun intended — the president ’ s hand-picked hall monitor from even entering the building where they are headquartered .
The Associated Press is reporting that Heidi Stirrup , an ally of top Trump adviser Stephen Miller who was placed in the Department of Justice as a White House liaison a few months back , has been prohibited from entering the premises after she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about ongoing cases and the department ’ s work on election fraud ” from staffers .
The information about Stirrup ’ s exile from the halls of Justice comes from three anonymous people familiar with the ban who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter , according to the AP .
The news comes just days after the Justice Department head , Attorney General William Barr , contradicted Donald Trump by declaring that his department had found no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven million vote victory .
That statement earned Barr a sharp reprimand from Trump , who said that the Justice Department “ hasn ’ t looked very hard ” at the evidence his motley crew of lawyers has been trotting around to swing state courts .
While many people expect that Barr ’ s statement indicates that his days as Attorney General may soon be even more numbered than Trump ’ s days in power , as of press time , he remained in his job .
Add your name to tell Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wasn ’ t just Stirrup ’ s attempts to garner confidential investigatory materials from DOJ staffers that earned her the exile order , however .
According to The Associated Press : One sign that Trump has given up on having a secret mole inside the Justice Department feeding him insider information is the fact that he announced today that he was appointing Stirrup to be a member of the board of visitors of the U.S. Air Force Academy , according to a White House press release .
Trump himself will soon face his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , and no amount of well-placed informants will be able to deliver to him evidence of non-existent voter fraud that can keep him in office .
At least it ’ s good to know that there are still enough people at the Justice Department who are dedicated to the rule of law to stymie this administration ’ s cloak and dagger exploits .
Only 48 days of this insanity left , it ’ s gratifying to know .
Original reporting by Michael Balsamo and Zeke Miller at The Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say .
Scroll down and let us know in our NEW comment section !

How much is Donald Trump losing control of the levers of power as his unacknowledged lame-duck presidency further fractures with each passing day?
Enough that Trump’s own Justice Department has barred — no pun intended — the president’s hand-picked hall monitor from even entering the building where they are headquartered.
The Associated Press is reporting that Heidi Stirrup, an ally of top Trump adviser Stephen Miller who was placed in the Department of Justice as a White House liaison a few months back, has been prohibited from entering the premises after she allegedly tried to “collect insider information about ongoing cases and the department’s work on election fraud” from staffers.
The information about Stirrup’s exile from the halls of Justice comes from three anonymous people familiar with the ban who were not authorized to publicly discuss the matter, according to the AP.
The news comes just days after the Justice Department head, Attorney General William Barr, contradicted Donald Trump by declaring that his department had found no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the 2020 election and reverse President-elect Biden’s nearly seven million vote victory.
“To date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election,” Barr said earlier this week.
That statement earned Barr a sharp reprimand from Trump, who said that the Justice Department “hasn’t looked very hard” at the evidence his motley crew of lawyers has been trotting around to swing state courts.
While many people expect that Barr’s statement indicates that his days as Attorney General may soon be even more numbered than Trump’s days in power, as of press time, he remained in his job.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
It wasn’t just Stirrup’s attempts to garner confidential investigatory materials from DOJ staffers that earned her the exile order, however.
According to The Associated Press:
“Stirrup had also extended job offers to political allies for positions at some of the highest levels of the Justice Department without consulting any senior department officials or the White House counsel’s office and also attempted to interfere in the hiring process for career staffers, a violation of the government’s human resources policies, one of the people said.”
One sign that Trump has given up on having a secret mole inside the Justice Department feeding him insider information is the fact that he announced today that he was appointing Stirrup to be a member of the board of visitors of the U.S. Air Force Academy, according to a White House press release.
Trump himself will soon face his own exile, at least from the White House, and no amount of well-placed informants will be able to deliver to him evidence of non-existent voter fraud that can keep him in office.
At least it’s good to know that there are still enough people at the Justice Department who are dedicated to the rule of law to stymie this administration’s cloak and dagger exploits.
Only 48 days of this insanity left, it’s gratifying to know.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Michael Balsamo and Zeke Miller at The Associated Press.
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Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-03--Trump fanatic Senator Marsha Blackburn sparks outrage with heinously racist tweet

While Republicans have never been too shy about their palpable disgust for non-white cultures , the ascent of Donald Trump and his personal brand of repulsive racism has unleashed an open season of hatred and discrimination from conservatives on the rest of the world , even from sitting United States Senators who likely will have to deal with foreign dignitaries at one point or another .
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tenessee started a stir on social media this afternoon when she declared that “ China has a 5,000 history of cheating and stealing.
” It ’ s unclear what prompted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as factually incorrect as it is offensive to behold .
Humans in China developed one of the world ’ s first civilizations thousands of years before Marsha Blackburn ’ s ancestors would come to the United States and steal the land from its native inhabitants ; to reduce it to a “ history of cheating and stealing ” doesn ’ t even make sense on any level beyond a nonsensical , primal expression of incoherent prejudice .
Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis , Donald Trump and the rest of the Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign against China , who they unfairly blame for allowing the COVID-19 virus to spread throughout the world and even intimate did so deliberately .
Rather than take any initiative to contain the pandemic here in the United States , Trump and the GOP have decided to point fingers while actively encouraging the populace to defy state efforts to stop the spread of the disease .
All they ’ ve accomplished is triggering a 1,900 % jump in the rate of anti-Asian hate crimes from the president ’ s bigoted followers and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any other country .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
But the Republican Party is a death cult ; while they studiously ignore the rising death toll and their own fingerprints upon the reaper ’ s scythe , their supposed “ leaders ” like Marsha Blackburn waste their time hysterically screaming hyperbolic nonsense at other countries .
Social media immediately let her have it :

While Republicans have never been too shy about their palpable disgust for non-white cultures, the ascent of Donald Trump and his personal brand of repulsive racism has unleashed an open season of hatred and discrimination from conservatives on the rest of the world, even from sitting United States Senators who likely will have to deal with foreign dignitaries at one point or another.
Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tenessee started a stir on social media this afternoon when she declared that “China has a 5,000 history of cheating and stealing.” It’s unclear what prompted this appalling outburst, but it is as factually incorrect as it is offensive to behold. Humans in China developed one of the world’s first civilizations thousands of years before Marsha Blackburn’s ancestors would come to the United States and steal the land from its native inhabitants; to reduce it to a “history of cheating and stealing” doesn’t even make sense on any level beyond a nonsensical, primal expression of incoherent prejudice.
China has a 5,000 year history of cheating and stealing. Some things will never change… — Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) December 3, 2020
Since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, Donald Trump and the rest of the Republican Party have engaged in a concentrated demonization campaign against China, who they unfairly blame for allowing the COVID-19 virus to spread throughout the world and even intimate did so deliberately. Rather than take any initiative to contain the pandemic here in the United States, Trump and the GOP have decided to point fingers while actively encouraging the populace to defy state efforts to stop the spread of the disease.
All they’ve accomplished is triggering a 1,900% jump in the rate of anti-Asian hate crimes from the president’s bigoted followers and a coronavirus death toll that far surpasses that of any other country.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
But the Republican Party is a death cult; while they studiously ignore the rising death toll and their own fingerprints upon the reaper’s scythe, their supposed “leaders” like Marsha Blackburn waste their time hysterically screaming hyperbolic nonsense at other countries.
Social media immediately let her have it:
This is the most racist and ignorant US Senator I have seen. A lifetime bitch. — Chen Weihua （陈卫华） (@chenweihua) December 3, 2020
imagine living in a country built on plunder of black bodies & stolen land & then accusing china of having a history of "cheating and stealing" — saeen (@conceptualsaeen) December 3, 2020
Jealous? It's true that comparatively speaking the Christian crusaders were a bunch of illiterate backward corncobs when it came to running empires and taking stuff and that our pathetic response to Covid compared to China shows that we still don't have our shit together. — AKA God In the Schizoid Mind (@SethLSanders) December 3, 2020
You're a shitty Christian. — John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) December 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/MollyJongFast/status/1334581681685028864?s=20
Your party is trying to cheat and steal a presidential election. Some things will never change. — Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) December 3, 2020
Colin Taylor Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-03--Ivanka opens a Pandora’s box of mockery by comparing herself to three past presidents

Thanks in large part to Donald Trump and his enablers in the conservative media , conspiracy theories have deeply infected our body politic .
A non-negligible portion of the Republican Party now holds a range of truly insane beliefs , ranging from the conviction that a cabal of Satanic pedophiles secretly run the Democratic Party to the sincere insistence that the COVID-19 pandemic is a hoax perpetrated by a global shadowy elite .
The latter theory , while at face-value laughably absurd , presents a real problem as the nations of the world gear up to roll out the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 is fake and that the vaccine is actually a way for powerful men like Bill Gates to clandestinely implant microchips in their bodies ( something some people actually believe ) , it stands to reason that they ’ ll refuse to get vaccinated .
This refusal will in turn make it hard to curb the spread of the virus and dampen the vaccine ’ s efficacy overall .
In the hopes of combatting this idiocy , former president Barack Obama , George W. Bush , and Bill Clinton have offered to receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paranoid concerns .
If the administering of the vaccine is actually a plot by the Illuminati , or Reptilians , or Martians to inject something sinister into the bodies of unwitting citizens , it stands to reason that they wouldn ’ t allow such prominent public figures to suffer the consequences on the world stage .
It ’ s sad that our collective faith in science has eroded to this low point , but the three former presidents can be commended for stepping up .
Add your name to tell Trump : You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be commended is First Daughter Ivanka Trump .
She read the news about Obama , Bush , and Clinton and saw it not as an opportunity to thank them for their contributions but rather to aggrandize herself .
She shared a link to the story on her Twitter saying that she applauds the former presidents ’ offer before adding : “ My offer holds to do the same.
” The implication is clearly that she is of the same caliber as these leaders despite her complete lack of accomplishments and the fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the White House due to flagrant nepotism .
Clearly , Ivanka has inherited the same ridiculously inflated sense of self-worth that has characterized her father ’ s entire career .
It should come as little surprise that Twitter users were less than thrilled with her egomaniacal offer .
We want to hear what YOU have to say .
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Thanks in large part to Donald Trump and his enablers in the conservative media, conspiracy theories have deeply infected our body politic. A non-negligible portion of the Republican Party now holds a range of truly insane beliefs, ranging from the conviction that a cabal of Satanic pedophiles secretly run the Democratic Party to the sincere insistence that the COVID-19 pandemic is a hoax perpetrated by a global shadowy elite. The latter theory, while at face-value laughably absurd, presents a real problem as the nations of the world gear up to roll out the coronavirus vaccine.
If MAGA-heads are convinced that COVID-19 is fake and that the vaccine is actually a way for powerful men like Bill Gates to clandestinely implant microchips in their bodies (something some people actually believe), it stands to reason that they’ll refuse to get vaccinated. This refusal will in turn make it hard to curb the spread of the virus and dampen the vaccine’s efficacy overall.
In the hopes of combatting this idiocy, former president Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton have offered to receive the vaccine in public to allay the paranoid concerns. If the administering of the vaccine is actually a plot by the Illuminati, or Reptilians, or Martians to inject something sinister into the bodies of unwitting citizens, it stands to reason that they wouldn’t allow such prominent public figures to suffer the consequences on the world stage. It’s sad that our collective faith in science has eroded to this low point, but the three former presidents can be commended for stepping up.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Someone who should not be commended is First Daughter Ivanka Trump. She read the news about Obama, Bush, and Clinton and saw it not as an opportunity to thank them for their contributions but rather to aggrandize herself. She shared a link to the story on her Twitter saying that she applauds the former presidents’ offer before adding: “My offer holds to do the same.”
The implication is clearly that she is of the same caliber as these leaders despite her complete lack of accomplishments and the fact that she has only seen the inside of the White House due to flagrant nepotism. Clearly, Ivanka has inherited the same ridiculously inflated sense of self-worth that has characterized her father’s entire career. It should come as little surprise that Twitter users were less than thrilled with her egomaniacal offer.
I applaud these pronouncements to help assure the public that the vaccine is safe and effective. My offer holds to do the same. https://t.co/CXswL8eaWg — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) December 3, 2020
Right, because you're as influential as the three former presidents. pic.twitter.com/6aYw9xVmZS — Leslie (@diatribestress) December 3, 2020
Wait your turn like the rest of us, line-jumper! — Paulette Feeney (@PauletteParis1) December 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/williamlegate/status/1334539676171051012?s=20
What an amazingly out of touch attempt to put herself on the level of these 3 former presidents. Even Bush, she doesn't come close. — Blue Patriot in TX (@BlueTsunami5) December 3, 2020
Implying you’re re on par w/3 presidents could be the funniest thing I’ve read all day — lorili (@hedahunter) December 3, 2020
Don’t compare yourself to these men whom people trust. If you take the vaccine, millions won’t. — Robin DesCamp (@AskDesCamp) December 3, 2020
Cool! Didn’t know they’d be giving the vaccines to inmates so soon. — jen pal (@jennyrachelpal) December 3, 2020
They won’t give it out in prison for a while. But you can be first in line if you want. Show your fellow inmates it’s safe. — Aaron Riley #maskup (@zoostationaz) December 3, 2020
Who the FUCK do you think you are…to think that your cursed name should even be mentioned in the same breath as these three men? All of whom were re-elected….unlike Dear Old Daddy. You're a vapid heiress. Stay in your lane…or in your future prison cell. — Greg Baldwin (@GregBaldwinIroh) December 3, 2020
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-03--Democrats erupt in fury as Republicans try to skip town without relief bill

On a day when the nation set new records for new cases , deaths , and hospitalizations for COVID-19 , on a day when millions of Americans face food insecurity and are threatened with imminent eviction or foreclosure , on a day that is one of the few days left before the 116th United States Congress ’ term will expire on January 3rd , a Republican lawmaker moved to adjourn the legislative session without passing any of the vital legislation needed to provide relief to people devastated by the effects of the pandemic , to stimulate the economy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running out of funds that pay the salaries of government workers like police officers , social workers , and firefighters .
Congressman Andy Biggs ( R-AZ ) is known as a hardline right-wing Trump supporter who has consistently downplayed the extent and seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak and denigrated the expertise of medical professionals during the pandemic , including calling for the ouster of Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top epidemiologist .
Representative Biggs called on the House of Representatives to adjourn because he was upset that so many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously enough to cast their votes via Zoom video conferences , rather than appearing in-person on the House floor .
While Biggs ’ lack of concern for the health of others is not the least bit surprising given that extreme selfishness is one of the most important unwritten planks of the GOP platform , his Democratic counterparts were outraged at his motion to shut down the legislative body before it has completed some of the most important tasks that it must wrap up before the new Congress takes office .
Democratic legislators took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Congressman Biggs ’ frivolous and counterproductive motion .
How any working-class American could continue to support a Republican party that clearly couldn ’ t care less about their welfare is one of the enduring political mysteries of our time .
The only way to stop GOP obstructionism and ensure that Congress has the ability to pass legislation that benefits more than just the Republican party ’ s wealthy donor class is to flip the Senate by electing Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock in the Georgia runoffs .
Here ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contribute to that necessary end .
Meanwhile , congressional Democrats will have to endure failed stalling tactics from GOP members who like to display their heartlessness publicly with values that wouldn ’ t pass muster with any Sunday school teacher in the country .
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On a day when the nation set new records for new cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for COVID-19, on a day when millions of Americans face food insecurity and are threatened with imminent eviction or foreclosure, on a day that is one of the few days left before the 116th United States Congress’ term will expire on January 3rd, a Republican lawmaker moved to adjourn the legislative session without passing any of the vital legislation needed to provide relief to people devastated by the effects of the pandemic, to stimulate the economy, and to prevent state and local governments from running out of funds that pay the salaries of government workers like police officers, social workers, and firefighters.
Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is known as a hardline right-wing Trump supporter who has consistently downplayed the extent and seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak and denigrated the expertise of medical professionals during the pandemic, including calling for the ouster of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top epidemiologist.
Representative Biggs called on the House of Representatives to adjourn because he was upset that so many of his Democratic colleagues were taking the pandemic seriously enough to cast their votes via Zoom video conferences, rather than appearing in-person on the House floor.
“They’re going to phone in their votes!” Biggs ranted on the House floor. “They should be here if this meant everything that they say it does!”
HAPPENING NOW: I forced a vote to adjourn the House floor to highlight how many House Democrats are not even in D.C. to conduct the people's business. Americans expect us to be working on their behalf, but Democrats have used 2020 to turn the House into a virtual show. pic.twitter.com/oDDtnKtcVJ — Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 3, 2020
While Biggs’ lack of concern for the health of others is not the least bit surprising given that extreme selfishness is one of the most important unwritten planks of the GOP platform, his Democratic counterparts were outraged at his motion to shut down the legislative body before it has completed some of the most important tasks that it must wrap up before the new Congress takes office.
Democratic legislators took to Twitter to express their amazed indignation at Congressman Biggs’ frivolous and counterproductive motion.
Isn’t this a procedural stunt you ask? Sure. What makes it outrageous is a single vote now takes well over an hour to occur with #COVID19 restrictions in place. Then Chamber must be sanitized. These are final days of Congress. It’s like pulling the fire alarm during a final exam. — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) December 3, 2020
Right now a Republican member has put up a Motion to Adjourn, I am voting against it. I seriously don’t know why any member wants to adjourn while we have work to do on behalf of so many Americans who are suffering right now. — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 3, 2020
We’re trying to get COVID relief and stimulus checks out to people and right now Republicans are trying to prematurely adjourn Congress. People are going hungry and they’re treating this like a game. Leaders don’t abandon people in their time of greatest need. https://t.co/IGRyu6s5qc — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 3, 2020
We’ve passed multiple COVID relief bills, far more generous than GOP’s for working people, that GOP are sitting on in the Senate. & the “pot” bills that you are so dismissive of will expunge millions of people’s records from the unjust War on Drugs. STILL no reason to adjourn. https://t.co/n2oNjMTurO — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 3, 2020
How any working-class American could continue to support a Republican party that clearly couldn’t care less about their welfare is one of the enduring political mysteries of our time.
The only way to stop GOP obstructionism and ensure that Congress has the ability to pass legislation that benefits more than just the Republican party’s wealthy donor class is to flip the Senate by electing Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock in the Georgia runoffs.
Here’s a link where you can donate to help contribute to that necessary end.
Meanwhile, congressional Democrats will have to endure failed stalling tactics from GOP members who like to display their heartlessness publicly with values that wouldn’t pass muster with any Sunday school teacher in the country.
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Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-03--Social media collapses in tears of laughter after Giuliani farts in 2020 election hearing

As the end of the disastrous Trump era finally draws near , perhaps no figure better encapsulates the pointless ugliness of the past for years like Rudy Giuliani , the attorney for the president currently spearheading his efforts to overturn the election .
For weeks , the former New York City mayor has been caping about the country , making baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud while spinning up ludicrous conspiracy theories that would make even Alex Jones blush .
Giuliani ’ s farcical press conferences have quickly become the stuff of legend , from the now-infamous one that was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Total Landscapes to the one during which he appeared to drip hair dye all over his pallid face .
The man who was once affectionately referred to as “ America ’ s Mayor ” and who stood astride the cover of TIME magazine like the brazen giant of Greek fame has , in his twilight years , become a walking absurdity deserving of nothing but scorn .
That is is not to say that the dangers his assault on our election pose should be downplayed , but rather that he should be ridiculed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He can be simultaneously a serious threat to our collective faith in the Republic and a bad joke made flesh .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
Yesterday , Giuliani appeared before a Michigan House panel to present his “ proof ” that the election was stolen .
Not surprisingly , this “ proof ” consisted almost entirely of uncredible witnesses ( including one woman who appeared to be embarrassingly inebriated ) and the lawmakers seemed unswayed by Mr. Giuliani ’ s arguments .
At this point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the most fanatical MAGA dead-enders that Joe Biden won the election and will be sworn in as our 46th president in January .
The hearing was exactly the kind of dog and pony show one would expect from a team that has seen its cases laughed out court after court but a moment of genuine surprise emerged when , during his comments , Giuliani appeared to fart on the microphone .
He didn ’ t acknowledge the gross noise and continued on with his inane remarks , but the moment was caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter with hilarious results… We want to hear what YOU have to say .
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As the end of the disastrous Trump era finally draws near, perhaps no figure better encapsulates the pointless ugliness of the past for years like Rudy Giuliani, the attorney for the president currently spearheading his efforts to overturn the election.
For weeks, the former New York City mayor has been caping about the country, making baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud while spinning up ludicrous conspiracy theories that would make even Alex Jones blush. Giuliani’s farcical press conferences have quickly become the stuff of legend, from the now-infamous one that was for some reason held at Four Seasons Total Landscapes to the one during which he appeared to drip hair dye all over his pallid face.
The man who was once affectionately referred to as “America’s Mayor” and who stood astride the cover of TIME magazine like the brazen giant of Greek fame has, in his twilight years, become a walking absurdity deserving of nothing but scorn. That is is not to say that the dangers his assault on our election pose should be downplayed, but rather that he should be ridiculed every time the opportunity presents itself. He can be simultaneously a serious threat to our collective faith in the Republic and a bad joke made flesh.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Yesterday, Giuliani appeared before a Michigan House panel to present his “proof” that the election was stolen. Not surprisingly, this “proof” consisted almost entirely of uncredible witnesses (including one woman who appeared to be embarrassingly inebriated) and the lawmakers seemed unswayed by Mr. Giuliani’s arguments. At this point, it’s clear to all but the most fanatical MAGA dead-enders that Joe Biden won the election and will be sworn in as our 46th president in January.
The hearing was exactly the kind of dog and pony show one would expect from a team that has seen its cases laughed out court after court but a moment of genuine surprise emerged when, during his comments, Giuliani appeared to fart on the microphone. He didn’t acknowledge the gross noise and continued on with his inane remarks, but the moment was caught on camera and quickly went viral on Twitter with hilarious results…
I present this clip of Rudy Giuliani testifying without editing or commentary. (Watch for the 👀) pic.twitter.com/h4ndjLO56p — Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) December 3, 2020
they said we wouldn't auto-tune the Giuliani fart. they said we COULDN'T auto-tune the Giuliani fart. but with great power comes great responsibilitypic.twitter.com/T8ofjMQwQX — The Gregory Brothers (@gregorybrothers) December 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/RexChapman/status/1334352749392228353?s=20
https://twitter.com/ArsenalWise/status/1334353743501012992?s=20
Ok I give up. Of all the Giuliani chaos over the last five years this takes the cake. Or the cheese. Or the fart. @RexChapman you are killing my productivity. https://t.co/lLeSpxEVVR — Rick Fultz (@RickFultz) December 3, 2020
This is absolutely childish and not nearly the most ridiculous thing at this hearing, but does @RudyGiuliani rip a huge fart here? @JennaEllisEsq appears to hear it and sort of flinch. pic.twitter.com/y6SF62BTQR — David Pakman (@dpakman) December 3, 2020
https://twitter.com/Khansoe2/status/1334529805132316672?s=20
https://twitter.com/ggreeneyes1975/status/1334534362235330560?s=20
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-03--Ivanka issues whiny diatribe following deposition in Trump corruption case

It looks like the recent discussions in the White House about a presidential pardon for Donald Trump ’ s children may be more timely than we initially thought .
According to a court filing in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia , Ivanka Trump was deposed today as part of the Washington DC attorney general ’ s office lawsuit alleging the misuse of inaugural funds for her father ’ s January 2017 inaugural festivities .
The Trump family bilking the inaugural committee out of money for their own personal profit ?
How on-brand !
Ivanka ’ s deposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s inaugural committee , offered his sworn testimony in the case a few weeks back .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
The court filing also indicates that the Washington DC attorney general ’ s office has subpoenaed records from Barrack , Ivanka Trump , first lady Melania Trump , and Rick Gates , the former inaugural committee deputy chairman , in their quest to prosecute the siphoning of funds from the millions in donations that poured into the inaugural committee .
The lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who “ personally managed ” the negotiations with the Trump hotel about renting space for their inaugural events .
The details provided in the court documents show that Gates himself was worried about the appearance of impropriety in the committee ’ s contracting with a property owned by the Trump Organization .
In a letter to Ivanka in December of 2016 , Gates said that he was “ a bit worried about the optics of PIC [ Presidential Inaugural Committee ] paying Trump Hotel a high fee and the media making a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end , the lawsuit contends , Rick Gates reached an agreement with The Trump International Hotel ’ s managing director and Trump family members to pay $ 175,000 per day for the committee to use the space for four days .
One would think that the protestations of the committee ’ s own event planner — Stephanie Winston Wolkoff , a friend of First Lady Melania Trump — that the rates agreed to were at least twice the market rate might have at least indicated that they should hire a better negotiator on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gates .
The lawsuit cites Wolkoff ’ s expression of concern about the costly deal in a subsequent meeting with both the then-President-elect and his daughter Ivanka and in a follow-up email as a key part of its evidence of impropriety in the transaction .
Despite Wolkoff ’ s trepidations about the deal , it was accepted by the Inaugural Committee nonetheless .
With Wolkoff set to give her own deposition next week , the case is proceeding as the DC attorney general has planned , but is not expected to reach any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festivities begins .
After the news of Ivanka Trump ’ s deposition became public , the first daughter herself posted the following tweet explaining that she had a paper trail that — in her opinion — completely exonerates her of overcharging the Inaugural Committee .
It will be interesting to see what a grand jury might infer by comparing the instructions that Ivanka Trump issued to the managers at the Trump International Hotel to charge “ a fair market rate ” and the actual invoices paid which can easily be cross-checked against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates that the hotel itself charged events held at other times .
Once those comparisons are made it should be fairly simple to see just how fair the rates paid truly were .
If there is a significant disparity , as Stephanie Winston Wolkoff has said , perhaps Ivanka will soon have a concrete conviction for which to have her daddy pardon her .
Hopefully , she will be only the first of many Trump family members to be convicted for their grifting ways .
We want to hear what YOU have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know in our NEW comment section !

It looks like the recent discussions in the White House about a presidential pardon for Donald Trump’s children may be more timely than we initially thought.
According to a court filing in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Ivanka Trump was deposed today as part of the Washington DC attorney general’s office lawsuit alleging the misuse of inaugural funds for her father’s January 2017 inaugural festivities.
CNN reports:
In January, the DC attorney general’s office sued the Trump Organization and Presidential Inaugural Committee alleging they abused more than $1 million raised by the nonprofit by “grossly overpaying” for use of event space at the Trump hotel in Washington for the 2017 inauguration.
The Trump family bilking the inaugural committee out of money for their own personal profit? How on-brand!
Ivanka’s deposition comes after Tom Barrack, the chairman of Trump’s inaugural committee, offered his sworn testimony in the case a few weeks back.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
The court filing also indicates that the Washington DC attorney general’s office has subpoenaed records from Barrack, Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and Rick Gates, the former inaugural committee deputy chairman, in their quest to prosecute the siphoning of funds from the millions in donations that poured into the inaugural committee.
The lawsuit claims that Rick Gates was the person who “personally managed” the negotiations with the Trump hotel about renting space for their inaugural events.
The details provided in the court documents show that Gates himself was worried about the appearance of impropriety in the committee’s contracting with a property owned by the Trump Organization.
In a letter to Ivanka in December of 2016, Gates said that he was “a bit worried about the optics of PIC [Presidential Inaugural Committee] paying Trump Hotel a high fee and the media making a big story out of it.”
How prescient.
In the end, the lawsuit contends, Rick Gates reached an agreement with The Trump International Hotel’s managing director and Trump family members to pay $175,000 per day for the committee to use the space for four days.
One would think that the protestations of the committee’s own event planner — Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a friend of First Lady Melania Trump — that the rates agreed to were at least twice the market rate might have at least indicated that they should hire a better negotiator on behalf of the Presidential Inaugural Committee than Gates.
The lawsuit cites Wolkoff’s expression of concern about the costly deal in a subsequent meeting with both the then-President-elect and his daughter Ivanka and in a follow-up email as a key part of its evidence of impropriety in the transaction.
Despite Wolkoff’s trepidations about the deal, it was accepted by the Inaugural Committee nonetheless.
With Wolkoff set to give her own deposition next week, the case is proceeding as the DC attorney general has planned, but is not expected to reach any conclusion before the next set of inaugural festivities begins.
UPDATE:
After the news of Ivanka Trump’s deposition became public, the first daughter herself posted the following tweet explaining that she had a paper trail that — in her opinion — completely exonerates her of overcharging the Inaugural Committee.
It will be interesting to see what a grand jury might infer by comparing the instructions that Ivanka Trump issued to the managers at the Trump International Hotel to charge “a fair market rate” and the actual invoices paid which can easily be cross-checked against the rates of similar facilities and against the rates that the hotel itself charged events held at other times.
Once those comparisons are made it should be fairly simple to see just how fair the rates paid truly were.
If there is a significant disparity, as Stephanie Winston Wolkoff has said, perhaps Ivanka will soon have a concrete conviction for which to have her daddy pardon her.
Hopefully, she will be only the first of many Trump family members to be convicted for their grifting ways.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Kara Scannell at CNN.
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Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-04--Unacceptable: Democratic leaders MUST stop flouting COVID-19 safety measures

Throughout the seemingly interminable coronavirus crisis , the majority of public criticism for our collective bungling of the pandemic has rightfully been leveled at President Donald Trump , who deliberately concealed the severity of the disease from the nation and actively undermined the efforts of public health officials to instill a sense of urgency in the public .
But we are nearly a year into the pandemic with higher death tolls — over 3,000 people a day , or one 9/11 — than we ’ ve ever seen before , and the behavior of certain Democratic leaders should not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irresponsibility and displays of counter-productive arrogance .
It has been a Heculeanean task to get a very suspicious American public to comply with the social distancing protocols , mask mandates , and quarantines that medical experts say are the key to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus , especially when they ’ ve had to actively fight against White House ’ s selfish and depraved efforts to get people to sacrifice their lives and those of their families to feed the hunger of capital .
So it ’ s not very helpful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was just forced to issue his strongest lockdown order yet due to skyrocketing COVID-19 infection rates , is busted attending parties at the very expensive French Laundry restaurant — as did the mayor of San Francisco , London Breed .
Nor is it helpful for the Mayor of Denver , Michael Hancock , to fly home for Thanksgiving after banning his entire staff from doing so .
And it ’ s just insulting to see the Mayor of Austin , Steve Adler , take a family vacation to Cabo , Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film a Facebook video there telling his city ’ s residents that “ We need to stay home if you can .
This is not the time to relax .
We are going to be looking really closely .
… We may have to close things down if we are not careful.
” What kind of message is this supposed to send to people ?
As the coronavirus crisis drastically exacerbates all the other simmering crises facing the American people — housing , employment , income inequality , healthcare — we have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrict ourselves from social contact and cut ourselves off from the people we love .
Millions of people have done so dutifully , some at great cost to their mental and emotional health , with no end in sight beyond vague hopes of a vaccine sometime in the next year , and it is infuriating to see our political elite flout the rules that they themselves have imposed upon us .
Not only is it wildly counterproductive and a disgraceful abdication of their responsibility to the public , but it also is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in this country .
While Newsom and Adler flitter around the country , they know that if they fall sick they have access to the advanced medical technology — paid for by taxpayers !
— that somehow kept decaying cholesterol sacks like Donald Trump and Chris Christie from dying from the COVID-19 virus .
But the vast majority of us are not so lucky and will have to say goodbye to our loved ones via iPad to avoid infecting them too .
For regular people who do survive , they can expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the phone attempting to navigate a deliberately byzantine health insurance payment bureaucracy that pulls out all the stops to deny them coverage and end up in crippling debt for the foreseeable future .
This debt is expected to be paid off in an economy that has lost millions of jobs that will likely never come back and paid heartlessly low wages before the pandemic even hit !
I ’ m sure the rest of us would love to fly to Mexico and go out to dinner at a nice restaurant , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been ordered not to .
So I don ’ t think it ’ s too much to ask that our elected officials practice what they preach and at least make a cursory attempt to show that they care about the lives of their constituents .
Getting this pandemic under control has been hard enough as it is , and we have nearly 300,000 dead Americans to show for it .
It wouldn ’ t kill our political elites to shoulder one-tenth of the burden that the rest of us have had to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to fancy dinners with billionaires or skipping a vacation here or there , then perhaps its time for new leaders who don ’ t see pandemic restrictions as something that only applies to the plebs .

Throughout the seemingly interminable coronavirus crisis, the majority of public criticism for our collective bungling of the pandemic has rightfully been leveled at President Donald Trump, who deliberately concealed the severity of the disease from the nation and actively undermined the efforts of public health officials to instill a sense of urgency in the public. But we are nearly a year into the pandemic with higher death tolls — over 3,000 people a day, or one 9/11 — than we’ve ever seen before, and the behavior of certain Democratic leaders should not be allowed to go without chastisement for their irresponsibility and displays of counter-productive arrogance.
It has been a Heculeanean task to get a very suspicious American public to comply with the social distancing protocols, mask mandates, and quarantines that medical experts say are the key to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus, especially when they’ve had to actively fight against White House’s selfish and depraved efforts to get people to sacrifice their lives and those of their families to feed the hunger of capital.
So it’s not very helpful when California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, who was just forced to issue his strongest lockdown order yet due to skyrocketing COVID-19 infection rates, is busted attending parties at the very expensive French Laundry restaurant — as did the mayor of San Francisco, London Breed.
Nor is it helpful for the Mayor of Denver, Michael Hancock, to fly home for Thanksgiving after banning his entire staff from doing so.
And it’s just insulting to see the Mayor of Austin, Steve Adler, take a family vacation to Cabo, Mexico, and then have the nerve to film a Facebook video there telling his city’s residents that “We need to stay home if you can. This is not the time to relax. We are going to be looking really closely. … We may have to close things down if we are not careful.”
What kind of message is this supposed to send to people?
As the coronavirus crisis drastically exacerbates all the other simmering crises facing the American people — housing, employment, income inequality, healthcare — we have also been told for months and months to restrict ourselves from social contact and cut ourselves off from the people we love.
Millions of people have done so dutifully, some at great cost to their mental and emotional health, with no end in sight beyond vague hopes of a vaccine sometime in the next year, and it is infuriating to see our political elite flout the rules that they themselves have imposed upon us. Not only is it wildly counterproductive and a disgraceful abdication of their responsibility to the public, but it also is a sharp reminder of just how unequal things are in this country.
While Newsom and Adler flitter around the country, they know that if they fall sick they have access to the advanced medical technology — paid for by taxpayers! — that somehow kept decaying cholesterol sacks like Donald Trump and Chris Christie from dying from the COVID-19 virus.
But the vast majority of us are not so lucky and will have to say goodbye to our loved ones via iPad to avoid infecting them too.
These are iPad stations being prepared for virtual ICU end of life visits by a palliative care doc I know. Jesus. pic.twitter.com/lIgbg0FhaL — i cant drive, n95 (@roto_tudor) December 3, 2020
For regular people who do survive, they can expect to spend the next month or so on the phone attempting to navigate a deliberately byzantine health insurance payment bureaucracy that pulls out all the stops to deny them coverage and end up in crippling debt for the foreseeable future. This debt is expected to be paid off in an economy that has lost millions of jobs that will likely never come back and paid heartlessly low wages before the pandemic even hit!
I’m sure the rest of us would love to fly to Mexico and go out to dinner at a nice restaurant, but we don’t because we have been ordered not to.
So I don’t think it’s too much to ask that our elected officials practice what they preach and at least make a cursory attempt to show that they care about the lives of their constituents. Getting this pandemic under control has been hard enough as it is, and we have nearly 300,000 dead Americans to show for it. It wouldn’t kill our political elites to shoulder one-tenth of the burden that the rest of us have had to, and if they are incapable of not going to fancy dinners with billionaires or skipping a vacation here or there, then perhaps its time for new leaders who don’t see pandemic restrictions as something that only applies to the plebs.
Colin Taylor Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-04--Eric Trump dogpiled for trying to use a quote from his wife to attack election results

The Trump children owe everything they have to their criminal father and the flagrant nepotism that has rained down on them since birth .
They are creatures of insulated privilege and much like their father , seem pathologically incapable of empathy or honesty .
Over the past four years , Ivanka , Donald Trump Jr. , and Eric have functioned more like media lapdogs for President Trump than family members .
They have proven to be unquestioningly loyal to their father in the public eye and endorse every cruel policy he enacts and every vile statement that slithers out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump years is finally fully tabulated , his three sociopathic children will deserve a healthy portion of the blame as his co-conspirators .
Rather than recognizing that history will judge them for their part in their father ’ s disastrous reign and perhaps trying to distance themselves from that legacy now that he ’ s been defeated by President-elect Joe Biden , the Trump children are going all-in on the president ’ s lies .
Trump continues to insist that he actually won the election and that mass voter fraud robbed him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false claim that has been amplified by his media surrogates , his attorneys , and his children .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
Today , Eric Trump tweeted out a quote from his wife Lara , making it abundantly clear that she is every bit as delusional as her husband .
“ Legitimate ballots do not come packed in a suitcase , ” Eric tweeted , making sure to tag his wife ’ s username in the message .
The “ suitcase ” is a reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theory that claims a piece of luggage stuffed with fraudulent ballots was used to tip the Georgia election to Joe Biden .
Republican election officials have dismissed the cartoonish claim , which of course will do nothing to dissuade the unhinged MAGA hordes from treating it as Gospel truth .
By blasting out this tweet , Eric Trump once again showed how little he actually cares about our democracy .
He and his despicable siblings will happily undermine faith in our elections to please their father .
One also can ’ t rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid of his father getting booted out of the White House because it could mean the Department of Justice will start investigating possible crimes committed by his family .
After all , why would President Trump be considering pardons for his three eldest children if they have nothing to hide ?
We want to hear what YOU have to say .
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The Trump children owe everything they have to their criminal father and the flagrant nepotism that has rained down on them since birth. They are creatures of insulated privilege and much like their father, seem pathologically incapable of empathy or honesty.
Over the past four years, Ivanka, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric have functioned more like media lapdogs for President Trump than family members. They have proven to be unquestioningly loyal to their father in the public eye and endorse every cruel policy he enacts and every vile statement that slithers out of his mouth. When the damage of the Trump years is finally fully tabulated, his three sociopathic children will deserve a healthy portion of the blame as his co-conspirators.
Rather than recognizing that history will judge them for their part in their father’s disastrous reign and perhaps trying to distance themselves from that legacy now that he’s been defeated by President-elect Joe Biden, the Trump children are going all-in on the president’s lies. Trump continues to insist that he actually won the election and that mass voter fraud robbed him of his rightful victory, a patently false claim that has been amplified by his media surrogates, his attorneys, and his children.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Today, Eric Trump tweeted out a quote from his wife Lara, making it abundantly clear that she is every bit as delusional as her husband. “Legitimate ballots do not come packed in a suitcase,” Eric tweeted, making sure to tag his wife’s username in the message.
The “suitcase” is a reference to a popular yet already-debunked right-wing conspiracy theory that claims a piece of luggage stuffed with fraudulent ballots was used to tip the Georgia election to Joe Biden. Republican election officials have dismissed the cartoonish claim, which of course will do nothing to dissuade the unhinged MAGA hordes from treating it as Gospel truth.
By blasting out this tweet, Eric Trump once again showed how little he actually cares about our democracy. He and his despicable siblings will happily undermine faith in our elections to please their father. One also can’t rule out the possibility that Eric is deeply afraid of his father getting booted out of the White House because it could mean the Department of Justice will start investigating possible crimes committed by his family. After all, why would President Trump be considering pardons for his three eldest children if they have nothing to hide?
“Legitimate ballots do not come packed in a suitcase” – @LaraLeaTrump — Eric Trump (@EricTrump) December 4, 2020
If I were a Georgia Republican, I would write in Trump on my ballot for the run-off election. Maybe he could be a senator from Georgia with enough support. — Justin Bazzle 🌊🌊 (@bazzlethegr8) December 4, 2020
Seriously, dude… Take this shit to Parler already. — pinhead (@pinheadnyc) December 4, 2020
Trump spent months talking nonstop about Hunter.
Now he can’t stop asking for pardons for Ivanka, Jared, Don and Eric. — Brett Lamb (@VoteblueBrett) December 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/Scotch_Rox/status/1334918372258181130?s=20
Legitimate Presidents do not come with no disclosure of their tax returns. — A gentler kind of revenge (@at_revenge) December 4, 2020
Speaking of packing suitcases, is daddy letting you help out or is that job beyond your skillset? — Burns Like Whisky 🇺🇸 (@Scotch_Rox) December 4, 2020
I agree!! Oh, you are talking about that Georgia video??
Newsflash Gummy Boy, the weren't suitcases — Douglas K. Williams III (@InstigatorRules) December 4, 2020
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-04--Social media explodes over Matt Gaetz and creepy old guys at secret “Young Republican” gala

As if hellbent on confirming the widespread criticisms that Republicans simply do not care about the COVID-19 pandemic , the New York Young Republican Club held a “ secret gala ” at a location which , while undisclosed , was ultimately not even in New York state according to The New York Times .
The president of the NYYRC , 26-year-old Gavin Wax , was unapologetic about holding such a dangerous event even as coronavirus cases surge .
The Daily Beast reports that the Facebook page for the clandestine party showed 65 people had indicated their intention to attend .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming that he was worried about putting his guests in danger from “ violent left-wing attacks.
” Rep. Matt Gaetz ( R-FL ) , one of the president ’ s most obsequious Congressional toadies , gleefully attended the gala and even allowed photos of himself to be taken maskless and packed in tight with other partygoers .
James O ’ Keefe , the hack right-wing operative behind Project Veritas , also showed up at the event as a headline speaker .
When The New York Times reached out to the organization for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were told he was unavailable for comment .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
Not long after the communication director for Project Veritas sandbagged The New York Times , O ’ Keefe reached out to a NYT reporter and tried to convince them to “ spy ” on the newspaper on behalf of Veritas .
“ We ’ d love to give you one of our hidden cameras , and maybe you could speak with Mr. Baquet , ” O ’ Keefe said .
Dean Baquet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Not surprisingly , the reporter declined to take O ’ Keefe up on the ludicrous offer .
Simply holding the possible superspreader event apparently wasn ’ t enough for Wax because afterward , he shared images of the gathering on Twitter including the utterly inane caption : “ Eat shit Antifa .
God bless America .
@ NYYRC ” The suggestion that resisting “ Antifa ” has anything to do with the event , which ultimately amounted to an excuse for ghoulish , wealthy conservatives to hobnob and get drunk , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antifa is really an enemy of Wax ’ s they are probably thrilled that he so willingly endangered himself and his closest allies .
The responses to Wax ’ s tweet were brutal , with many Twitter users quick to point out that none of the people in the photo for the New York Young Republican Club appeared to be particularly young .
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As if hellbent on confirming the widespread criticisms that Republicans simply do not care about the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York Young Republican Club held a “secret gala” at a location which, while undisclosed, was ultimately not even in New York state according to The New York Times.
The president of the NYYRC, 26-year-old Gavin Wax, was unapologetic about holding such a dangerous event even as coronavirus cases surge. The Daily Beast reports that the Facebook page for the clandestine party showed 65 people had indicated their intention to attend. Wax refused to reveal the location, claiming that he was worried about putting his guests in danger from “violent left-wing attacks.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), one of the president’s most obsequious Congressional toadies, gleefully attended the gala and even allowed photos of himself to be taken maskless and packed in tight with other partygoers. James O’Keefe, the hack right-wing operative behind Project Veritas, also showed up at the event as a headline speaker. When The New York Times reached out to the organization for comment on O’Keefe’s attendance they were told he was unavailable for comment.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Not long after the communication director for Project Veritas sandbagged The New York Times, O’Keefe reached out to a NYT reporter and tried to convince them to “spy” on the newspaper on behalf of Veritas.
“We’d love to give you one of our hidden cameras, and maybe you could speak with Mr. Baquet,” O’Keefe said. Dean Baquet is the executive editor of the Times. Not surprisingly, the reporter declined to take O’Keefe up on the ludicrous offer.
Simply holding the possible superspreader event apparently wasn’t enough for Wax because afterward, he shared images of the gathering on Twitter including the utterly inane caption: “Eat shit Antifa. God bless America. @NYYRC” The suggestion that resisting “Antifa” has anything to do with the event, which ultimately amounted to an excuse for ghoulish, wealthy conservatives to hobnob and get drunk, is frankly hilariously. In fact, if Antifa is really an enemy of Wax’s they are probably thrilled that he so willingly endangered himself and his closest allies.
The responses to Wax’s tweet were brutal, with many Twitter users quick to point out that none of the people in the photo for the New York Young Republican Club appeared to be particularly young.
Wow, remarkable turnout at the New York “Young” Republican Club! pic.twitter.com/eum05StrI5 — Aidan Smith (@aidan_smx) December 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/Tzipshmil/status/1334850433504989188?s=20
Matt Gaetz is like if Beans had become a Holocaust denier pic.twitter.com/I8uB8mFNAn — help how do i change this (@colbydroscher) December 4, 2020
All the best with your covid infections. — Art Martin (@gartmartin9) December 4, 2020
At someone there knows what's going on. pic.twitter.com/UiECcYecju — Bobbo (@bobbo_why) December 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/MattGaetzLiver/status/1334898190907273217?s=20
This is very useful for contact tracing. Very smart — David A Banks (@DA_Banks) December 4, 2020
These pictures look relatively normal until you zoom in and look at the faces lol — nutpilled Brian (@Spocks_Brian) December 4, 2020
https://twitter.com/GordonStock3/status/1334896367613915138?s=20
betting that matt gaetz insisted driving himself home after getting wasted pic.twitter.com/kj6wbLTQ6i — Coping MAGA (@CopingMAGA) December 4, 2020
A few of you will die. I hope it was worth it. Have a great night. — Steffani Cameron, Social Distancer (@SnarkySteff) December 4, 2020
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-05--Trump issues public demand for list of disloyal Republicans

The absurd notion among some of the more credulous pundits that the Republican Party would return to “ normal ” after the defeat of Donald Trump has almost immediately been proven false — and now we ’ ve got the data to prove it .
The Washington Post embarked on a survey of every single Republican member of Congress , asking them if they believed Joe Biden was the president-elect of the United States .
Only twenty-five of the two hundred and forty-nine lawmakers would say yes .
The rest of them sided with the delusional president , too fearful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a primary challenge from some fanatical MAGA zealot to give reality its due .
Those fears were manifested almost immediately , as Donald Trump took to Twitter and demanded that someone send him a list of the twenty-five GOP legislators with a spine , who he derided as “ RINOS ” ( Republicans In Name Only ) while bragging that he wouldn ’ t read the article because he doesn ’ t like the “ Fake News Washington Post.
” Of course , as Rep. Swalwell was quick to point out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have someone send him a list , since their names are all in the article .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
The soon to be ex-president ’ s tweet is a sharp reminder that even though Trump may be leaving the White House , the GOP and by extension America at large will be stuck with him as long as his black , gravy-clogged heart somehow still manages to push blood through his astonishingly unhealthy body .
Trump ’ s racism , paranoia , and delusions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Republican DNA , and the sad truth is we ’ re looking at a political future that will be just as macabre and bizarre as it has ever been under the Trump White House — though thankfully , he will no longer be watching TV at the wheel .

The absurd notion among some of the more credulous pundits that the Republican Party would return to “normal” after the defeat of Donald Trump has almost immediately been proven false — and now we’ve got the data to prove it. The Washington Post embarked on a survey of every single Republican member of Congress, asking them if they believed Joe Biden was the president-elect of the United States.
Only twenty-five of the two hundred and forty-nine lawmakers would say yes.
The rest of them sided with the delusional president, too fearful of accusations of disloyalty and the prospect of a primary challenge from some fanatical MAGA zealot to give reality its due.
Those fears were manifested almost immediately, as Donald Trump took to Twitter and demanded that someone send him a list of the twenty-five GOP legislators with a spine, who he derided as “RINOS” (Republicans In Name Only) while bragging that he wouldn’t read the article because he doesn’t like the “Fake News Washington Post.”
25, wow! I am surprised there are so many. We have just begun to fight. Please send me a list of the 25 RINOS. I read the Fake News Washington Post as little as possible! https://t.co/cEBM0bYuQ9 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2020
Of course, as Rep. Swalwell was quick to point out, Trump wouldn’t have had to have someone send him a list, since their names are all in the article.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Do you want to read the story before retweeting? The names are literally in the story. https://t.co/K0hmXD9Bx8 — Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) December 5, 2020
The soon to be ex-president’s tweet is a sharp reminder that even though Trump may be leaving the White House, the GOP and by extension America at large will be stuck with him as long as his black, gravy-clogged heart somehow still manages to push blood through his astonishingly unhealthy body. Trump’s racism, paranoia, and delusions are now permanently embedded in today’s Republican DNA, and the sad truth is we’re looking at a political future that will be just as macabre and bizarre as it has ever been under the Trump White House — though thankfully, he will no longer be watching TV at the wheel.
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-05--Ocasio-Cortez rips into Dan Crenshaw after audio leaks of him mocking food & bev industry workers

The Republican Party likes to pretend they represent the working families of America , but are so disgustingly arrogant they can ’ t help but tell on themselves whenever the opportunity presents itself .
On Saturday afternoon , a storm erupted on social media with a new recording of up-and-coming GOP blowhard Rep. Dan Crenshaw ( R-TX ) mocking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ’ s past occupation , which you must know by now was working as a bartender .
“ Chuck Schumer is controlled by people like AOC , who believes the biggest hardship in life was figuring out whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t know hardship until you ’ ve cried in the back !
” quipped Crenshaw at a campaign stop for GA Senate hopeful David Perdue .
It is revolting to hear Crenshaw demean hospitality industry workers so callously .
The Texas Congressman was referencing a recent tweet by his colleague from New York , completely missing the point that Ocasio-Cortez was trying to make : that waiters and waitresses are forced to work incredibly long hours with their pay entirely dependent on how well they cater to the whims of abusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it acceptable or even amusing to berate their servers over the pettiest of mistakes .
On top of that , servers very rarely get any benefits and are extremely vulnerable to sexual harassment and emotional abuse at the hands of their often tyrannical managers .
Their lot has gotten even worse during the pandemic , as servers have been forced to risk exposing themselves to a deadly disease to make their paychecks at jobs that don ’ t provide any healthcare or even pay them anything resembling a living wage .
Ocasio-Cortez quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and highlighting how the Republican Party and all of its members are servers in their own right — making sure that the wealthy elites have spit-shined boots while working Americans are left to suffer .
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The Republican Party likes to pretend they represent the working families of America, but are so disgustingly arrogant they can’t help but tell on themselves whenever the opportunity presents itself.
On Saturday afternoon, a storm erupted on social media with a new recording of up-and-coming GOP blowhard Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) mocking Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s past occupation, which you must know by now was working as a bartender.
“Chuck Schumer is controlled by people like AOC, who believes the biggest hardship in life was figuring out whether it was still or sparkling and you don’t know hardship until you’ve cried in the back!” quipped Crenshaw at a campaign stop for GA Senate hopeful David Perdue.
It is revolting to hear Crenshaw demean hospitality industry workers so callously. The Texas Congressman was referencing a recent tweet by his colleague from New York, completely missing the point that Ocasio-Cortez was trying to make: that waiters and waitresses are forced to work incredibly long hours with their pay entirely dependent on how well they cater to the whims of abusive, self-entitled slugs like Crenshaw who find it acceptable or even amusing to berate their servers over the pettiest of mistakes.
Republicans like to make fun of the fact that I used to be a waitress, but we all know if they ever had to do a double they’d be the ones found crying in the walk-in fridge halfway through their first shift bc someone yelled at them for bringing seltzer when they wanted sparkling — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 4, 2020
On top of that, servers very rarely get any benefits and are extremely vulnerable to sexual harassment and emotional abuse at the hands of their often tyrannical managers. Their lot has gotten even worse during the pandemic, as servers have been forced to risk exposing themselves to a deadly disease to make their paychecks at jobs that don’t provide any healthcare or even pay them anything resembling a living wage.
Ocasio-Cortez quickly responded and hammered Crenshaw for his cruelty and highlighting how the Republican Party and all of its members are servers in their own right — making sure that the wealthy elites have spit-shined boots while working Americans are left to suffer.
The GOP acts like they care, but behind closed doors, this is what they actually say about the working class. Good to know how little you truly think of food workers, @DanCrenshawTX. I wonder: did you have catering while bonding w/ wealthy donors over your disdain for the poor? https://t.co/qrZShdTbME — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 5, 2020
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Colin Taylor Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America. Latest Posts


occupydemocrats--2020-12-05--Trump announces impossible plan for him to “easily and quickly” win Georgia

We are just days away from the Electoral College casting their votes and certifying Joe Biden as the next President of the United States , but that hasn ’ t stopped Donald Trump and his cronies from continuing their desperate and increasingly farcical campaign to somehow overturn the results .
Gambling on the assumption that the Republican officials in Georgia would be the easiest of the swing states to bully into doing his will , Trump has focused his narrative on imaginary allegations of election fraud and repeatedly yelling at Governor Brian Kemp to do something — anything — to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second term .
On Saturday morning , Trump claimed that he will “ easily and quickly ” win Georgia if Kemp or his Secretary of State allow “ signature verification ” to reveal the “ large scale discrepancies ” and then the rest will just fall “ into place.
” Trump and his allies have seized on the idea of a “ signature verification ” for absentee ballots , which they apparently hope will open the door for Republican officials to throw out enough votes to erase Biden ’ s lead over him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of votes .
Add your name to tell Trump : You Lost !
Concede !
Unfortunately for Trump , there ’ s no way it happens .
While Kemp himself claimed that it would be “ easy ” to do — probably just to mollify the colicky president — the reality is that the signatures have already been checked and there is no legal basis for another verification , which election officials pointed out in a Monday press conference .
“ …The ballots , at this point , now become the custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I believe that is a little out of our situation on this to then say we are going to go with no specific evidence or explanation to go in and start pulling random ballots out to ‘ look at.
’ Who pays for this ?
What ’ s the protocols around this ?
” asked an angry Gabriel Sterling .
CNN ’ s fact-checkers note that “ It ’ s also misleading to suggest that doing so might somehow uncover the kind of fraud Trump is alleging especially since signature matching was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
And even if a signature on an envelope was flagged during an audit , it would be impossible to trace it to a specific ballot in order to remove their vote accordingly.
” It ’ s hard to tell at this point if the president himself takes this seriously or is just going through the motions to give his fans a show — but what we do know is that the damage he ’ s doing to the integrity of our elections can not be undone .
We will never have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t contested by the losing Republican , no matter how baseless the allegations are .

We are just days away from the Electoral College casting their votes and certifying Joe Biden as the next President of the United States, but that hasn’t stopped Donald Trump and his cronies from continuing their desperate and increasingly farcical campaign to somehow overturn the results.
Gambling on the assumption that the Republican officials in Georgia would be the easiest of the swing states to bully into doing his will, Trump has focused his narrative on imaginary allegations of election fraud and repeatedly yelling at Governor Brian Kemp to do something — anything — to help him swindle his way into a second term.
On Saturday morning, Trump claimed that he will “easily and quickly” win Georgia if Kemp or his Secretary of State allow “signature verification” to reveal the “large scale discrepancies” and then the rest will just fall “into place.”
I will easily & quickly win Georgia if Governor @BrianKempGA or the Secretary of State permit a simple signature verification. Has not been done and will show large scale discrepancies. Why are these two “Republicans” saying no? If we win Georgia, everything else falls in place! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2020
Trump and his allies have seized on the idea of a “signature verification” for absentee ballots, which they apparently hope will open the door for Republican officials to throw out enough votes to erase Biden’s lead over him, which is in the tens of thousands of votes.
Add your name to tell Trump: You Lost! Concede!
Unfortunately for Trump, there’s no way it happens. While Kemp himself claimed that it would be “easy” to do — probably just to mollify the colicky president — the reality is that the signatures have already been checked and there is no legal basis for another verification, which election officials pointed out in a Monday press conference.
“…The ballots, at this point, now become the custody of superior court judges and clerks, so I believe that is a little out of our situation on this to then say we are going to go with no specific evidence or explanation to go in and start pulling random ballots out to ‘look at.’ Who pays for this? What’s the protocols around this?” asked an angry Gabriel Sterling.
CNN’s fact-checkers note that “It’s also misleading to suggest that doing so might somehow uncover the kind of fraud Trump is alleging especially since signature matching was already done — twice, in many cases. And even if a signature on an envelope was flagged during an audit, it would be impossible to trace it to a specific ballot in order to remove their vote accordingly.”
It’s hard to tell at this point if the president himself takes this seriously or is just going through the motions to give his fans a show — but what we do know is that the damage he’s doing to the integrity of our elections cannot be undone. We will never have another election in the United States that isn’t contested by the losing Republican, no matter how baseless the allegations are.
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occupydemocrats--2020-12-07--Attorney General Barr reportedly considering jumping ship before Trump’s term ends

Even one of Donald Trump ’ s most loyal enablers can ’ t wait another 45 days for the end of his administration if one is to accept the reporting of The New York Times .
The esteemed newspaper cites three sources familiar with the thinking of Attorney General William Barr as saying that Barr is considering ending his term as Attorney General of the United States and leader of the Justice Department at some point before the presumed end of Trump ’ s term on January 20th , with one source claiming that Barr could be announcing his departure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Times says that it is still uncertain whether the attorney general ’ s thinking was influenced by Trump ’ s refusal to confirm that he still had confidence in Barr ’ s ability to do the job he had been tasked with after the AG confirmed that the Justice Department had not uncovered any widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election that would have affected the outcome of the contest .
The anonymous sources who divulged the gist of the attorney general ’ s deliberations about his future plans to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premature exit .
An early departure by Barr would deprive Trump of one of his most willing accomplices in bending the rules of jurisprudence to the departing president ’ s benefit but could shield the attorney general from having to spar with Trump over his efforts to overturn the election results that he continues to loudly proclaim are rife with fraud , despite no hard evidence to support his allegations .
While the Attorney General has reportedly not yet made a final decision — and neither the White House nor the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — if Barr were to leave his post earlier than expected , Jeffrey Rosen , the deputy attorney general , would be expected to take over the leadership of the Justice Department until President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in .
While Barr has been quite willing to defend the president throughout his tenure in the Justice Department , it appears that the man who deceived the public on the contents of the Mueller report and tried to drop the prosecution of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn in a transparent attempt to support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the victim of a partisan witch hunt no longer has the appetite to continue to help him in his attempts to dismantle this nation ’ s democratic principles .
Don ’ t be surprised if — now that the president with the fragile ego has gotten wind of Barr ’ s internal debate on whether he should head to the exit door as soon as possible — a tweet suddenly appears saying essentially that Barr can ’ t quit because he ’ s being fired .
It ’ s difficult to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibility with a man as vindictive as Donald Trump .
Original reporting by Katie Benner , Michael S. Schmidt , and at The New York Times .
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Even one of Donald Trump’s most loyal enablers can’t wait another 45 days for the end of his administration if one is to accept the reporting of The New York Times.
The esteemed newspaper cites three sources familiar with the thinking of Attorney General William Barr as saying that Barr is considering ending his term as Attorney General of the United States and leader of the Justice Department at some point before the presumed end of Trump’s term on January 20th, with one source claiming that Barr could be announcing his departure before the end of the year.
The Times says that it is still uncertain whether the attorney general’s thinking was influenced by Trump’s refusal to confirm that he still had confidence in Barr’s ability to do the job he had been tasked with after the AG confirmed that the Justice Department had not uncovered any widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election that would have affected the outcome of the contest.
The anonymous sources who divulged the gist of the attorney general’s deliberations about his future plans to the press offered differing reasons for the potential premature exit.
“One of the people insisted that Mr. Barr had been weighing his departure since before last week and that Mr. Trump had not affected the attorney general’s thinking. Another said Mr. Barr had concluded that he had completed the work that he set out to accomplish at the Justice Department,” the newspaper writes.
An early departure by Barr would deprive Trump of one of his most willing accomplices in bending the rules of jurisprudence to the departing president’s benefit but could shield the attorney general from having to spar with Trump over his efforts to overturn the election results that he continues to loudly proclaim are rife with fraud, despite no hard evidence to support his allegations.
While the Attorney General has reportedly not yet made a final decision — and neither the White House nor the Justice Department was willing to comment on the report — if Barr were to leave his post earlier than expected, Jeffrey Rosen, the deputy attorney general, would be expected to take over the leadership of the Justice Department until President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in.
While Barr has been quite willing to defend the president throughout his tenure in the Justice Department, it appears that the man who deceived the public on the contents of the Mueller report and tried to drop the prosecution of former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn in a transparent attempt to support the president’s allegations that he was the victim of a partisan witch hunt no longer has the appetite to continue to help him in his attempts to dismantle this nation’s democratic principles.
Don’t be surprised if — now that the president with the fragile ego has gotten wind of Barr’s internal debate on whether he should head to the exit door as soon as possible — a tweet suddenly appears saying essentially that Barr can’t quit because he’s being fired.
It’s difficult to put such a stunt outside the realm of possibility with a man as vindictive as Donald Trump.
Follow Vinnie Longobardo on Twitter.
Original reporting by Katie Benner, Michael S. Schmidt, and at The New York Times.
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Vinnie Longobardo Managing Editor Vinnie Longobardo is the Managing Editor of Occupy Democrats. He's a 35-year veteran of the TV, mobile & internet industries, specializing in start-ups and the international media business. His passions are politics, music, and art. Latest Posts