hotair--2020-05-10--NY Dem candidate is on a "rent strike"

NY Dem candidate is on a "rent strike"

In New York City ’ s well-heeled 12th Congressional District , a housing activist named Pete Harrison is running in the Democratic primary to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney .
But that ’ s not the only campaign he ’ s waging .
Harrison is currently engaged in a “ rent strike ” against his landlords , Blackstone Real Estate .
This is a rather curious position to take , as we ’ ll get to momentarily , but he seems adamant about seeing that nobody has to pay their rent during the pandemic shutdown .
He was recently offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the subject in the New York Daily News .
Let ’ s take a look at some of the backstory .
My landlord in Stuyvesant Town is the private equity giant Blackstone , which happens to be the world ’ s largest private landlord .
Blackstone sent a letter to tenants on March 30th offering a “ rental assistance program ” during COVID-19 .
The program just meant tenants can break their lease and move during a pandemic , use their security deposit ( and pay it back later ) , or commit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period of time , if we can prove we ’ ve suffered economic loss .
This is wildly offensive .
Blackstone has over $ 500 billion under management .
It will eventually receive billions of public dollars during COVID-19 from both the CARES Act and the Federal Reserve .
This is on top of the $ 225 million in help Blackstone received from the city to buy Stuyvesant Town in 2015 .
So Mr. Harrison isn ’ t paying his rent to his evil landlords at Blackstone , despite apparently being quite financially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Baruch ’ s Zicklin School of Business , along with his work as a consultant on multiple political campaigns and for other progressive groups .
It ’ s all a matter of principle , you see .
Let ’ s first take a look at the terrible treatment the tenants in Harrison ’ s apartment complex have received .
Blackstone offered to let anyone who was considering fleeing the Big Apple to break their leases at no penalty .
For those who were staying , they offered to allow tenants to shift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their rent , or skip paying while they were out of work with the chance to make up the missed payments via installments spread out over time .
Do you know how much of that Blackstone was actually obligated to do ?
None of it .
Their only government-mandated restriction was that they couldn ’ t evict anyone for ninety days .
Sounds to me as if Blackstone went above and beyond the call in an effort to ease the strain on people who lost their jobs during the lockdown .
Harrison further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t need the money ( as if that ’ s an issue ) because they will “ receive billions of public dollars ” from the federal CARES Act .
But that ’ s not true at all .
Blackstone , as a member of the American Investment Council , lobbied the White House to allow some smaller firms that they have invested in to receive federal aid , but not for themselves or the other members of the council .
This entire “ rent strike ” idea may seem understandable from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs , but there will be no housing if all of the landlords wind up being bankrupted after losing at least 25 % of their revenue this year .
Better solutions are required , but they should also at least partially protect the interests of landlords who , like Blackstone , have bent over backward to offer flexible payment options and relief to their tenants .
Of course , we may not be hearing much more from Pete Harrison after next month ’ s primary .
In the 12th district , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the city is so overwhelmingly liberal .
Carolyn Maloney has won her past six general elections with an average of more than 80 % of the vote .
As far as the primary goes , she does indeed have a strong challenger , but his name is Suraj Patel .
He ran a surprisingly strong bid in the 2018 primary , garnering more than 40 % of the vote and he ’ s back for another try .
I wouldn ’ t expect Harrison to make much of a dent in @ @ @ @ @

In New York City’s well-heeled 12th Congressional District, a housing activist named Pete Harrison is running in the Democratic primary to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. But that’s not the only campaign he’s waging. Harrison is currently engaged in a “rent strike” against his landlords, Blackstone Real Estate. This is a rather curious position to take, as we’ll get to momentarily, but he seems adamant about seeing that nobody has to pay their rent during the pandemic shutdown. He was recently offered the chance to pen an op-ed on the subject in the New York Daily News. Let’s take a look at some of the backstory.
My landlord in Stuyvesant Town is the private equity giant Blackstone, which happens to be the world’s largest private landlord. Blackstone sent a letter to tenants on March 30th offering a “rental assistance program” during COVID-19. The program just meant tenants can break their lease and move during a pandemic, use their security deposit (and pay it back later), or commit to paying full rent over a longer period of time, if we can prove we’ve suffered economic loss. This is wildly offensive. Blackstone has over $500 billion under management. It will eventually receive billions of public dollars during COVID-19 from both the CARES Act and the Federal Reserve. This is on top of the $225 million in help Blackstone received from the city to buy Stuyvesant Town in 2015.
So Mr. Harrison isn’t paying his rent to his evil landlords at Blackstone, despite apparently being quite financially stable with his job as a professor at Baruch’s Zicklin School of Business, along with his work as a consultant on multiple political campaigns and for other progressive groups. It’s all a matter of principle, you see.
Let’s first take a look at the terrible treatment the tenants in Harrison’s apartment complex have received. Blackstone offered to let anyone who was considering fleeing the Big Apple to break their leases at no penalty. For those who were staying, they offered to allow tenants to shift their security deposits to cover part of their rent, or skip paying while they were out of work with the chance to make up the missed payments via installments spread out over time.
Do you know how much of that Blackstone was actually obligated to do? None of it. Their only government-mandated restriction was that they couldn’t evict anyone for ninety days. Sounds to me as if Blackstone went above and beyond the call in an effort to ease the strain on people who lost their jobs during the lockdown.
Harrison further goes on to falsely claim that Blackstone doesn’t need the money (as if that’s an issue) because they will “receive billions of public dollars” from the federal CARES Act. But that’s not true at all. Blackstone, as a member of the American Investment Council, lobbied the White House to allow some smaller firms that they have invested in to receive federal aid, but not for themselves or the other members of the council.
This entire “rent strike” idea may seem understandable from the perspective of those who have lost their jobs, but there will be no housing if all of the landlords wind up being bankrupted after losing at least 25% of their revenue this year. Better solutions are required, but they should also at least partially protect the interests of landlords who, like Blackstone, have bent over backward to offer flexible payment options and relief to their tenants.
Of course, we may not be hearing much more from Pete Harrison after next month’s primary. In the 12th district, the primary basically is the election because that part of the city is so overwhelmingly liberal. Carolyn Maloney has won her past six general elections with an average of more than 80% of the vote. As far as the primary goes, she does indeed have a strong challenger, but his name is Suraj Patel. He ran a surprisingly strong bid in the 2018 primary, garnering more than 40% of the vote and he’s back for another try. I wouldn’t expect Harrison to make much of a dent in the numbers next month.


hotair--2020-05-10--Sunday morning talking heads

Sunday morning talking heads

The White House ’ s top three economic advisors are on deck this morning to push the president ’ s new message : The worst has passed and it ’ s time to reopen for business .
Steve Mnuchin will chat with “ Fox News Sunday , ” Larry Kudlow will talk to “ This Week , ” and Kevin Hassett will discuss with “ Face the Nation ” and “ State of the Union.
” All three will be pressed on whether the worst of the epidemic really is behind us and what they foresee in the next round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Cutting off aid to wary business owners on grounds that it ’ s time to reopen , knowing that they ’ re unlikely to see enough consumer demand to keep them afloat , sounds like a recipe for political disaster to me but what do I know .
Hassett will also be pressed on what was up with that graph that he was reportedly circulating within the White House showing daily deaths dropping to zero by mid-May .
That was a big misunderstanding , he told the press a few days ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Excel spreadsheet to try to better visualize the IHME model .
Okay , but the IHME model itself has lost some credibility at this point for its too-rosy death projections .
Why keep relying on it ?
Speaking of which , the head of the IHME , Christopher Murray , will follow Hassett on “ Face the Nation ” to defend his work product .
There are only a few politicians on this morning , most notably Mike DeWine of Ohio .
DeWine was aggressive in shutting down and now he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He ’ ll talk with “ Fox News Sunday ” about his plan .
The most interesting guests may be the pharmaceutical execs booked to discuss the timeline for their work on developing treatments for COVID-19 and ultimately a vaccine .
Keep an eye out on “ This Week ” for Dr. Paul Stoffels , the chief scientific officer at Johnson & Johnson , who ’ ll be discussing the billion-dollar effort to fast-track production of his company ’ s vaccine candidate next year .
Two top dogs from Regeneron will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This Week ” and the other on “ State of the Union , ” to chat about their progress in developing antibody drugs .
If those drugs work they could lead to much faster ( and frequent ) recoveries from COVID-19 and maybe even provide a short-term prophylaxis until a true vaccine is ready .
Human tests are coming next month .
The full line-up is at the AP .

The White House’s top three economic advisors are on deck this morning to push the president’s new message: The worst has passed and it’s time to reopen for business. Steve Mnuchin will chat with “Fox News Sunday,” Larry Kudlow will talk to “This Week,” and Kevin Hassett will discuss with “Face the Nation” and “State of the Union.” All three will be pressed on whether the worst of the epidemic really is behind us and what they foresee in the next round of fiscal relief. Maybe … nothing?
(Reuters) – The White House will not consider any further stimulus legislation this month as it eyes the economic impact from reopening U.S. states, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told reporters on Friday, adding that formal talks with Congress have paused — Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) May 8, 2020
Cutting off aid to wary business owners on grounds that it’s time to reopen, knowing that they’re unlikely to see enough consumer demand to keep them afloat, sounds like a recipe for political disaster to me but what do I know. Hassett will also be pressed on what was up with that graph that he was reportedly circulating within the White House showing daily deaths dropping to zero by mid-May. That was a big misunderstanding, he told the press a few days ago. All he did was use an Excel spreadsheet to try to better visualize the IHME model. Okay, but the IHME model itself has lost some credibility at this point for its too-rosy death projections. Why keep relying on it?
Speaking of which, the head of the IHME, Christopher Murray, will follow Hassett on “Face the Nation” to defend his work product.
There are only a few politicians on this morning, most notably Mike DeWine of Ohio. DeWine was aggressive in shutting down and now he’s being aggressive in reopening his home state. He’ll talk with “Fox News Sunday” about his plan. The most interesting guests may be the pharmaceutical execs booked to discuss the timeline for their work on developing treatments for COVID-19 and ultimately a vaccine. Keep an eye out on “This Week” for Dr. Paul Stoffels, the chief scientific officer at Johnson & Johnson, who’ll be discussing the billion-dollar effort to fast-track production of his company’s vaccine candidate next year. Two top dogs from Regeneron will also be on this morning, one on “This Week” and the other on “State of the Union,” to chat about their progress in developing antibody drugs. If those drugs work they could lead to much faster (and frequent) recoveries from COVID-19 and maybe even provide a short-term prophylaxis until a true vaccine is ready. Human tests are coming next month.
The full line-up is at the AP.


hotair--2020-05-11--Elon Musk reopens Tesla's Fremont factory against county orders, hopes he'll be the only one arreste

Elon Musk reopens Tesla's Fremont factory against county orders, hopes he'll be the only one arrested (Update)

Elon Musk announced on Twitter Monday afternoon that he was reopening his Tesla plant in Fremont , California and thereby violating a county shut down order .
Musk said that if the county felt it necessary to arrest anyone he would prefer they only arrest him : Musk argued that Tesla was being unfairly singled out among US auto-makers : A short time before Musk ’ s tweets , California Governor Gavin Newsom was asked about reopening Tesla ’ s Fremont factory .
Newsom indicated he was aware of ongoing discussions with Alameda County and said , “ My belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early as next week , they will be able to resume.
” He added , “ I ’ m certainly encouraged by what I am hearing.
” But it appears Musk isn ’ t willing to wait another week.
” As Jazz noted yesterday , Musk said Saturday that he was filling a lawsuit against Alameda County , where the plant is located .
Alameda ’ s lock down orders are more restrictive than the re-opening plans being put in place by California Governor Gavin Newsom .
Musk also said Saturday that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state : “ Frankly , this is the final straw .
Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately.
” That tweet has been liked nearly 200,000 times since Saturday .
Musk responded to her message Sunday .
For a time yesterday , this was his pinned tweet : If you ’ re wondering where that anti-Musk sentiment was coming from , the assemblywoman expanded on her thoughts Sunday .
You ’ ll be shocked to learn she ’ s a progressive concerned about union organizing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to reopen his plant today without county approval today , assemblywoman Gonzalez said it proved her point about tech companies and billionaires breaking the rules set up by county and state officials .
She wants to see consequences .
For all his faults , Gov .
Newsom isn ’ t quite as eager to see Tesla , one of the state ’ s largest , most high profile employers , pack up and leave for Texas .
So today , when he was asked about the situation , Newsom made a point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responded positively to this part of the statement from Gov .
Newsom ( Newsom ’ s full comments are here ) : My guess is that Newsom will step in to prevent the county from over-reacting today .
If that doesn ’ t work and Musk does wind up getting arrested , then I suspect he ’ ll be a lot more likely to follow through on this threat to move his operation to a more business-friendly state .
In the meantime , assemblywoman Gonzalez has elevated herself as San Diego ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved out of state after her viral attack on Musk , I ’ m sure she ’ ll consider that a victory .
Update : The parking lot at Tesla ’ s Fremont factory is full .
Alameda county has responded with a sternly worded letter which reads in part , “ We have notified Tesla that they can only maintain Minimum Basic Operations until we have an approved plan that can be implemented in accordance with the local public health Order.
” It goes on to say , “ we hope that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures.
” So Tesla is submitting their plan later today but there ’ s no timeline for how long it will take the county to review and approve it .
My guess is the bureaucrats will want to make an example of Musk , but again I wonder if they have gotten a call from the Governor by now .
We ’ ll have to wait and see what happens tomorrow .

Elon Musk announced on Twitter Monday afternoon that he was reopening his Tesla plant in Fremont, California and thereby violating a county shut down order. Musk said that if the county felt it necessary to arrest anyone he would prefer they only arrest him:
Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
Musk argued that Tesla was being unfairly singled out among US auto-makers:
Yes, California approved, but an unelected county official illegally overrode. Also, all other auto companies in US are approved to resume. Only Tesla has been singled out. This is super messed up! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
A short time before Musk’s tweets, California Governor Gavin Newsom was asked about reopening Tesla’s Fremont factory. Newsom indicated he was aware of ongoing discussions with Alameda County and said, “My belief and hope and expectation is that as early as next week, they will be able to resume.” He added, “I’m certainly encouraged by what I am hearing.” But it appears Musk isn’t willing to wait another week.”
As Jazz noted yesterday, Musk said Saturday that he was filling a lawsuit against Alameda County, where the plant is located. Alameda’s lock down orders are more restrictive than the re-opening plans being put in place by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Musk also said Saturday that he planned to move his business interests out of the state: “Frankly, this is the final straw. Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately.”
A California Assemblywoman from San Diego reacted strongly to Musk’s lawsuit:
F*ck Elon Musk. — Lorena Gonzalez (@LorenaSGonzalez) May 10, 2020
That tweet has been liked nearly 200,000 times since Saturday. Musk responded to her message Sunday. For a time yesterday, this was his pinned tweet:
Message received — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
If you’re wondering where that anti-Musk sentiment was coming from, the assemblywoman expanded on her thoughts Sunday. You’ll be shocked to learn she’s a progressive concerned about union organizing.
And, the deaths from Covid-19 in California are disproportionately Latino. Our communities have been the hardest hit. By far. Maybe that’s why we take the public health officials’ warning and directions so seriously. — Lorena Gonzalez (@LorenaSGonzalez) May 10, 2020
In the wake of Musk’s decision to reopen his plant today without county approval, assemblywoman Gonzalez said it proved her point about tech companies and billionaires breaking the rules set up by county and state officials. She wants to see consequences.
This tweet, from this morning, aged well. We have a culture in our state where these huge corporations run by billionaires “move fast and break things.” Rules. Orders. Laws. People. All without consequence. https://t.co/rrdSxa0Oyk — Lorena Gonzalez (@LorenaSGonzalez) May 11, 2020
For all his faults, Gov. Newsom isn’t quite as eager to see Tesla, one of the state’s largest, most high profile employers, pack up and leave for Texas. So today, when he was asked about the situation, Newsom made a point of praising Tesla and Musk. Musk responded positively to this part of the statement from Gov. Newsom (Newsom’s full comments are here):
Thank you Governor Newsom! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 11, 2020
My guess is that Newsom will step in to prevent the county from over-reacting today. If that doesn’t work and Musk does wind up getting arrested, then I suspect he’ll be a lot more likely to follow through on this threat to move his operation to a more business-friendly state.
In the meantime, assemblywoman Gonzalez has elevated herself as San Diego’s own AOC. If 14,000 jobs get moved out of state after her viral attack on Musk, I’m sure she’ll consider that a victory.
Update: The parking lot at Tesla’s Fremont factory is full. Alameda county has responded with a sternly worded letter which reads in part, “We have notified Tesla that they can only maintain Minimum Basic Operations until we have an approved plan that can be implemented in accordance with the local public health Order.” It goes on to say, “we hope that Tesla will likewise comply without further enforcement measures.”
Alameda County Updated Statement on Tesla: Today, May 11, we learned that the Tesla factory in Fremont had opened beyond Minimum Basic Operations. We have notified Tesla that they can only maintain Minimum Basic Operations until we have an approved plan that can be implemented pic.twitter.com/4AAVNlOWz7 — Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (@Dare2BWell) May 11, 2020
So Tesla is submitting their plan later today but there’s no timeline for how long it will take the county to review and approve it. My guess is the bureaucrats will want to make an example of Musk, but again I wonder if they have gotten a call from the Governor by now. We’ll have to wait and see what happens tomorrow.


hotair--2020-05-11--Cuomo: Reopening can start on May 15 -- or earlier

“ It ’ s a new phase , ” Governor Andrew Cuomo remarked today as he turned New York toward a gradual reopening of public life after the COVID-19 shutdowns .
By May 15 , Cuomo plans to start rolling back restrictions imposed during the peak of the outbreak , declaring those policies a success in getting to “ the other side of the mountain.
” The state will use different regional strategies , and a few of them might be ready to start sooner — perhaps as early as now , Cuomo suggests : As the rate of new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rate of “ about where we started this horrific situation , ” Cuomo said the state is ready to begin a “ safe ” and prepared reopening .
Cuomo said the state has been broken down into 10 regions , each ranked across seven metrics related to the rate of infection and the hospital capacity for their residents .
In the most concrete step toward restarting the virus-stricken state , Cuomo said three regions—the Southern Tier , Mohawk Valley , and the Finger Lakes—have met the readiness metrics and proved they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local hospitals have the capacity and testing to handle any possible virus resurgence .
“ Some regions are ready to go today , ” Cuomo said , noting that other regions are very close to begin the re-opening process .
“ This is the next big phase in the historic journey.
” That ’ s good news for the White House , which has emphasized the need to get economic activity expanded quickly .
Their focus has been on the catastrophic economic and fiscal numbers that the shutdown has generated .
Cuomo says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical numbers , but those align with that push to reopen , as long as it ’ s done intelligently .
That means starting with “ low risk ” economic activities at first , Cuomo warns .
What are those ?
A few activities that probably didn ’ t need to shut down in the first place : Outdoor sports with shared equipment is still a bit of a risk , but drive-in movie theaters wouldn ’ t have been a risk at all .
There aren ’ t many out there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value of real estate in suburban areas , but as long as one remains in the car and pays with contactless methods , what ’ s the risk ?
The same goes for landscaping and gardening , where little to no contact with others is made and which take place entirely outdoors , where transmission risk turns out to be near zero .
Don ’ t expect much of a boost from Phase 1 except for maybe morale , in other words .
That ’ s even more true because of the limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply to rural or exurban areas of the state : That ’ s good news for upstate New York .
What about the Big Apple , where much of the state ’ s economic activity takes place ?
Don ’ t expect any reopening until the beginning of next month at the earliest , Mayor Bill de Blasio warned , “ unless something miraculous happens.
” The state has its measures , but New York City has its own , and they ’ re not optimistic : “ Unless something miraculous happens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” de Blasio said Monday , adding that New York City is “ clearly not ready yet.
” He added : “ It ’ s fair to say by June we will make progress if we keep up what we have been doing.
” De Blasio sad the earliest non-essential businesses in the city could open is June 7 .
De Blasio also was asked about schools reopening , which he said he expects to do “ safely ” in September .
Just how long will de Blasio be able to sustain that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on — and the longer we get past the declared goal of flattening the curve to prevent overwhelming the hospitals — the more people will demand the opportunity to get back to work .
Even in New York City , the disconnect between the sale of shutdowns and the goalpost-shifting currently under way on it will start to wear on those who have no income during this period .
Perhaps de Blasio can maintain adherence to these restrictions for another four weeks at a minimum , according to his statement today , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too .
At any rate , the momentum has begun to swing in the direction of reopening , which is itself a good sign .
As long as social distancing can be maintained , though , the state should rethink the pace and the scope of Phase 1 .

“It’s a new phase,” Governor Andrew Cuomo remarked today as he turned New York toward a gradual reopening of public life after the COVID-19 shutdowns. By May 15, Cuomo plans to start rolling back restrictions imposed during the peak of the outbreak, declaring those policies a success in getting to “the other side of the mountain.” The state will use different regional strategies, and a few of them might be ready to start sooner — perhaps as early as now, Cuomo suggests:
NEW: “We are on the other side of the mountain … We can intelligently turn toward reopening,” NY Gov. Cuomo says, noting phased reopenings for regions in the state could begin as soon as May 15. pic.twitter.com/MIhmVGXlMP — NBC News (@NBCNews) May 11, 2020
As the rate of new COVID-19 cases in New York has declined to the rate of “about where we started this horrific situation,” Cuomo said the state is ready to begin a “safe” and prepared reopening. Cuomo said the state has been broken down into 10 regions, each ranked across seven metrics related to the rate of infection and the hospital capacity for their residents. In the most concrete step toward restarting the virus-stricken state, Cuomo said three regions—the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and the Finger Lakes—have met the readiness metrics and proved they have controlled their infection rate and established local hospitals have the capacity and testing to handle any possible virus resurgence. “Some regions are ready to go today,” Cuomo said, noting that other regions are very close to begin the re-opening process. “This is the next big phase in the historic journey.”
That’s good news for the White House, which has emphasized the need to get economic activity expanded quickly. Their focus has been on the catastrophic economic and fiscal numbers that the shutdown has generated. Cuomo says his focus has been mainly on the medical numbers, but those align with that push to reopen, as long as it’s done intelligently.
That means starting with “low risk” economic activities at first, Cuomo warns. What are those? A few activities that probably didn’t need to shut down in the first place:
Cuomo says New Your will reopen statewide for certain businesses and recreational activities that are deemed low-risk as of May 15. They include: Landscaping and gardening
Outdoor, low-risk recreational activities (ex. tennis)
Drive-in movie theaters.
Outdoor sports with shared equipment is still a bit of a risk, but drive-in movie theaters wouldn’t have been a risk at all. There aren’t many out there, of course, thanks to the modern value of real estate in suburban areas, but as long as one remains in the car and pays with contactless methods, what’s the risk? The same goes for landscaping and gardening, where little to no contact with others is made and which take place entirely outdoors, where transmission risk turns out to be near zero.
Don’t expect much of a boost from Phase 1 except for maybe morale, in other words. That’s even more true because of the limited authorization, too, which will mostly apply to rural or exurban areas of the state:
He said three upstate regions have met all criteria for opening some business activity after May 15: the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and the Finger Lakes. Other upstate regions are making and could follow soon after. The reopening regions still need to work out logistics, such as creating regional “control rooms” to monitor the effects of the reopening.
That’s good news for upstate New York. What about the Big Apple, where much of the state’s economic activity takes place? Don’t expect any reopening until the beginning of next month at the earliest, Mayor Bill de Blasio warned, “unless something miraculous happens.” The state has its measures, but New York City has its own, and they’re not optimistic:
“Unless something miraculous happens, we’re going into June,” de Blasio said Monday, adding that New York City is “clearly not ready yet.” He added: “It’s fair to say by June we will make progress if we keep up what we have been doing.” De Blasio sad the earliest non-essential businesses in the city could open is June 7. De Blasio also was asked about schools reopening, which he said he expects to do “safely” in September.
Just how long will de Blasio be able to sustain that, though? The longer this goes on — and the longer we get past the declared goal of flattening the curve to prevent overwhelming the hospitals — the more people will demand the opportunity to get back to work. Even in New York City, the disconnect between the sale of shutdowns and the goalpost-shifting currently under way on it will start to wear on those who have no income during this period. Perhaps de Blasio can maintain adherence to these restrictions for another four weeks at a minimum, according to his statement today, but he may need a miracle for that, too.
At any rate, the momentum has begun to swing in the direction of reopening, which is itself a good sign. As long as social distancing can be maintained, though, the state should rethink the pace and the scope of Phase 1.


hotair--2020-05-11--Video: Crowds pack into Colorado restaurant that defied lockdown for Mother's Day

Not a single mask in sight as far as I can tell , including among the staff , although if I ’ m not mistaken one customer is wearing a red Trump 2020 hat .
( “ No mask no problem btw , ” the owner reportedly posted on Facebook in advertising the reopening . )
“ As an epidemiologist , it ’ s really hard not to despair at videos and anecdotes like these , ” said one doctor of the clip as it made the rounds last night .
Colorado has reopened partially but for now eateries are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery only .
“ These restaurants are not only breaking the law , they are endangering the lives of their staff , customers , and community , ” said the governor ’ s office about the scenes from the restaurant .
The owner doesn ’ t care : She also complained in a post that she “ would go out of business if I don ’ t do something , ” which explains the reopening but doesn ’ t explain the apparent failure to take the most basic safety precautions .
That is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of masks , distancing , etc , this feels like a political protest as much a an act of financial desperation .
( “ I ’ m so happy so many people came out to support the Constitution and stand up for what is right , ” said the owner to a local paper . )
The anti-lockdown protests at state capitols at least have the virtue of being held ( mostly ) outdoors , reducing the risk of transmission .
What message is being sent by a business that ’ s following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
One customer , asked why she took the risk of dining in , replied , “ I ’ m not afraid to be out .
I ’ m not going to wear a mask .
I ’ m healthy .
I ’ m in good shape , and I don ’ t think it ’ s as serious as they say.
” Stuff like this is doing the “ reopen now ” faction no favors .
I know you don ’ t believe me if you ’ re part of that group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the ongoing anxiety about reopening too soon — although you probably don ’ t believe the polls either .
The hard data will come after the country reopens more widely and only 75 percent or whatever of consumers return .
For now , it ’ s enough to say that although Americans are gradually getting more comfortable with the idea of small gatherings , most are still leery of the idea .
Including Republicans : It ’ s not like Colorado has gotten off easy from the epidemic either .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states for COVID-19 deaths per million residents .
Meanwhile in Massachusetts , a business owner in Cape Cod is running his shop correctly — and getting nothing but abuse for it , apparently , from grouchy locals .
People disregarded a rule to order an hour before pickup and demanded their ice cream anyway , he wrote on his business ’ s Facebook page .
Customers took out their anger at delays on overwhelmed employees , including a teenage girl who quit , he said .
The harassment came as employees around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while trying to navigate a new era of socially distant operations and public health precautions .
Lawrence said he would have to close back down .
Now he ’ s doing limited orders and pondering the best way forward , according to his posts and local news interviews… “ What I have seen with my own two eyes over the past 8 weeks is that some folks are not being super careful about social distancing , ” wrote the owner from Provincetown , another spot on Cape Cod that draws many tourists .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNN .
After Lawrence ’ s Facebook post about how his workers were treated went viral , the public rallied to him and he was able to reopen .
Reportedly customers are now following the safety rules and , hopefully , behaving better .

Not a single mask in sight as far as I can tell, including among the staff, although if I’m not mistaken one customer is wearing a red Trump 2020 hat. (“No mask no problem btw,” the owner reportedly posted on Facebook in advertising the reopening.) “As an epidemiologist, it’s really hard not to despair at videos and anecdotes like these,” said one doctor of the clip as it made the rounds last night.
Happy Mother’s Day from C& C in Castle Rock, where the owner said this is almost double a normal Mother’s Day. pic.twitter.com/cPSzjmAfAg — Nick Puckett (@puckettwrites) May 10, 2020
Colorado has reopened partially but for now eateries are supposed to be limited to takeout and delivery only. “These restaurants are not only breaking the law, they are endangering the lives of their staff, customers, and community,” said the governor’s office about the scenes from the restaurant. The owner doesn’t care:
https://twitter.com/cccoffeekitchen/status/1259249321163124736
She also complained in a post that she “would go out of business if I don’t do something,” which explains the reopening but doesn’t explain the apparent failure to take the most basic safety precautions.
That is, between the tweet and the lack of masks, distancing, etc, this feels like a political protest as much a an act of financial desperation. (“I’m so happy so many people came out to support the Constitution and stand up for what is right,” said the owner to a local paper.) The anti-lockdown protests at state capitols at least have the virtue of being held (mostly) outdoors, reducing the risk of transmission. What message is being sent by a business that’s following pre-pandemic protocols, if not outright denialism? One customer, asked why she took the risk of dining in, replied, “I’m not afraid to be out. I’m not going to wear a mask. I’m healthy. I’m in good shape, and I don’t think it’s as serious as they say.”
Stuff like this is doing the “reopen now” faction no favors. I know you don’t believe me if you’re part of that group, but go look at the polls about the ongoing anxiety about reopening too soon — although you probably don’t believe the polls either. The hard data will come after the country reopens more widely and only 75 percent or whatever of consumers return. For now, it’s enough to say that although Americans are gradually getting more comfortable with the idea of small gatherings, most are still leery of the idea. Including Republicans:
It’s not like Colorado has gotten off easy from the epidemic either. They’re in the top third of U.S. states for COVID-19 deaths per million residents.
Meanwhile in Massachusetts, a business owner in Cape Cod is running his shop correctly — and getting nothing but abuse for it, apparently, from grouchy locals.
People disregarded a rule to order an hour before pickup and demanded their ice cream anyway, he wrote on his business’s Facebook page. Customers took out their anger at delays on overwhelmed employees, including a teenage girl who quit, he said. The harassment came as employees around the country face verbal abuse and even violence while trying to navigate a new era of socially distant operations and public health precautions. Lawrence said he would have to close back down. Now he’s doing limited orders and pondering the best way forward, according to his posts and local news interviews… “What I have seen with my own two eyes over the past 8 weeks is that some folks are not being super careful about social distancing,” wrote the owner from Provincetown, another spot on Cape Cod that draws many tourists.
The story ends happily, according to CNN. After Lawrence’s Facebook post about how his workers were treated went viral, the public rallied to him and he was able to reopen. Reportedly customers are now following the safety rules and, hopefully, behaving better.


hotair--2020-05-11--An Iranian missile accidentally struck an Iranian ship killing 19 sailors (Update)

It has been just over five months since Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet killing 176 people after mistaking it for an attacking aircraft .
Yesterday , Iran ’ s Navy had another incident with a missile during a military training exercise .
An Iranian ship fired an anti-ship missile at a floating target .
But instead of hitting the unmanned target , the missile hit the Iranian support ship which was deploying the targets , killing 19 Iranian sailors an injuring more than a dozen more .
The friendly fire incident involving the Konarak vessel occurred on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern coast of the Islamic republic , it said on its website .
One report said the vessel had sunk after being hit by a missile fired by another Iranian warship .
“ The vessel was hit after moving a practice target to its destination and not creating enough distance between itself and the target , ” state television said on its website .
The first report indicated that one sailor was killed but that was updated today : “ On Sunday afternoon , during an exercise by a number of the navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waters , the Konarak light support vessel had an accident , ” the army said in the statement posted to its website on Monday .
“ The number of this accident ’ s martyrs is 19 and 15 have also been injured , ” it added… Iranian media rarely report on mishaps during exercises , signaling the severity of the incident .
CNN reports that the initial reports about a friendly fire incident were quickly retracted : Initial reports claimed the Konarak had been sunk but that wasn ’ t true .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the as you can see in this video clip , it suffered severe damage ( the photo above shows what it looked like before the missile strike ) : What was left of the Konarak was towed back to port : When the Ukranian jet was shot down , Iran spent 3 days denying that a missile had been involved at all even though it was clear they must have known what happened almost immediately .
The other thing you may recall about how the downing of the Ukrainian jet was reported at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commentators , news outlets and some presidential candidates tried hard to blame President Trump .
It ’ s a little harder to do that in this case but many of the stories about the accident highlight recent tensions with the United States .
There are tensions with Iran , because it has once again been harassing U.S. ships in the area , but that doesn ’ t make the U.S. responsible for this deadly accident .
Update : The NY Times ’ story on this incident has been updated and contains some good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be beyond sloppy , ” said Afshon Ostovar , assistant professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey , Calif. “ There was either miscommunication or someone completely failed to follow protocols .
Perhaps it was a combination of both.
” And that , Mr. Ostovar said , exposes the military ’ s inexperience and lack of professionalism .
“ However powerful it believes itself to be , it continues to make costly fundamental mistakes , ” he said… “ Iranian armed forces have a systemic problem with coordination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s air defense or naval warfare , whether it ’ s the Revolutionary Guards or the army , ” said Farzin Nadimi , an expert on Iranian military and naval operations in the Persian Gulf with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy .
They keep trying to show themselves capable of challenging the United States and this strike in particular was probably meant to send a signal about their lethal ship-to-ship missiles .
But this failure once again demonstrates that the greatest threat they present is that they will kill a @ @ @ @ @ @

It has been just over five months since Iran shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet killing 176 people after mistaking it for an attacking aircraft. Yesterday, Iran’s Navy had another incident with a missile during a military training exercise. An Iranian ship fired an anti-ship missile at a floating target. But instead of hitting the unmanned target, the missile hit the Iranian support ship which was deploying the targets, killing 19 Iranian sailors an injuring more than a dozen more.
The friendly fire incident involving the Konarak vessel occurred on Sunday afternoon near Bandar-e Jask, off the southern coast of the Islamic republic, it said on its website. One report said the vessel had sunk after being hit by a missile fired by another Iranian warship. “The vessel was hit after moving a practice target to its destination and not creating enough distance between itself and the target,” state television said on its website.
The first report indicated that one sailor was killed but that was updated today:
“On Sunday afternoon, during an exercise by a number of the navy’s vessels in Jask and Chabahar waters, the Konarak light support vessel had an accident,” the army said in the statement posted to its website on Monday. “The number of this accident’s martyrs is 19 and 15 have also been injured,” it added… Iranian media rarely report on mishaps during exercises, signaling the severity of the incident.
CNN reports that the initial reports about a friendly fire incident were quickly retracted:
State media initially said that the servicemen were killed in a “misguided missile attack” but later dropped references to the nature of the incident, warning people not to “speculate” about it.
Initial reports claimed the Konarak had been sunk but that wasn’t true. It was later towed into port, but the as you can see in this video clip, it suffered severe damage (the photo above shows what it looked like before the missile strike):
Iranian state media have put out a video allegedly showing the Iranian navy vessel hit by friendly fire in which 19 sailors have been killed and 15 injured. pic.twitter.com/rPwnyWOfPy — Ali Arouzi (@aliarouzi) May 11, 2020
What was left of the Konarak was towed back to port:
Latest photos of Iranian vessel Konarak which was hit by Iranian frigate Jamaran. As we see at the photos, all superstructure is gone. pic.twitter.com/Z5O6zZw5g3 — Naval Post (@naval_post) May 11, 2020
When the Ukranian jet was shot down, Iran spent 3 days denying that a missile had been involved at all even though it was clear they must have known what happened almost immediately.
The other thing you may recall about how the downing of the Ukrainian jet was reported at the time, was that many US commentators, news outlets and some presidential candidates tried hard to blame President Trump. It’s a little harder to do that in this case but many of the stories about the accident highlight recent tensions with the United States.
There are tensions with Iran, because it has once again been harassing U.S. ships in the area, but that doesn’t make the U.S. responsible for this deadly accident.
Update: The NY Times’ story on this incident has been updated and contains some good quotes.
“This mistake appears to be beyond sloppy,” said Afshon Ostovar, assistant professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, Calif. “There was either miscommunication or someone completely failed to follow protocols. Perhaps it was a combination of both.” And that, Mr. Ostovar said, exposes the military’s inexperience and lack of professionalism. “However powerful it believes itself to be, it continues to make costly fundamental mistakes,” he said… “Iranian armed forces have a systemic problem with coordination and command and control, whether it’s air defense or naval warfare, whether it’s the Revolutionary Guards or the army,” said Farzin Nadimi, an expert on Iranian military and naval operations in the Persian Gulf with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
They keep trying to show themselves capable of challenging the United States and this strike in particular was probably meant to send a signal about their lethal ship-to-ship missiles. But this failure once again demonstrates that the greatest threat they present is that they will kill a bunch of people by accident.


hotair--2020-05-11--The judge in that Connecticut transgender athlete case needs to go

We ’ ve been covering for some time now the ongoing lawsuit in Connecticut brought by the families of several female athletes who were shut out of track and field competitions by transgender athletes who dominated the sport for two seasons .
You can read a heartwrenching plea for fairness from one of the mothers here .
Well , the case has finally begun , but it ’ s definitely off to a rocky start .
As reported at National Review , attorneys for the plaintiffs have already moved to have the judge in the case recuse himself .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the bench when the judge forbade the plaintiffs ’ attorneys from describing the transgender athletes as males or boys .
Attorneys representing three female high school track athletes in their effort to bar biological males from competing against them filed a motion on Saturday calling for the presiding judge to recuse himself after he forbid the attorneys from referring to the transgender athletes at issue as “ males.
” The ADF filed suit in February against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference ( CIAC ) on behalf of three girls — Selina Soule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The suit challenges the CIAC policy allowing students to compete in the division that accords with their gender identity on the grounds that it disadvantages women in violation of the Title IX prohibition against discrimination on the “ basis of sex.
” During an April 16 conference call , District Judge Robert Chatigny chastised the ADF attorneys for referring to the male athletes seeking to compete in the women ’ s division as “ males , ” according to a transcript of the call obtained by National Review .
The judge is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have any impact on the outcome of the hearings , which seems farcical on its face .
Beyond demonstrating that he ’ s apparently completely in the tank on the side of the CIAC and against the plaintiffs , the judge is also exhibiting the usual refusal to recognize established medical science ( and reality ) as is so often seen in these debates .
Check out the highlighted portion of the judge ’ s admonition to the plaintiffs ’ attorneys below .
What I ’ m saying is you must refer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than as “ males.
” Again , that ’ s the more accurate terminology , and I think that it fully protects your client ’ s legitimate interests .
Referring to these individuals as “ transgender females ” is consistent with science , common practice and perhaps human decency .
To refer to them as “ males , ” period , is not accurate , certainly not as accurate , and I think it ’ s needlessly provocative .
I don ’ t think that you surrender any legitimate interest or position if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is what the case is about .
This isn ’ t a case involving males who have decided that they want to run in girls ’ events .
This is a case about girls who say that transgender girls should not be allowed to run in girls ’ events .
So going forward , we will not refer to the proposed intervenors as “ males ” ; understood ?
The ADF attorney representing the girls ’ families attempted ( probably in vain ) to explain the science behind the language being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the “ physiology of bodies driven by chromosomes and the documented athletic advantage that comes from a male body , male hormones , and male puberty in particular.
” He went on to point out that the entire basis of the case rested on the question of whether or not biological males should be allowed to compete against girls .
In that regard , being forced to refer to the transgender athletes as “ females ” in any fashion undermines the plaintiffs ’ case and doesn ’ t allow for providing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The judge managed to ignore all of that and suggested that perhaps the ADF attorneys “ might need to take an application to the Court of Appeals.
” In the end , a compromise appeared to be reached .
Rather than referring to them as “ transgender females , ” the judge will allow the attorneys to simply say “ transgender athletes.
” While finding a path to compromise is generally admirable in a tense confrontation , that doesn ’ t seem to address the underlying issue here .
Judge Chatigny isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s demonstrating a marked bias in favor of the league that ’ s arguing in favor of having the boys compete against ( and frequently dominate ) the girls .
He ’ s also showing a substantial willingness to disregard the core argument at the heart of this case .
None of the plaintiffs are saying that the transgender athletes can ’ t call themselves girls if they wish to .
They ’ re pointing out that the two transgender athletes who were winning all of those events were mediocre athletes when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boys in the sport but they were still good enough to break many existing records among the girls .
And that ’ s simply unfair .
Moving forward with the compromise suggested on the conference call doesn ’ t seem like a suitable answer .
The judge needs to recuse himself and allow someone with less inherent bias to handle this case .

We’ve been covering for some time now the ongoing lawsuit in Connecticut brought by the families of several female athletes who were shut out of track and field competitions by transgender athletes who dominated the sport for two seasons. You can read a heartwrenching plea for fairness from one of the mothers here. Well, the case has finally begun, but it’s definitely off to a rocky start. As reported at National Review, attorneys for the plaintiffs have already moved to have the judge in the case recuse himself. The reason is the obvious bias on display from the bench when the judge forbade the plaintiffs’ attorneys from describing the transgender athletes as males or boys.
Attorneys representing three female high school track athletes in their effort to bar biological males from competing against them filed a motion on Saturday calling for the presiding judge to recuse himself after he forbid the attorneys from referring to the transgender athletes at issue as “males.” The ADF filed suit in February against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) on behalf of three girls — Selina Soule, Alana Smith, and Chelsea Mitchell. The suit challenges the CIAC policy allowing students to compete in the division that accords with their gender identity on the grounds that it disadvantages women in violation of the Title IX prohibition against discrimination on the “basis of sex.” During an April 16 conference call, District Judge Robert Chatigny chastised the ADF attorneys for referring to the male athletes seeking to compete in the women’s division as “males,” according to a transcript of the call obtained by National Review.
The judge is pretending that such prohibitions won’t have any impact on the outcome of the hearings, which seems farcical on its face. Beyond demonstrating that he’s apparently completely in the tank on the side of the CIAC and against the plaintiffs, the judge is also exhibiting the usual refusal to recognize established medical science (and reality) as is so often seen in these debates. Check out the highlighted portion of the judge’s admonition to the plaintiffs’ attorneys below.
What I’m saying is you must refer to them as “transgender females” rather than as “males.” Again, that’s the more accurate terminology, and I think that it fully protects your client’s legitimate interests. Referring to these individuals as “transgender females” is consistent with science, common practice and perhaps human decency. To refer to them as “males,” period, is not accurate, certainly not as accurate, and I think it’s needlessly provocative. I don’t think that you surrender any legitimate interest or position if you refer to them as transgender females. That is what the case is about. This isn’t a case involving males who have decided that they want to run in girls’ events. This is a case about girls who say that transgender girls should not be allowed to run in girls’ events. So going forward, we will not refer to the proposed intervenors as “males”; understood?
The ADF attorney representing the girls’ families attempted (probably in vain) to explain the science behind the language being used to the judge. He spoke of the “physiology of bodies driven by chromosomes and the documented athletic advantage that comes from a male body, male hormones, and male puberty in particular.” He went on to point out that the entire basis of the case rested on the question of whether or not biological males should be allowed to compete against girls. In that regard, being forced to refer to the transgender athletes as “females” in any fashion undermines the plaintiffs’ case and doesn’t allow for providing them with the most robust representation possible.
The judge managed to ignore all of that and suggested that perhaps the ADF attorneys “might need to take an application to the Court of Appeals.” In the end, a compromise appeared to be reached. Rather than referring to them as “transgender females,” the judge will allow the attorneys to simply say “transgender athletes.”
While finding a path to compromise is generally admirable in a tense confrontation, that doesn’t seem to address the underlying issue here. Judge Chatigny isn’t simply quibbling over semantics. He’s demonstrating a marked bias in favor of the league that’s arguing in favor of having the boys compete against (and frequently dominate) the girls. He’s also showing a substantial willingness to disregard the core argument at the heart of this case. None of the plaintiffs are saying that the transgender athletes can’t call themselves girls if they wish to. They’re pointing out that the two transgender athletes who were winning all of those events were mediocre athletes when compared to the rest of the top boys in the sport but they were still good enough to break many existing records among the girls. And that’s simply unfair.
Moving forward with the compromise suggested on the conference call doesn’t seem like a suitable answer. The judge needs to recuse himself and allow someone with less inherent bias to handle this case.


hotair--2020-05-11--Atlanta mayor: Trump's rhetoric incites violence against black people

The Mayor of Atlanta , Keisha Lance Bottoms , is offering up her opinion on the brutal murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick , Georgia .
President Trump ’ s rhetoric incites violence against black people and there is no leadership at the Department of Justice right now , she says .
And , Mayor Bottoms thinks she ’ s “ a pretty great person ” .
Keisha Lance Bottoms is on the shortlist of potential vice-presidential picks for Joe Biden .
You need to take anything she says at this point through that lens .
When she gives an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did Sunday morning with CNN ’ s Jake Tapper , she is auditioning for that job .
The hunting down and killing of Ahmaud Arbery is a horrible story , there is no question about that .
It happened back in February in Brunswick , Georgia , a city on the southeast coast of Georgia with a population of just over 16,000 .
Ms .
Bottoms is not the mayor of Brunswick , but of Atlanta , the largest city in the state .
I bring the distinction between Brunswick and Atlanta because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unlike some cities in the South , Brunswick has a reputation and history of being “ a model Southern city ” .
The dirty little secret about tensions between black people and white people in the South , especially during the days of desegregation , is that many southern cities handled federal desegregation orders far easier than cities in northern states .
I know this because I remember those days as a kid and I lived in such a Southern city in Louisiana .
So , it is particularly troubling for such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location .
It is impossible to look at the murder without asking if Ahmaud Arbery would be dead if he was a white man out for a jog in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight .
Mayor Bottoms has come to her own conclusion and takes her own rhetoric up a few notches and accuses President Trump ’ s rhetoric as the reason for Arbery ’ s death .
No matter how absurd they sound while doing so , Democrats accuse Republicans of racism at the drop of a hat .
In this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunted down and killed a young black man because Trump incites violence against black people .
She calls it a “ lynching of an African American man.
” “ Had we not seen that video , I don ’ t believe they would be charged , ” Bottoms told CNN ’ s Jake Tapper .
“ It is heartbreaking .
It is 2020 .
And this was a lynching of an African American man.
” In discussing the Arbery case on CNN Sunday , Bottoms took aim at the Trump administration , referring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the White House.
” “ In so many ways , I think that many who are prone to being racist are given permission to do it in an overt way that we otherwise would not see in 2020 , ” she said .
“ In cities across this country , even if local leadership fails , there was always the backstop of our Justice Department to step in and make sure that people are appropriately prosecuted .
But we don ’ t have that leadership at the top right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four kids , three of whom are African American boys .
They are afraid .
They are angry and they are afraid .
And I think it speaks to the need to have leadership at the top that cares for all of our communities and not just in words but in deeds as well.
” Trump has been accused of being a racist since he first began to campaign for president in 2015 .
It ’ s what Democrats do – all Republican candidates are racist , especially Republican presidents .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can remember .
The racial component of this murder was bound to play a role in discussions about it .
As President Trump runs for re-election , expect more of the same .
Remember that Joe Biden , when he entered the Democrat primary referenced the Nazi/white supremacist protest in Charlottesville , Virginia , and Trump ’ s response to it ( though the Democrats ’ version of that event has been debunked ) as the reason he finally decided to enter the race .
Democrats lap that kind of malarkey up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump at the time .
The truth is that President Trump spoke well of the 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery from the first time he was asked about his murder .
He called it “ very disturbing ” .
He reiterated his opinion during an interview on Fox and Friends Friday morning .
Brunswick isn ’ t a perfect city , there is no such place .
Racial tensions happen all over the country .
The hesitancy of local law enforcement to make an arrest in this murder , only done after the video emerged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Brunswick .
Glynn County Commissioner Allen Booker said the killing of Arbery has rocked the local community and many residents were frustrated with law enforcement ’ s failure to make an immediate arrest .
“ I ’ m pretty sure most of the people out there are pretty shocked by it , ” Booker said of the murder .
Booker , who is black , said he knew there was racism in Glynn County but never expected it would escalate to a killing .
Booker said he has been working with local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black community ’ s relationship with the police .
“ The black community has always had issues with law enforcement here , ” Booker said .
Black members of the city stress that they didn ’ t want to make the murder a racial story , yet here we are .
Mayor Bottoms is tossing fuel on the fire , apparently for her own selfish reasons .
“ From the start , we did not want to make this a racial issue , ” said Cedric Z .
King , a black community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If anyone had warm blood running through their veins and a heart that pumped blood , they would feel that what they saw on Tuesday of this week is flat-out wrong , ” he added , referring to the video of the shooting that was released last week .
“ It ’ s not what this community is about , it ’ s not what this country is about.
” Mr. Arbery ’ s case has reflected the conflicting currents that have long coursed through Glynn County , situated in what ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia coast between Savannah and Jacksonville .
He lived in a place that had been recognized for its moments of racial harmony , yet it was just as defined by deeply ingrained biases that can be nearly impossible to untangle .
Mayor Bottoms doesn ’ t seem to lack self-confidence .
She told Jake Tapper when asked about being considered as a potential vice-president choice by Joe Biden , that she ’ s “ a pretty great person.
” Remember , Biden has pledged to pick a woman and now many Democrats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black woman .
Bottoms will have to fight Stacey Abrams in Georgia , though .

The Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, is offering up her opinion on the brutal murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia. President Trump’s rhetoric incites violence against black people and there is no leadership at the Department of Justice right now, she says. And, Mayor Bottoms thinks she’s “a pretty great person”.
Keisha Lance Bottoms is on the shortlist of potential vice-presidential picks for Joe Biden. You need to take anything she says at this point through that lens. When she gives an interview on cable television, as she did Sunday morning with CNN’s Jake Tapper, she is auditioning for that job.
The hunting down and killing of Ahmaud Arbery is a horrible story, there is no question about that. It happened back in February in Brunswick, Georgia, a city on the southeast coast of Georgia with a population of just over 16,000. Ms. Bottoms is not the mayor of Brunswick, but of Atlanta, the largest city in the state. I bring the distinction between Brunswick and Atlanta because the two are very different cities. Unlike some cities in the South, Brunswick has a reputation and history of being “a model Southern city”. The dirty little secret about tensions between black people and white people in the South, especially during the days of desegregation, is that many southern cities handled federal desegregation orders far easier than cities in northern states. I know this because I remember those days as a kid and I lived in such a Southern city in Louisiana. So, it is particularly troubling for such a horrendous murder to have happened in this location.
It is impossible to look at the murder without asking if Ahmaud Arbery would be dead if he was a white man out for a jog in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. Mayor Bottoms has come to her own conclusion and takes her own rhetoric up a few notches and accuses President Trump’s rhetoric as the reason for Arbery’s death. No matter how absurd they sound while doing so, Democrats accuse Republicans of racism at the drop of a hat. In this case, that white father and son hunted down and killed a young black man because Trump incites violence against black people. She calls it a “lynching of an African American man.” “Had we not seen that video, I don’t believe they would be charged,” Bottoms told CNN’s Jake Tapper. “It is heartbreaking. It is 2020. And this was a lynching of an African American man.”
In discussing the Arbery case on CNN Sunday, Bottoms took aim at the Trump administration, referring to “rhetoric that we hear coming out of the White House.”“In so many ways, I think that many who are prone to being racist are given permission to do it in an overt way that we otherwise would not see in 2020,” she said. “In cities across this country, even if local leadership fails, there was always the backstop of our Justice Department to step in and make sure that people are appropriately prosecuted. But we don’t have that leadership at the top right now. It is disheartening. “I have four kids, three of whom are African American boys. They are afraid. They are angry and they are afraid. And I think it speaks to the need to have leadership at the top that cares for all of our communities and not just in words but in deeds as well.”
Trump has been accused of being a racist since he first began to campaign for president in 2015. It’s what Democrats do – all Republican candidates are racist, especially Republican presidents. It has been so for as long as I can remember. The racial component of this murder was bound to play a role in discussions about it. As President Trump runs for re-election, expect more of the same. Remember that Joe Biden, when he entered the Democrat primary referenced the Nazi/white supremacist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Trump’s response to it (though the Democrats’ version of that event has been debunked) as the reason he finally decided to enter the race. Democrats lap that kind of malarkey up and Biden was applauded for his statements against Trump at the time.
The truth is that President Trump spoke well of the 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery from the first time he was asked about his murder. He called it “very disturbing”. He reiterated his opinion during an interview on Fox and Friends Friday morning.
“I looked at a picture of that young man,” Trump said. “He was in a tuxedo… I will say that that looks like a really good young guy. It’s a very disturbing situation, to me. My heart goes out to the parents, and the family, and the friends.”
Brunswick isn’t a perfect city, there is no such place. Racial tensions happen all over the country. The hesitancy of local law enforcement to make an arrest in this murder, only done after the video emerged, has caused concerns among the residents of Brunswick.
Glynn County Commissioner Allen Booker said the killing of Arbery has rocked the local community and many residents were frustrated with law enforcement’s failure to make an immediate arrest. “I’m pretty sure most of the people out there are pretty shocked by it,” Booker said of the murder. Booker, who is black, said he knew there was racism in Glynn County but never expected it would escalate to a killing. Booker said he has been working with local clergy in recent years to improve the black community’s relationship with the police. “The black community has always had issues with law enforcement here,” Booker said.
Black members of the city stress that they didn’t want to make the murder a racial story, yet here we are. Mayor Bottoms is tossing fuel on the fire, apparently for her own selfish reasons.
“From the start, we did not want to make this a racial issue,” said Cedric Z. King, a black community organizer and businessman in Brunswick. “If anyone had warm blood running through their veins and a heart that pumped blood, they would feel that what they saw on Tuesday of this week is flat-out wrong,” he added, referring to the video of the shooting that was released last week. “It’s not what this community is about, it’s not what this country is about.” Mr. Arbery’s case has reflected the conflicting currents that have long coursed through Glynn County, situated in what’s known as the Golden Isles freckling the Georgia coast between Savannah and Jacksonville. He lived in a place that had been recognized for its moments of racial harmony, yet it was just as defined by deeply ingrained biases that can be nearly impossible to untangle.
Mayor Bottoms doesn’t seem to lack self-confidence. She told Jake Tapper when asked about being considered as a potential vice-president choice by Joe Biden, that she’s “a pretty great person.” Remember, Biden has pledged to pick a woman and now many Democrats are upping that pledge to demand he chooses a black woman.
“I think I am a pretty great person. I don’t know if my husband would agree with that,” she joked. “But I certainly think that Joe Biden has the right to pick whomever he thinks will help propel him to victory in November. It is an honor to have my name spoken in that light. But being mayor of Atlanta right now is a more than a full-time job, continuing to lead our city but also in the midst of COVID-19.”
Bottoms will have to fight Stacey Abrams in Georgia, though.


hotair--2020-05-11--Radio silence: Late night hosts loved attacking Trump but haven't said a word about Tara Reade

If you ’ re wondering how Stephen Colbert , Jimmy Kimmel , Seth Meyers and Trevor Noah have been covering the alleged sexual assault by Joe Biden , the answer is mostly by not mentioning it at all .
As the Daily Beast points out today , that a change from the various late-night show ’ s approach to allegations about Donald Trump .
All of the aforementioned late-night hosts have repeatedly hammered Trump on his numerous sexual-assault allegations .
Most recently , when columnist E. Jean Carroll came forward to accuse Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Bergdorf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump claimed that it “ never happened ” because “ she ’ s not my type ” ) , they mobilized against him .
Meyers said she was “ courageously telling the truth , ” while Noah argued , “ If your denial leaves people thinking there is a type of woman that you would rape , that ’ s not a good denial.
” Colbert even took the media to task for what he perceived as unfair coverage of the Carroll allegation—including The New York Times , joking that they included it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ they knew it was the one place the president would never look.
” Now that there is a similar allegation against Biden , the late-night shows have been remarkably quiet about it .
Among the late-night set , the only hosts to address the Reade story were HBO ’ s John Oliver and Bill Maher .
And they did so in passing , with Oliver issuing a disclaimer of sorts that she “ deserves to be heard ” before moving on to the latest Trump scandal , and Maher , a noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying he thought it was “ ridiculous and that it would go away and no one would pay any attention to it.
” The big four politically inclined late-night hosts , however—Colbert , Kimmel , Meyers and Noah ?
Radio silence .
Instead of addressing it on his popular Late Show program , Colbert relegated the Reade news to his new Tooning Out the News animated series , albeit in a rather playful bit poking fun at her upcoming interview with Megyn Kelly… The Daily Beast reached out to representatives for Colbert , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on why they ’ ve tiptoed around the Reade story but none of them responded .
That fact that none of them wanted to talk about which allegations get frequent treatment on their shows and which ones don ’ t doesn ’ t look very good .
But to be fair , I ’ m not sure the Daily Beast story is completely accurate , at least when it comes to Colbert .
His “ Tooning Out the News ” clips are posted on YouTube under both CBS All Access channel and Colbert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be a clip in which the Reade allegations are discussed .
However , it appears Colbert also discussed the Reade allegations during an animated monologue on his May 1 show .
You can see the full segment below .
Still , one mention by one host appears to be a different standard than these same hosts have applied to Trump in the past .
And we all know where these hosts stand politically .
Jimmy Kimmel was just caught manipulating video of VP Pence to claim he had delivered empty boxes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deleted his misleading segment but didn ’ t admit that he knew it was misleading all along .
With the late-night hosts , comedy is just one more way to make partisan points .

If you’re wondering how Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers and Trevor Noah have been covering the alleged sexual assault by Joe Biden, the answer is mostly by not mentioning it at all. As the Daily Beast points out today, that a change from the various late-night show’s approach to allegations about Donald Trump.
All of the aforementioned late-night hosts have repeatedly hammered Trump on his numerous sexual-assault allegations. Most recently, when columnist E. Jean Carroll came forward to accuse Trump of sexually assaulting her in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room in the 1980s (Trump claimed that it “never happened” because “she’s not my type”), they mobilized against him. Meyers said she was “courageously telling the truth,” while Noah argued, “If your denial leaves people thinking there is a type of woman that you would rape, that’s not a good denial.” Colbert even took the media to task for what he perceived as unfair coverage of the Carroll allegation—including The New York Times, joking that they included it in their ‘Books’ section because “they knew it was the one place the president would never look.”
Now that there is a similar allegation against Biden, the late-night shows have been remarkably quiet about it.
Among the late-night set, the only hosts to address the Reade story were HBO’s John Oliver and Bill Maher. And they did so in passing, with Oliver issuing a disclaimer of sorts that she “deserves to be heard” before moving on to the latest Trump scandal, and Maher, a noted #MeToo critic, dismissing it by saying he thought it was “ridiculous and that it would go away and no one would pay any attention to it.” The big four politically inclined late-night hosts, however—Colbert, Kimmel, Meyers and Noah? Radio silence. Instead of addressing it on his popular Late Show program, Colbert relegated the Reade news to his new Tooning Out the News animated series, albeit in a rather playful bit poking fun at her upcoming interview with Megyn Kelly… The Daily Beast reached out to representatives for Colbert, Kimmel, Meyers and Noah for comment on why they’ve tiptoed around the Reade story but none of them responded.
That fact that none of them wanted to talk about which allegations get frequent treatment on their shows and which ones don’t doesn’t look very good.
But to be fair, I’m not sure the Daily Beast story is completely accurate, at least when it comes to Colbert. His “Tooning Out the News” clips are posted on YouTube under both CBS All Access channel and Colbert’s Late Night channel. There may be a clip in which the Reade allegations are discussed. However, it appears Colbert also discussed the Reade allegations during an animated monologue on his May 1 show. You can see the full segment below.
Still, one mention by one host appears to be a different standard than these same hosts have applied to Trump in the past. And we all know where these hosts stand politically. Jimmy Kimmel was just caught manipulating video of VP Pence to claim he had delivered empty boxes of PPE for a photo op. Kimmel deleted his misleading segment but didn’t admit that he knew it was misleading all along. With the late-night hosts, comedy is just one more way to make partisan points.
Here’s the Colbert segment on Tara Reade.


hotair--2020-05-11--Doctor shocked to find packed United flight for trip home

We ’ ve already seen how most of the major airlines are playing their virtue-signaling game when it comes to social distancing on flights .
In addition to making everyone wear masks – a good move to be sure – they ’ re talking about spacing passengers out to reduce the risk of infection .
( One airline that briefly proposed charging extra for social distancing quickly abandoned the plan . )
But how serious are they about that pledge ?
One doctor from San Francisco discovered that they ’ re not very serious about it at all , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr. Ethan Weiss had been out in New York City , working as one of the many volunteers in the medical field who have been helping to combat the virus in the Big Apple .
Heading home after several weeks on the front lines , Weiss boarded his United flight only to find every seat filled with nervous , frightened people .
While he was more polite about it than I probably would have been , he was still clearly not impressed .
( San Francisco Gate ) A UCSF doctor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York City helping coronavirus patients , shared his shocking experience of traveling on a packed flight back to SFO .
Tweets from cardiologist Ethan Weiss went viral Saturday after the doctor posted a photo of a full United flight .
“ I guess @ united is relaxing their social distancing policy these days ?
” he wrote .
“ Every seat full on this 737.
” On April 22 , United announced it was “ limiting seat selections in all cabins , so customers won ’ t be able to select seats next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available.
” Here ’ s the tweet that started the ball rolling .
You ’ ll note that the linked article reminds us of how United put out a statement a few weeks ago saying that they would be “ limiting seat selection in all cabins ” so passengers won ’ t be sitting right next to someone else unless they were family members traveling together .
But that wasn ’ t really an official policy at all .
It was a PR stunt .
They later went on to clarify their position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee that all customers will be seated next to an unoccupied seat , based on historically low travel demand and the implementation of our various social distancing measures that is the likely outcome.
” Allow me to translate that for you .
What United was really saying was that they hate the fact that everyone is staying home and they can ’ t sell all of their seats , so they might as well let you benefit from that by not sitting next to a stranger .
But ( and this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage to sell all the seats for a flight you can damn well rest assured that they ’ re going to soak up every dollar in sales possible and you can stick your dreams of social distancing where the sun don ’ t shine .
This is clearly what happened to Dr. Weiss and his fellow passengers .
United cut back on the number of flights from New York to San Francisco to the point where everyone forced to make the journey on that day had to book the same flight .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone to put on a mask , shut their mouths and suck it up .
That ’ s a great example of helping the country make it through the pandemic , eh ?
They ’ re a real bunch of humanitarians over at United .
As I ’ ve said here repeatedly , airline travel was a horrible experience before the novel coronavirus hit unless you happened to be wealthy enough to fly First Class all of the time .
And now , with all of this COVID-19 business making everything even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s only getting worse .
If I can somehow avoid ever taking a plane again for the rest of my life I will certainly do so .

We’ve already seen how most of the major airlines are playing their virtue-signaling game when it comes to social distancing on flights. In addition to making everyone wear masks – a good move to be sure – they’re talking about spacing passengers out to reduce the risk of infection. (One airline that briefly proposed charging extra for social distancing quickly abandoned the plan.) But how serious are they about that pledge?
One doctor from San Francisco discovered that they’re not very serious about it at all, at least in the case of United Airlines. Dr. Ethan Weiss had been out in New York City, working as one of the many volunteers in the medical field who have been helping to combat the virus in the Big Apple. Heading home after several weeks on the front lines, Weiss boarded his United flight only to find every seat filled with nervous, frightened people. While he was more polite about it than I probably would have been, he was still clearly not impressed. (San Francisco Gate)
A UCSF doctor, coming home after several weeks in New York City helping coronavirus patients, shared his shocking experience of traveling on a packed flight back to SFO. Tweets from cardiologist Ethan Weiss went viral Saturday after the doctor posted a photo of a full United flight. “I guess @united is relaxing their social distancing policy these days?” he wrote. “Every seat full on this 737.” On April 22, United announced it was “limiting seat selections in all cabins, so customers won’t be able to select seats next to each other or middle seats where available.”
Here’s the tweet that started the ball rolling.
I guess @united is relaxing their social distancing policy these days? Every seat full on this 737 pic.twitter.com/rqWeoIUPqL — Ethan Weiss (@ethanjweiss) May 9, 2020
You’ll note that the linked article reminds us of how United put out a statement a few weeks ago saying that they would be “limiting seat selection in all cabins” so passengers won’t be sitting right next to someone else unless they were family members traveling together. But that wasn’t really an official policy at all. It was a PR stunt. They later went on to clarify their position, saying “Though we cannot guarantee that all customers will be seated next to an unoccupied seat, based on historically low travel demand and the implementation of our various social distancing measures that is the likely outcome.”
Allow me to translate that for you. What United was really saying was that they hate the fact that everyone is staying home and they can’t sell all of their seats, so they might as well let you benefit from that by not sitting next to a stranger. But (and this is the important caveat), if they can manage to sell all the seats for a flight you can damn well rest assured that they’re going to soak up every dollar in sales possible and you can stick your dreams of social distancing where the sun don’t shine.
This is clearly what happened to Dr. Weiss and his fellow passengers. United cut back on the number of flights from New York to San Francisco to the point where everyone forced to make the journey on that day had to book the same flight. They sold all the seats and basically told everyone to put on a mask, shut their mouths and suck it up. That’s a great example of helping the country make it through the pandemic, eh? They’re a real bunch of humanitarians over at United.
As I’ve said here repeatedly, airline travel was a horrible experience before the novel coronavirus hit unless you happened to be wealthy enough to fly First Class all of the time. And now, with all of this COVID-19 business making everything even more of a horror show, it’s only getting worse. If I can somehow avoid ever taking a plane again for the rest of my life I will certainly do so.


hotair--2020-05-11--Hmmm: Durham probe at "full throttle" -- and expanding?

Now that the Department of Justice has dropped the case against Michael Flynn over prosecutorial and investigatory misconduct , what ’ s next for US Attorney Jeffrey Jensen ?
Assigned initially to specifically review the Flynn case by Attorney General William Barr , the career prosecutor has now joined fellow US Attorney John Durham in his investigation of the FBI ’ s Operation Crossfire Hurricane , Fox News reports .
That probe has gone “ full throttle , ” according to Fox ’ s sources , so much so that a third US Attorney has now been assigned to part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources told Fox News that Jeff Jensen , the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri who was tapped by the Justice Department in February to review the case of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn , is continuing to help with Durham ’ s investigation even after the DOJ ’ s move last week to drop the case against Flynn .
The sources told Fox News that interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy Shea is also assisting with components of the investigation .
“ They farmed the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durham and he didn ’ t want to be distracted , ” one of the sources told Fox News .
“ He ’ s going full throttle , and they ’ re looking at everything , ” the source told Fox News .
“ Everything ” might include several officials in the highest levels of the previous administration , including the highest — Barack Obama .
The former president has gotten more public than usual in making his feelings known on this issue with the DoJ , claiming that the rule of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdrawal of the Flynn case .
Obama didn ’ t note that he might have a vested interest in discouraging a look into the origins of that probe , but Andy McCarthy points that conflict of interest at National Review : The best defense is a good offense .
That was my first thought on learning that former president Barack Obama has decided to make himself heard on the dismissal of the prosecution of Michael Flynn .
As I ’ ve been noting for years , notwithstanding his pretensions about never interfering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of his administration ’ s investigation of the Trump campaign .
This week , in the exhibits appended to the Justice Department ’ s Flynn dismissal motion , it was revealed that Obama was neck-deep in the investigation of Flynn , concocted into a collusion caper by his intel advisers and the FBI .
It is not a spotlight the former president covets , so he ’ s lashing out .
.
.
and the usual wagons are circling .
The Wall Street Journal editorial board wonders how a law-school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , except out of naked self-interest or partisanship .
They also find Obama ’ s public intervention in this controversy mighty curious : Barack Obama is a lawyer , so it was stunning to read that he ventured into the Michael Flynn case in a way that misstated the supposed crime and ignored the history of his own Administration in targeting Mr. Flynn .
Since the former President chose to offer his legal views when he didn ’ t need to , we wonder what he ’ s really worried about .
… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role the Obama Justice Department and White House played in targeting Mr. Flynn .
We already know the FBI had opened up a counterintelligence probe into Mr. Flynn and other Trump campaign officials , yet it had come up with no evidence of collusion .
Donald Trump ’ s victory increased the chances that this unprecedented spying on a political opponent would be uncovered , which would have been politically embarrassing at the very least .
Targeting Mr. Flynn—and flogging the discredited Steele dossier—kept the Russia collusion pot boiling and evolved into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of collusion .
This among other things is what U.S. Attorney John Durham is investigating at the request of Attorney General William Barr .
Maybe that ’ s why Mr. Obama is so eager to distort the truth of the Flynn prosecution .
Flynn ’ s attorney also thinks that Obama has some personal interest in slamming Barr over the Flynn case .
Sidney Powell told Maria Bartiromo yesterday that she ’ s seen evidence that the efforts to target Flynn go all the way to the top .
To Obama , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Powell responded : “ So you think this goes all the way up to the top , to President Obama ?
” Maria Bartiromo , host of “ Sunday Morning Futures , ” asked Powell .
“ Who is going to be charged ?
” Bartiromo asked .
“ I have no idea , ” Powell said .
“ That ’ s up to ( U.S. Attorney ) John Durham and Attorney General Barr , ” she said .
Be sure to watch the whole interview to get a good rundown why Powell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , very worried about how far Durham , Jensen , and Shea might go .
This attempt by Obama looks less like a law professor ’ s dispassionate analysis and more like an attempt to shape the political battlefield for what might come next .
Put that together with the revelations from the newly-released House Intelligence Committee transcripts , and it certainly looks as though a few people are worried about chickens coming home to roost — in droves .

Now that the Department of Justice has dropped the case against Michael Flynn over prosecutorial and investigatory misconduct, what’s next for US Attorney Jeffrey Jensen? Assigned initially to specifically review the Flynn case by Attorney General William Barr, the career prosecutor has now joined fellow US Attorney John Durham in his investigation of the FBI’s Operation Crossfire Hurricane, Fox News reports. That probe has gone “full throttle,” according to Fox’s sources, so much so that a third US Attorney has now been assigned to part of the case as well:
Two sources told Fox News that Jeff Jensen, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri who was tapped by the Justice Department in February to review the case of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, is continuing to help with Durham’s investigation even after the DOJ’s move last week to drop the case against Flynn. The sources told Fox News that interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Timothy Shea is also assisting with components of the investigation. “They farmed the investigation out because it is too much for Durham and he didn’t want to be distracted,” one of the sources told Fox News. “He’s going full throttle, and they’re looking at everything,” the source told Fox News.
“Everything” might include several officials in the highest levels of the previous administration, including the highest — Barack Obama. The former president has gotten more public than usual in making his feelings known on this issue with the DoJ, claiming that the rule of law is “at risk” with the withdrawal of the Flynn case. Obama didn’t note that he might have a vested interest in discouraging a look into the origins of that probe, but Andy McCarthy points that conflict of interest at National Review:
The best defense is a good offense. That was my first thought on learning that former president Barack Obama has decided to make himself heard on the dismissal of the prosecution of Michael Flynn. As I’ve been noting for years, notwithstanding his pretensions about never interfering in FBI investigations, Mr. Obama was smack in the middle of his administration’s investigation of the Trump campaign. This week, in the exhibits appended to the Justice Department’s Flynn dismissal motion, it was revealed that Obama was neck-deep in the investigation of Flynn, concocted into a collusion caper by his intel advisers and the FBI. It is not a spotlight the former president covets, so he’s lashing out . . . and the usual wagons are circling.
The Wall Street Journal editorial board wonders how a law-school graduate could make Obama’s argument, except out of naked self-interest or partisanship. They also find Obama’s public intervention in this controversy mighty curious:
Barack Obama is a lawyer, so it was stunning to read that he ventured into the Michael Flynn case in a way that misstated the supposed crime and ignored the history of his own Administration in targeting Mr. Flynn. Since the former President chose to offer his legal views when he didn’t need to, we wonder what he’s really worried about. … All of this raises questions about the role the Obama Justice Department and White House played in targeting Mr. Flynn. We already know the FBI had opened up a counterintelligence probe into Mr. Flynn and other Trump campaign officials, yet it had come up with no evidence of collusion. Donald Trump’s victory increased the chances that this unprecedented spying on a political opponent would be uncovered, which would have been politically embarrassing at the very least. Targeting Mr. Flynn—and flogging the discredited Steele dossier—kept the Russia collusion pot boiling and evolved into the two-year Mueller investigation that turned up no evidence of collusion. This among other things is what U.S. Attorney John Durham is investigating at the request of Attorney General William Barr. Maybe that’s why Mr. Obama is so eager to distort the truth of the Flynn prosecution.
Flynn’s attorney also thinks that Obama has some personal interest in slamming Barr over the Flynn case. Sidney Powell told Maria Bartiromo yesterday that she’s seen evidence that the efforts to target Flynn go all the way to the top. To Obama, Bartiromo asked? “Absolutely,” Powell responded:
“So you think this goes all the way up to the top, to President Obama?” Maria Bartiromo, host of “Sunday Morning Futures,” asked Powell. “Absolutely,” Powell replied. “Who is going to be charged?” Bartiromo asked. “I have no idea,” Powell said. “That’s up to (U.S. Attorney) John Durham and Attorney General Barr,” she said.
Be sure to watch the whole interview to get a good rundown why Powell thinks that some people might be very, very worried about how far Durham, Jensen, and Shea might go. This attempt by Obama looks less like a law professor’s dispassionate analysis and more like an attempt to shape the political battlefield for what might come next. Put that together with the revelations from the newly-released House Intelligence Committee transcripts, and it certainly looks as though a few people are worried about chickens coming home to roost — in droves.