hotair--2020-08-06--Trump cuts National Guard funding for COVID-19 response in all but two states

Governors in all 50 states , the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico , Guam , and the U.S. Virgin Islands have activated components of their Army and Air National Guard , the reserve component of the U.S military in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
As many as 44,500 troops have been activated across the country to help mitigate and control the virus outbreak .
Their duties are varied and essential as an addition to state efforts when additional manpower is needed .
Members of the National Guard aid in key efforts including : *Supporting community-based testing sites .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and transportation of key supplies .
*Assisting in state emergency operations centers .
*Providing labor for call centers .
*Packaging and distributing food and other supplies , *Building facilities such as medical field hospitals .
*Cleaning and disinfecting common spaces .
Generally speaking , the funding of National Guard deployments falls on the states .
However , if the deployment is a federalized response , the federal government pays the costs .
Provisions have been made during the coronavirus pandemic through the president ’ s declarations and congressional legislation to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard deployments is generally the responsibility of the states , except when federally activated under Title 10 related to active duty military service or in the case of a Title 32 designation .
Title 32 of the U.S. Code allows a governor to order guard members to report for operational homeland defense duties with the approval of the president or secretary of defense .
As of April 9 , 2020 , 38 states and Guam and Puerto Rico have received designation from the federal government to operate under Title 32 , with 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federalized ” status , guard troops still report to the governor , but the federal government pays the cost , which can run as much as $ 9 million per month per 1,000 troops mobilized , according to the chief of the National Guard Bureau .
Under the President ’ s March 13 National Emergency Declaration , all states and territories qualify for 75 % federal coverage of National Guard costs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency ’ s Public Assistance , which covers emergency protective measures .
States who have been approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is nearly all ) , and that have activated the lesser of 500 individuals or 2 percent of National Guard personnel , can request a waiver of the 25 % cost share .
For approved states , FEMA will cover 100 % cost of National Guard orders for up to 31 days .
In addition , this status allows guard members to receive health , education and retirement benefits .
Additional funding for National Guard activities was part of HR 748 , the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.4 billion for deployments of the National Guard for the next six months to support state and local response efforts .
This level of funding will sustain up to 20,000 members of the National Guard , under the direction of the governors of each state .
More specifically , the funding allocates $ 746 million to the Army National Guard for response efforts both domestically and internationally , $ 186 million to the Army National Guard Operation and maintenance funding programs , $ 482 million to the Air National Guard for response efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 75 million to the Air National Guard Operation and maintenance funding programs .
On Monday night , President Trump directed that states pick up some of the cost – 25 % – with two exceptions , Texas and Florida .
As you might imagine , Texas and Florida officials are happy with the carve-out while the governors of other states are not so happy .
While parts of Texas and Florida remain as coronavirus hot spots , metrics in other states are worse in a few other states .
Cries of favoritism arose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 and he needs both states in November for his re-election .
“ The Texas National Guard plays a vital role in our response and recovery efforts , and I thank President Trump for extending this federal funding , ” Abbott said in a Tuesday statement reacting to Trump ’ s announcement .
“ The Lone Star State remains vigilant in our efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and we will continue to work alongside our federal partners to keep Texans safe.
” But critics of Trump ’ s decision accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election year by maintaining funding for two states that he won in 2016 and which are poised to be battlegrounds this November .
“ With American lives at risk , the president is continuing to manipulate our nation ’ s pandemic response to benefit his own political fortunes , ” Noam Lee , the executive director of the Democratic Governors Association , told Politico .
“ While the coronavirus doesn ’ t discriminate between ‘ red ’ states or ‘ blue ’ states , it is disturbingly clear that our president does.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York said every state should be reimbursed by the federal government for their National Guard deployment .
“ It ’ s shameful that President Trump is again politicizing the frontline work of our National Guard , ” he tweeted Wednesday .
Trump cites the U.S. transitioning “ to a period of increased economic activity and recovery in those areas of the Nation where the threat posed by COVID-19 has been sufficiently mitigated.
” Currently , Texas has the seventh most cases per capita in the country and Florida has the third most .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a higher percentage of tests coming back positive for the coronavirus than Florida .
In Texas,14 % of tests are coming back positive , which is a lower rate than Arizona , South Carolina , and Idaho , as well as Florida , Mississippi , Alabama , and Nevada .
A spokesman for the National Guard Association said he didn ’ t know why Trump made the decision to exclude Texas and Florida .
The federal funding runs out on August 21 for the mission so on Friday states would have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty in order to give them two weeks to quarantine before returning to their home communities .
Trump ’ s memorandum extended the deployment of Guard members nationwide to Dec. 31 .
It will become the guard ’ s longest active-duty mission for a domestic emergency .
Before he issued the memorandum on Monday , governors in both parties urged Trump to extend the deployment .
Is favoritism toward Texas and Florida at play here ?
That is not an unreasonable question .
This is an election year and everything is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the finger at the White House Office of Management and Budget ( OEM ) and not Trump as having made the decision .
OEM didn ’ t issue a comment when asked by Politico .
The National Guard Association spokesperson told Politico that the decision by Trump was bittersweet .
That is something all states are all struggling with thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and the national shutdown it caused , including Texas and Florida .

Governors in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have activated components of their Army and Air National Guard, the reserve component of the U.S military in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As many as 44,500 troops have been activated across the country to help mitigate and control the virus outbreak.
Their duties are varied and essential as an addition to state efforts when additional manpower is needed. Members of the National Guard aid in key efforts including:
*Supporting community-based testing sites.
*Creating enhanced medical capacity.
*Facilitating logistical support and transportation of key supplies.
*Assisting in state emergency operations centers.
*Providing labor for call centers.
*Packaging and distributing food and other supplies,
*Building facilities such as medical field hospitals.
*Cleaning and disinfecting common spaces.
Generally speaking, the funding of National Guard deployments falls on the states. However, if the deployment is a federalized response, the federal government pays the costs. Provisions have been made during the coronavirus pandemic through the president’s declarations and congressional legislation to pay for the deployments.
Funding to pay for guard deployments is generally the responsibility of the states, except when federally activated under Title 10 related to active duty military service or in the case of a Title 32 designation. Title 32 of the U.S. Code allows a governor to order guard members to report for operational homeland defense duties with the approval of the president or secretary of defense. As of April 9, 2020, 38 states and Guam and Puerto Rico have received designation from the federal government to operate under Title 32, with 11 additional requests pending. Under this “federalized” status, guard troops still report to the governor, but the federal government pays the cost, which can run as much as $9 million per month per 1,000 troops mobilized, according to the chief of the National Guard Bureau. Under the President’s March 13 National Emergency Declaration, all states and territories qualify for 75% federal coverage of National Guard costs under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance, which covers emergency protective measures. States who have been approved for a Major Disaster Declaration (which is nearly all), and that have activated the lesser of 500 individuals or 2 percent of National Guard personnel, can request a waiver of the 25% cost share. For approved states, FEMA will cover 100% cost of National Guard orders for up to 31 days. In addition, this status allows guard members to receive health, education and retirement benefits. Additional funding for National Guard activities was part of HR 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which appropriated $1.4 billion for deployments of the National Guard for the next six months to support state and local response efforts. This level of funding will sustain up to 20,000 members of the National Guard, under the direction of the governors of each state. More specifically, the funding allocates $746 million to the Army National Guard for response efforts both domestically and internationally, $186 million to the Army National Guard Operation and maintenance funding programs, $482 million to the Air National Guard for response efforts both domestically and internationally, and $75 million to the Air National Guard Operation and maintenance funding programs.
On Monday night, President Trump directed that states pick up some of the cost – 25% – with two exceptions, Texas and Florida. As you might imagine, Texas and Florida officials are happy with the carve-out while the governors of other states are not so happy. While parts of Texas and Florida remain as coronavirus hot spots, metrics in other states are worse in a few other states. Cries of favoritism arose immediately. Trump won Texas and Florida in 2016 and he needs both states in November for his re-election.
“The Texas National Guard plays a vital role in our response and recovery efforts, and I thank President Trump for extending this federal funding,” Abbott said in a Tuesday statement reacting to Trump’s announcement. “The Lone Star State remains vigilant in our efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 and we will continue to work alongside our federal partners to keep Texans safe.” But critics of Trump’s decision accused the president of playing favorites in an election year by maintaining funding for two states that he won in 2016 and which are poised to be battlegrounds this November. “With American lives at risk, the president is continuing to manipulate our nation’s pandemic response to benefit his own political fortunes,” Noam Lee, the executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, told Politico. “While the coronavirus doesn’t discriminate between ‘red’ states or ‘blue’ states, it is disturbingly clear that our president does.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said every state should be reimbursed by the federal government for their National Guard deployment. “It’s shameful that President Trump is again politicizing the frontline work of our National Guard,” he tweeted Wednesday.
Trump cites the U.S. transitioning “to a period of increased economic activity and recovery in those areas of the Nation where the threat posed by COVID-19 has been sufficiently mitigated.” Currently, Texas has the seventh most cases per capita in the country and Florida has the third most. Mississippi, Alabama, and Nevada all have a higher percentage of tests coming back positive for the coronavirus than Florida. In Texas,14% of tests are coming back positive, which is a lower rate than Arizona, South Carolina, and Idaho, as well as Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Nevada.
A spokesman for the National Guard Association said he didn’t know why Trump made the decision to exclude Texas and Florida. The federal funding runs out on August 21 for the mission so on Friday states would have been forced to pull their guard personnel from duty in order to give them two weeks to quarantine before returning to their home communities. Trump’s memorandum extended the deployment of Guard members nationwide to Dec. 31. It will become the guard’s longest active-duty mission for a domestic emergency. Before he issued the memorandum on Monday, governors in both parties urged Trump to extend the deployment.
Is favoritism toward Texas and Florida at play here? That is not an unreasonable question. This is an election year and everything is on the table. One Trump administration official pointed the finger at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OEM) and not Trump as having made the decision. OEM didn’t issue a comment when asked by Politico. The National Guard Association spokesperson told Politico that the decision by Trump was bittersweet.
He added that the White House’s decision to also extend the deployment of all Guard troops nationwide through Dec. 31 is “bittersweet” because while it allows critical operations such as testing, contact tracing and other work to mitigate to the public health crisis to continue, it also puts more of the burden on states “struggling with tax revenue.”
That is something all states are all struggling with thanks to the coronavirus pandemic and the national shutdown it caused, including Texas and Florida.


hotair--2020-08-07--Seattle's police chief criticized a plan to defund police, the city council responded by slashing he

Seattle's police chief criticized a plan to defund police, the city council responded by slashing her salary

On Tuesday of this week , Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Mayor Jenny Durkan criticized a plan by Seattle ’ s city council to slash the police budget in half for the remainder of the year : “ Blunt cuts of 100 officers between now and the end of the year is really not the way to proceed , ” Durkan said… Chief Best said if she is forced to lay off any officers , the cuts will disproportionately fall on the new hires and minority officers because of department policy .
One of the other areas of criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to cut the police budget in half has yet to sit down with the police chief : When asked about their collaboration , [ City Council member ] Mosqueda said , “ I think it ’ s important for folks to know we have taken into consideration much of what Chief Best has sent us , in terms of questions and issues she ’ s identified.
” “ I feel like you ’ re very fortunate to have had that conversation with the council because they certainly haven ’ t been talking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarks apparently didn ’ t go unnoticed .
The next day , the city council rejected two proposal submitted by socialist council member Kshama Sawant which would have cut the city ’ s police budget by 50 % , but the did slash the salary of Chief Best and the rest of the department ’ s top leadership as well .
The council ’ s Budget Committee was considering specific amendments to the police department ’ s budget when it took several votes , chief among them were two measures by Councilwoman Kshama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have immediately chopped 50 percent of the department ’ s budget while a second measure would have slashed funding to the agency starting in November… After rejecting the pair of Sawant ordinances to slash the police budget by 50 percent , the council did approve measures to trip the pay of 13 high-ranking police officers , a measure that Sawant said would save about $ 500,000 this year .
“ She and Jenny Durkan gave a press conference where they were critical of the council .
In my view , this was retaliation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the council — in a vote that was not publicized , that was not on the agenda publicly — voted to reduce her salary .
This is the first black female police chief in the country .
Her salary was reduced to $ 100,000 less than a white woman chief ’ s salary , namely Kathleen O ’ Toole.
” What ’ s most incredible about this is that it ’ s happening as Seattle is experiencing a wave of violent crime .
As it stands now , Seattle already has more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several years .
And there are still five more months to go .
Kiro 7 pointed out this map showing places where shots were fired in King County .
Here ’ s a report on the crime wave .
This really is a very strange moment to decide what the city needs is fewer police and , possibly , to push the police chief into quitting .

On Tuesday of this week, Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best and Mayor Jenny Durkan criticized a plan by Seattle’s city council to slash the police budget in half for the remainder of the year:
“Blunt cuts of 100 officers between now and the end of the year is really not the way to proceed,” Durkan said… Chief Best said if she is forced to lay off any officers, the cuts will disproportionately fall on the new hires and minority officers because of department policy.
One of the other areas of criticism is the fact that the council trying to cut the police budget in half has yet to sit down with the police chief:
When asked about their collaboration, [City Council member] Mosqueda said, “I think it’s important for folks to know we have taken into consideration much of what Chief Best has sent us, in terms of questions and issues she’s identified.” Best shrugged off Mosqueda’s remarks. “I feel like you’re very fortunate to have had that conversation with the council because they certainly haven’t been talking with me,” she said.
Those remarks apparently didn’t go unnoticed. The next day, the city council rejected two proposal submitted by socialist council member Kshama Sawant which would have cut the city’s police budget by 50%, but the did slash the salary of Chief Best and the rest of the department’s top leadership as well.
The council’s Budget Committee was considering specific amendments to the police department’s budget when it took several votes, chief among them were two measures by Councilwoman Kshama Sawant: one of the amendments would have immediately chopped 50 percent of the department’s budget while a second measure would have slashed funding to the agency starting in November… After rejecting the pair of Sawant ordinances to slash the police budget by 50 percent, the council did approve measures to trip the pay of 13 high-ranking police officers, a measure that Sawant said would save about $500,000 this year.
Chief Best’s lawyer called the vote retaliation:
“She and Jenny Durkan gave a press conference where they were critical of the council. In my view, this was retaliation because as soon as they did that, the council — in a vote that was not publicized, that was not on the agenda publicly — voted to reduce her salary. This is the first black female police chief in the country. Her salary was reduced to $100,000 less than a white woman chief’s salary, namely Kathleen O’Toole.”
What’s most incredible about this is that it’s happening as Seattle is experiencing a wave of violent crime. As it stands now, Seattle already has more homicides than the average of the past several years. And there are still five more months to go. Kiro 7 pointed out this map showing places where shots were fired in King County.
Here’s a report on the crime wave. This really is a very strange moment to decide what the city needs is fewer police and, possibly, to push the police chief into quitting.


hotair--2020-08-07--Meghan McCain is returning to 'The View' but will she vote for Biden?

Meghan McCain is annoyed .
Why do people keep asking her if she will return to The View after her maternity leave ?
The ABC daytime talk show is currently on summer hiatus until September .
She will be on maternity leave this fall .
The show has been hosted remotely with the cohosts appearing from their homes during the coronavirus pandemic .
Meghan appeared on Bravo channel ’ s Watch What Happens : Live With Andy Cohen .
During a question and answer segment , a viewer asked her if she planned to return to The View after her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off and she expressed her irritation with it .
Host Andy Cohen read a question submitted by a viewer , “ Jenny … wants to know if you ’ ll continue working on ‘ The View ’ after your baby is here , ” which prompted a fiery response from McCain .
“ Why does everyone ask me if I ’ m getting fired or quitting every 20 seconds ?
No other host has to deal with this B.S .
Yes , I ’ m coming back , it ’ s an election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well , she is asked that question all the time because she is the only conservative voice on the show .
She is up against some hyper-liberal women sitting around the table ( pre-pandemic ) and most often is alone in her opinions .
This is not to say that she doesn ’ t also agree with the other women at times – especially when it comes to trash-talking President Trump – but for the most part she speaks up with a more conservative opinion on current events .
This leads to heated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revolves around , the headlines the discussions produce .
It is a part of Meghan ’ s job to create interest in the show by doing her part to gin up controversy .
Meghan McCain has a temper , just as the other women do , and there is often speculation that she ’ s had enough aggravation and will leave the show .
Frankly , it is what the liberal audience that tunes in to the show hopes for with each of the show ’ s conservative cohosts .
The audience would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is usually just one conservative among the cohosts , though for a while there were two – Meghan and Abby Huntsman .
Huntsman , too , is a Never Trump Republican .
The audience demographic for the show is not conservative women .
The fact is that Meghan is comfortable arguing about politics .
She is a product of a political family .
She has a love of politics and is not bashful about giving her opinion on anything .
John McCain was loved by the liberal media until he ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Then the media went back to loving him again after he lost to Obama .
His popularity with the press was never higher than during his time being an anti-Trump Republican member of the Senate .
Meghan McCain feels the same disgust of Trump .
She will not forgive him for remarks he made about her father during the 2016 election cycle .
So she and Abby Huntsman benefit from political fathers .
This favoritism is as old as time .
Jenna Bush Hegar has a job as co-host on NBC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a show on CNN .
The list goes on .
Meghan brings the spice to the show .
I am not a viewer because I don ’ t need the headache that Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar give me , but I do see video clips from the show on social media .
There are times I wish Meghan wouldn ’ t appease the other women and be a little more strident in her conservative opinions because none of them even try to appease her .
That ’ s how it is though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to bend , not liberals because they truly believe they are our intellectual and moral betters .
So , it was only normal that Meghan also got a question about if she plans to vote for Joe Biden in November .
She has been very open about her love for Joe Biden , a longtime family friend .
She often says he is like a father to her .
Joe Biden appeared on The View to give his first interview after he announced his candidacy for president .
“ Thrilled that Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first exclusive interview since announcing his run for President with us @ TheView table tomorrow morning , ” McCain wrote on Twitter .
“ It ’ s no secret of my love and friendship with Joe – and I can ’ t wait to talk to him tomorrow.
” Well then , is she voting for Joe ?
It should be noted that her mother , Cindy McCain has voiced her love for Biden , too , yet is not endorsing him for president .
Cohen then asked McCain , an anti-Trump Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden .
“ I ’ m not saying who I am voting for … but I am not voting for Trump , ” McCain said before saying she ’ s curious to see who Biden selects as a running mate and how he handles himself in the debates .
“ I ’ m such a last-minute , I mean , I ’ m so spoiled because I ’ ve loved so many elections and this one is not my favorite for a lot of different reasons , ” McCain said .
Who else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That is who actor Jerry O ’ Connell jokingly told her to vote for after her answer .
I ’ ll end with this little quote I heard this morning from a newspaper columnist .
She perfectly described how most of us view Joe Biden .
New York Post columnist Miranda Devine said , “ If Joe Biden was your grandfather you would very gently take away his car keys.
” ‘ Nuff said .

Meghan McCain is annoyed. Why do people keep asking her if she will return to The View after her maternity leave? The ABC daytime talk show is currently on summer hiatus until September. She will be on maternity leave this fall.
The show has been hosted remotely with the cohosts appearing from their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. Meghan appeared on Bravo channel’s Watch What Happens: Live With Andy Cohen. During a question and answer segment, a viewer asked her if she planned to return to The View after her maternity leave. This question set her off and she expressed her irritation with it.
Host Andy Cohen read a question submitted by a viewer, “Jenny … wants to know if you’ll continue working on ‘The View’ after your baby is here,” which prompted a fiery response from McCain. “Why does everyone ask me if I’m getting fired or quitting every 20 seconds? No other host has to deal with this B.S. Yes, I’m coming back, it’s an election cycle,” McCain snapped back. “I hate this,” McCain added.
Well, she is asked that question all the time because she is the only conservative voice on the show. She is up against some hyper-liberal women sitting around the table (pre-pandemic) and most often is alone in her opinions. This is not to say that she doesn’t also agree with the other women at times – especially when it comes to trash-talking President Trump – but for the most part she speaks up with a more conservative opinion on current events. This leads to heated discussions and that is what the show revolves around, the headlines the discussions produce. It is a part of Meghan’s job to create interest in the show by doing her part to gin up controversy.
Meghan McCain has a temper, just as the other women do, and there is often speculation that she’s had enough aggravation and will leave the show. Frankly, it is what the liberal audience that tunes in to the show hopes for with each of the show’s conservative cohosts. The audience would be perfectly happy with only liberal hosts. There is usually just one conservative among the cohosts, though for a while there were two – Meghan and Abby Huntsman. Huntsman, too, is a Never Trump Republican. The audience demographic for the show is not conservative women.
The fact is that Meghan is comfortable arguing about politics. She is a product of a political family. She has a love of politics and is not bashful about giving her opinion on anything. John McCain was loved by the liberal media until he ran for president as the Republican nominee. Then the media went back to loving him again after he lost to Obama. His popularity with the press was never higher than during his time being an anti-Trump Republican member of the Senate. Meghan McCain feels the same disgust of Trump. She will not forgive him for remarks he made about her father during the 2016 election cycle. So she and Abby Huntsman benefit from political fathers. This favoritism is as old as time. Jenna Bush Hegar has a job as co-host on NBC’s Today show. The Cuomo kid has a show on CNN. The list goes on.
Meghan brings the spice to the show. I am not a viewer because I don’t need the headache that Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar give me, but I do see video clips from the show on social media. There are times I wish Meghan wouldn’t appease the other women and be a little more strident in her conservative opinions because none of them even try to appease her. That’s how it is though, right? Conservatives are the ones expected to bend, not liberals because they truly believe they are our intellectual and moral betters.
So, it was only normal that Meghan also got a question about if she plans to vote for Joe Biden in November. She has been very open about her love for Joe Biden, a longtime family friend. She often says he is like a father to her. Joe Biden appeared on The View to give his first interview after he announced his candidacy for president. “Thrilled that Vice President @JoeBiden will be giving his first exclusive interview since announcing his run for President with us @TheView table tomorrow morning,” McCain wrote on Twitter. “It’s no secret of my love and friendship with Joe – and I can’t wait to talk to him tomorrow.”
“He is a very special man. I disagree with him 75% politically, but there is a level of decency and character that reminds me of my dad,” she continued, before adding “become someone I really have turned to when I feel the world is falling.”
Well then, is she voting for Joe? It should be noted that her mother, Cindy McCain has voiced her love for Biden, too, yet is not endorsing him for president.
Cohen then asked McCain, an anti-Trump Republican, if she is voting for Joe Biden. “I’m not saying who I am voting for … but I am not voting for Trump,” McCain said before saying she’s curious to see who Biden selects as a running mate and how he handles himself in the debates. “I’m such a last-minute, I mean, I’m so spoiled because I’ve loved so many elections and this one is not my favorite for a lot of different reasons,” McCain said.
Who else would she vote for? Kanye? That is who actor Jerry O’Connell jokingly told her to vote for after her answer.
I’ll end with this little quote I heard this morning from a newspaper columnist. She perfectly described how most of us view Joe Biden. New York Post columnist Miranda Devine said, “If Joe Biden was your grandfather you would very gently take away his car keys.” ‘Nuff said.


hotair--2020-08-07--Rape suspect released from Virginia prison because of COVID allegedly murdered his accuser

Ibrahim E. Bouaichi was accused of rape last year by a woman named Karla Dominguez .
Bouaichi was indicted by a grand jury for “ rape , sodomy , strangulation , abduction and burglary.
” His trial date was set for March 30 and he was in jail when the coronavirus hit .
His attorneys argued that being jailed was a threat to his health as well as theirs when they went to visit him , though the jail said the attorneys hadn ’ t made any attempts to visit him once the coronavirus restrictions were put in place .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions on the duration of video calls to their client he was effectively being deprived of counsel : In Alexandria , Bouaichi ’ s lawyers said in their motion for bond that “ social distancing and proper disinfecting measures are impossible while incarcerated.… Simply put , the risk of contracting Covid-19 in a jail is exceedingly obvious.
” The lawyers , Manuel Leiva and Frank Salvato , also noted the risk for themselves in the jail , saying that lawyers seeking a contact visit would “ also expose themselves to contaminated air and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Alexandria jail had “ imposed severe restrictions on visitation since the Covid-19 outbreak , ” that all contact visits ( meaning no glass or separation between visitor and inmate ) were stopped and that the lawyers could only have video conference sessions lasting 30 minutes maximum .
A trial date was set for Bouaichi , and his lawyers said he was “ being effectively deprived of legal counsel.
” The prosecutor in the case argued that because of the violent nature of the crime , Bouaichi was too dangerous to release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sided with the defense and released Bouaichi on $ 25,000 bond and a condition that he not leave his home in Maryland except to meet with his attorneys .
That was on April 9 .
On May 8 , police were called to a Wendy ’ s and found a possibly intoxicated Bouaichi in his car .
He was uncooperative and rammed into a police car with one officer and one K-9 inside .
He was arrested and claimed he had a medical issue .
But after a detour to the hospital he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and multiple other charges relating to the incident .
And then , on May 11 , he was released .
Authorities in Alexandria say they didn ’ t know he ’ d been re-arrested in Maryland and say that if they had they would have revoked his bond .
That turned out to be the last chance for Karla Dominguez .
She was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds outside her apartment : On Wednesday , July 29 , officers found a woman shot to death on S. Greenmount Drive .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The victim was later identified as Karla Elizabeth Dominguez Gonzalez… On Wednesday , August 5 , one week after Gonzalez was killed , Alexandria police officers with the FBI ’ s regional Violent Crimes Task Force spotted Bouaichi in Prince George ’ s County , Maryland .
When authorities chased him , Bouaichi crashed the car he was driving .
He was found inside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment .
Assuming he survives , Bouaichi will be headed back to jail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will they let him out this time ?
I wish I could say no with certainty but who knows what idiot judge might get the case this time .
Speaking of which , Judge Nolan Dawkins , who released Bouaichi over the objection of prosecutors who warned he was dangerous , retired in June after 12 years on the circuit court .
The Post notes “ He did not respond to a request for comment.
” Officially that ’ s because this is a pending case and he ’ s not supposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s because he ’ s deeply ashamed that his stupidity gave an allegedly violent rapist a chance to allegedly murder his victim .

Ibrahim E. Bouaichi was accused of rape last year by a woman named Karla Dominguez. Bouaichi was indicted by a grand jury for “rape, sodomy, strangulation, abduction and burglary.” His trial date was set for March 30 and he was in jail when the coronavirus hit. His attorneys argued that being jailed was a threat to his health as well as theirs when they went to visit him, though the jail said the attorneys hadn’t made any attempts to visit him once the coronavirus restrictions were put in place. The attorneys also claimed that because of restrictions on the duration of video calls to their client he was effectively being deprived of counsel:
In Alexandria, Bouaichi’s lawyers said in their motion for bond that “social distancing and proper disinfecting measures are impossible while incarcerated.… Simply put, the risk of contracting Covid-19 in a jail is exceedingly obvious.” The lawyers, Manuel Leiva and Frank Salvato, also noted the risk for themselves in the jail, saying that lawyers seeking a contact visit would “also expose themselves to contaminated air and surfaces.” Leiva and Salvato also claimed that the Alexandria jail had “imposed severe restrictions on visitation since the Covid-19 outbreak,” that all contact visits (meaning no glass or separation between visitor and inmate) were stopped and that the lawyers could only have video conference sessions lasting 30 minutes maximum. A trial date was set for Bouaichi, and his lawyers said he was “being effectively deprived of legal counsel.”
The prosecutor in the case argued that because of the violent nature of the crime, Bouaichi was too dangerous to release. But Circuit Court Judge Nolan Dawkins sided with the defense and released Bouaichi on $25,000 bond and a condition that he not leave his home in Maryland except to meet with his attorneys. That was on April 9.
On May 8, police were called to a Wendy’s and found a possibly intoxicated Bouaichi in his car. He was uncooperative and rammed into a police car with one officer and one K-9 inside. He was arrested and claimed he had a medical issue. But after a detour to the hospital he was charged with two counts of assault and multiple other charges relating to the incident.
And then, on May 11, he was released. Authorities in Alexandria say they didn’t know he’d been re-arrested in Maryland and say that if they had they would have revoked his bond. That turned out to be the last chance for Karla Dominguez. She was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds outside her apartment:
On Wednesday, July 29, officers found a woman shot to death on S. Greenmount Drive. It was Alexandria’s first homicide of the year. The victim was later identified as Karla Elizabeth Dominguez Gonzalez… On Wednesday, August 5, one week after Gonzalez was killed, Alexandria police officers with the FBI’s regional Violent Crimes Task Force spotted Bouaichi in Prince George’s County, Maryland. When authorities chased him, Bouaichi crashed the car he was driving. He was found inside with a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Assuming he survives, Bouaichi will be headed back to jail, this time facing a murder charge. Will they let him out this time? I wish I could say no with certainty but who knows what idiot judge might get the case this time.
Speaking of which, Judge Nolan Dawkins, who released Bouaichi over the objection of prosecutors who warned he was dangerous, retired in June after 12 years on the circuit court. The Post notes “He did not respond to a request for comment.” Officially that’s because this is a pending case and he’s not supposed to comment. Unofficially, I hope that it’s because he’s deeply ashamed that his stupidity gave an allegedly violent rapist a chance to allegedly murder his victim.


hotair--2020-08-07--Portland mayor pleads with vandals: Don't you see that you've become a prop for Trump's campaign?

Via Mediaite , he ’ s not wrong .
But it speaks volumes that this is what this guy feels he has to resort to in order to try to reach the consciences of the droogs who are still attacking police in his city .
Reminding them that cops have families won ’ t work .
Emphasizing that bystanders are destined to get caught in the crossfire between them and the police and end up injured or dead won ’ t cut it either .
Appealing to their decency is a nonstarter .
But appealing to their hatred by claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the cops might be profiting from their rampage ?
Now you ’ re talking .
America ’ s political culture is one of intense negative partisanship and Ted Wheeler is all in .
On Wednesday night there was a riot .
Last night there was an assault on Portland PD ’ s East Precinct involving some 200 people .
Among the offenses described in the police ’ s account : Vandalism , attempted arson , assault , assault of an officer , and whatever you call it when someone tries to blow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Soon after the announcement was made , members of the group began to spray paint and dismantle the surveillance cameras on the front doors of East Precinct .
One member of the group was successful in dismantling the surveillance camera .
Several members of the group were spotted with cans of paint which were thrown towards East Precinct .
Two elderly community members attempted to stop the group from vandalizing the building with paint and were subsequently hit with the paint… At 10 p.m. , the group outside of East Precinct lit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up against the front of the building .
Several thank-you notes on blue hearts from community members which were affixed to the front of East Precinct were used as an accelerant for the garbage can fire .
An elderly community member came forward in an attempt to extinguish the fire .
As she did this , group members stood in her way… As officers dispersed the crowd , they were hit with projectiles ranging from glass bottles to heavy rocks .
Large rebar ties were thrown into the street with the intention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police vehicles ran over these ties which caused damage to tires .
There are photos and video : Later in the evening , police had lasers shined in their eyes and one officer was “ severely hurt ” by a large rock thrown at their shoulder .
Meanwhile , with Portland cops busy with Antifa and affiliated Jacobins , the city just experienced its worst month for murders in 30 years .
Shootings in July were nearly triple the number in July 2019 .
If you ’ re wondering whether there ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer is no .
There may be for Wheeler himself , as surely there ’ s an ambitious progressive or two in Portland willing to challenge him in a primary for being too pro-cop .
But whoever ’ s next to lead the city will surely come from the left .
The last time a Republican was elected mayor of Portland was during the Eisenhower administration .
Ike ’ s first term , in fact , not his second .
In case you don ’ t have time to watch this entire virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll find Wheeler helpfully pointing out to the vandals that they ’ re not demonstrating , they ’ re “ attempting to commit murder.
” I … feel like they know that , Ted .

Via Mediaite, he’s not wrong. But it speaks volumes that this is what this guy feels he has to resort to in order to try to reach the consciences of the droogs who are still attacking police in his city. Reminding them that cops have families won’t work. Emphasizing that bystanders are destined to get caught in the crossfire between them and the police and end up injured or dead won’t cut it either.
Appealing to their decency is a nonstarter.
But appealing to their hatred by claiming that someone whom they detest even more than the cops might be profiting from their rampage? Now you’re talking. America’s political culture is one of intense negative partisanship and Ted Wheeler is all in.
On Wednesday night there was a riot. Last night there was an assault on Portland PD’s East Precinct involving some 200 people. Among the offenses described in the police’s account: Vandalism, attempted arson, assault, assault of an officer, and whatever you call it when someone tries to blow out the tires on a cop car.
Soon after the announcement was made, members of the group began to spray paint and dismantle the surveillance cameras on the front doors of East Precinct. One member of the group was successful in dismantling the surveillance camera. Several members of the group were spotted with cans of paint which were thrown towards East Precinct. Two elderly community members attempted to stop the group from vandalizing the building with paint and were subsequently hit with the paint… At 10 p.m., the group outside of East Precinct lit a garbage can on fire and pushed it up against the front of the building. Several thank-you notes on blue hearts from community members which were affixed to the front of East Precinct were used as an accelerant for the garbage can fire. An elderly community member came forward in an attempt to extinguish the fire. As she did this, group members stood in her way… As officers dispersed the crowd, they were hit with projectiles ranging from glass bottles to heavy rocks. Large rebar ties were thrown into the street with the intention of popping police vehicle tires. Several police vehicles ran over these ties which caused damage to tires.
There are photos and video:
"This isn't your world anymore!" Protestors screamed at this elderly woman and threw paint on her for standing up to them and demanding they stop vandalizing and destroying property in Portland.pic.twitter.com/uRgMmcQy5g — Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 7, 2020
These ties made out of rebar were constructed by some members of the group who gathered outside of East Precinct tonight. The ties were meant to pop police vehicle tires. Several of the ties were thrown in the street and police vehicles ran them over, causing damage to tires. pic.twitter.com/hxkvpYVMvO — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) August 7, 2020
Local resident woman attempts to put fire out with extinguisher pic.twitter.com/tmour6tf16 — Danny Peterson (@DannyJPeterson) August 7, 2020
Later in the evening, police had lasers shined in their eyes and one officer was “severely hurt” by a large rock thrown at their shoulder. Meanwhile, with Portland cops busy with Antifa and affiliated Jacobins, the city just experienced its worst month for murders in 30 years. Shootings in July were nearly triple the number in July 2019.
If you’re wondering whether there’ll be electoral consequences for that, the answer is no. There may be for Wheeler himself, as surely there’s an ambitious progressive or two in Portland willing to challenge him in a primary for being too pro-cop. But whoever’s next to lead the city will surely come from the left. The last time a Republican was elected mayor of Portland was during the Eisenhower administration. Ike’s first term, in fact, not his second.
In case you don’t have time to watch this entire virtual press conference, at one point you’ll find Wheeler helpfully pointing out to the vandals that they’re not demonstrating, they’re “attempting to commit murder.” I … feel like they know that, Ted.


hotair--2020-08-07--Mnuchin: Stimulus talks with Dems have stalled and so we're recommending Trump sign an executive ord

Mnuchin: Stimulus talks with Dems have stalled and so we're recommending Trump sign an executive order

I disliked it when Obama used congressional inaction as a license for “ creative ” executive action and I dislike that Trump ’ s doing it now , but there ’ s no disputing that it ’ s good politics in this case .
The GOP tends to take the blame among voters whenever Democrats and Republicans clash on spending , as most Americans rarely want to tighten Uncle Sam ’ s belt .
( They ’ ll say that they do in the abstract but ask them about specific programs and see what happens . )
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus stimulus stalemate , partly because the election is so near and partly because life is so precarious for so many Americans right now .
If all federal lifelines are cut because Pelosi and the White House can ’ t reach a deal and swing voters conclude that the GOP ’ s being stingy — or , more likely , that whoever ’ s in the White House is responsible for whatever the federal government does or doesn ’ t do — then the party ’ s facing a bloodbath .
The bottom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polling .
He has to do something to prove to voters that he ’ s using every weapon at his disposal to keep them afloat , even if Pelosi can ’ t be bothered to compromise .
So that ’ s what he ’ s going to do , according to Steve Mnuchin and Mark Meadows after another go-nowhere negotiation with Pelosi and Schumer this afternoon .
Even if his executive orders are challenged in court , he ’ ll probably benefit politically from being seen as fighting to keep benefits flowing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do four things .
First , keep beefed-up federal unemployment benefits going , even if it requires redirecting funds from other programs .
Second , a moratorium on evictions for tenants who live in homes with federally backed mortgages .
Third , some sort of delay in collecting student-loan payments .
And fourth , cutting — or rather , deferring — collection of payroll taxes .
All of this could get very messy .
If Trump orders the Internal Revenue Service to temporarily pause collecting payroll taxes , companies will still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president can ’ t unilaterally cut taxes , so Congress would need to forgive those payments before they come due — something that is far from certain in a divided Congress where even Republicans have been resistant to a payroll tax cut… Employers are required to withhold and submit payroll levies on behalf of their workers .
That makes them more likely to hang onto that money so they aren ’ t stuck trying to get it back from staff if the bill comes due .
In that event , many wouldn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the money wouldn ’ t ever have reached their paychecks .
With expanded unemployment benefits , Trump likely would have to redirect money that is already allocated for states and comes with directions from Congress about how to spend it that are sufficiently broad .
Federal law requires the administration to spend only the money that Congress has authorized , regardless of what an executive order says .
Pelosi has said that she ’ s fine with Trump halting evictions but anything involving cash has to come from Congress , since they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If Trump can start moving money around unilaterally then Pelosi ’ s leverage in negotiations would weaken considerably and Trump might enjoy a political bonanza from grateful voters .
It ’ s clear enough what the topline of a final deal will look like .
Democrats want something in excess of $ 3 trillion but have reportedly been willing to come down to the $ 2 trillion range , with the proviso that nothing less than that can pass the House or the Senate if McConnell needs Democratic votes .
( And he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The White House wants something in the $ 1 trillion range but is willing to come up , with the proviso that probably nothing more than $ 2 trillion can pass the Republican-controlled Senate .
So we ’ re headed for a $ 2 trillion or so package .
When it comes to the fine print , Pelosi ’ s been adamant about keeping $ 600/week unemployment benefits going but the White House is reportedly pushing for something more like $ 400/week .
Do I hear $ 500 ?
The parties remain very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments , though .
Ten days ago Mnuchin ’ s Treasury Department issued a report noting that most of the money appropriated for local government in the last round of coronavirus stimulus remains unspent .
Just $ 34 billion of the $ 139 billion disbursed to date has been used for costs .
Local governments claim that they ’ re hamstrung because federal regulations tightly restrict how they can spend the money , which has forced them to cut their budgets .
To the GOP , the fact that states still are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t used is reason enough not to go big again in this new round of stimulus .
To Democrats , there ’ s no time like the present to squeeze Uncle Sam hard for more sugar , especially since no one knows how daunting this fall ’ s expected “ second wave ” of COVID might be for the states .
Better to supply them now .
Dems want $ 915 billion , reportedly ; Pelosi claims the White House is countering with $ 150 billion .
I don ’ t know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Neither does the White House , which is why we are where we are with Trump preparing executive orders : Here are Mnuchin and Meadows this afternoon after another disappointing meeting followed by Pelosi going for the throat on CNBC yesterday .

I disliked it when Obama used congressional inaction as a license for “creative” executive action and I dislike that Trump’s doing it now, but there’s no disputing that it’s good politics in this case. The GOP tends to take the blame among voters whenever Democrats and Republicans clash on spending, as most Americans rarely want to tighten Uncle Sam’s belt. (They’ll say that they do in the abstract but ask them about specific programs and see what happens.) That’s enormously risky in the context of the coronavirus stimulus stalemate, partly because the election is so near and partly because life is so precarious for so many Americans right now. If all federal lifelines are cut because Pelosi and the White House can’t reach a deal and swing voters conclude that the GOP’s being stingy — or, more likely, that whoever’s in the White House is responsible for whatever the federal government does or doesn’t do — then the party’s facing a bloodbath. The bottom could drop out of Trump’s polling.
He has to do something to prove to voters that he’s using every weapon at his disposal to keep them afloat, even if Pelosi can’t be bothered to compromise. So that’s what he’s going to do, according to Steve Mnuchin and Mark Meadows after another go-nowhere negotiation with Pelosi and Schumer this afternoon. Even if his executive orders are challenged in court, he’ll probably benefit politically from being seen as fighting to keep benefits flowing to struggling Americans.
He’s looking to do four things. First, keep beefed-up federal unemployment benefits going, even if it requires redirecting funds from other programs. Second, a moratorium on evictions for tenants who live in homes with federally backed mortgages. Third, some sort of delay in collecting student-loan payments. And fourth, cutting — or rather, deferring — collection of payroll taxes. All of this could get very messy.
If Trump orders the Internal Revenue Service to temporarily pause collecting payroll taxes, companies will still be responsible for making those payments later. The president can’t unilaterally cut taxes, so Congress would need to forgive those payments before they come due — something that is far from certain in a divided Congress where even Republicans have been resistant to a payroll tax cut… Employers are required to withhold and submit payroll levies on behalf of their workers. That makes them more likely to hang onto that money so they aren’t stuck trying to get it back from staff if the bill comes due. In that event, many wouldn’t even have seen relief, because the money wouldn’t ever have reached their paychecks. With expanded unemployment benefits, Trump likely would have to redirect money that is already allocated for states and comes with directions from Congress about how to spend it that are sufficiently broad. Federal law requires the administration to spend only the money that Congress has authorized, regardless of what an executive order says.
Pelosi has said that she’s fine with Trump halting evictions but anything involving cash has to come from Congress, since they have the power of the purse. If Trump can start moving money around unilaterally then Pelosi’s leverage in negotiations would weaken considerably and Trump might enjoy a political bonanza from grateful voters.
It’s clear enough what the topline of a final deal will look like. Democrats want something in excess of $3 trillion but have reportedly been willing to come down to the $2 trillion range, with the proviso that nothing less than that can pass the House or the Senate if McConnell needs Democratic votes. (And he does. Lots of them.) The White House wants something in the $1 trillion range but is willing to come up, with the proviso that probably nothing more than $2 trillion can pass the Republican-controlled Senate. So we’re headed for a $2 trillion or so package. When it comes to the fine print, Pelosi’s been adamant about keeping $600/week unemployment benefits going but the White House is reportedly pushing for something more like $400/week. Do I hear $500?
The parties remain very far apart on aid to state and local governments, though. Ten days ago Mnuchin’s Treasury Department issued a report noting that most of the money appropriated for local government in the last round of coronavirus stimulus remains unspent. Just $34 billion of the $139 billion disbursed to date has been used for costs. Local governments claim that they’re hamstrung because federal regulations tightly restrict how they can spend the money, which has forced them to cut their budgets. To the GOP, the fact that states still are still sitting on cash they haven’t used is reason enough not to go big again in this new round of stimulus. To Democrats, there’s no time like the present to squeeze Uncle Sam hard for more sugar, especially since no one knows how daunting this fall’s expected “second wave” of COVID might be for the states. Better to supply them now. Dems want $915 billion, reportedly; Pelosi claims the White House is countering with $150 billion.
I don’t know how that gap’s going to close. Neither does the White House, which is why we are where we are with Trump preparing executive orders:
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1291842540023558146
Here are Mnuchin and Meadows this afternoon after another disappointing meeting followed by Pelosi going for the throat on CNBC yesterday.
#BREAKING: Sec. Steven Mnuchin, Mark Meadows will recommend President Trump to move ahead with executive orders on rent, student loans, unemployment: "We agree with the Speaker this is not the first choice but people have run out of the enhanced unemployment." pic.twitter.com/VY9zqG54Rx — The Hill (@thehill) August 7, 2020


hotair--2020-08-07--Counterintelligence official: China and Iran want Trump to lose, Russia wants Biden to lose

William R. Evanina is the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center .
Two weeks ago he published a warning that China , Iran and Russia were all looking to influence the 2020 election : The intelligence warning on Friday did not accuse the Chinese of trying to hack the vote ; instead it said they were using their influence “ to shape the policy environment in the United States ” and to pressure politicians “ it views as opposed to China ’ s interests.
” Russia , the warning said , was continuing to “ spread disinformation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in our democratic process , ” and it described Iran as an emerging actor in election interference , seeking to spread disinformation and “ recirculating anti-U.S. content.
” At the time , Democrats in Congress warned that Evanina ’ s warning , “ does not go nearly far enough in arming the American people with the knowledge they need about how foreign powers are seeking to influence our political process.
” Pelosi reportedly “ chastised ” Evanina for not being more specific .
Today , Evanina released a statement which is much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that China and Iran both want Trump to lose the election and Russia wants Joe Biden to lose .
• None CHINA – We assess that China prefers that President Trump – whom Beijing sees as unpredictable – does not win reelection .
China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States , pressure political figures it views as opposed to China ’ s interests , and deflect and counter criticism of China .
Although China will continue to weigh the risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public rhetoric over the past few months has grown increasingly critical of the current Administration ’ s COVID-19 response , closure of China ’ s Houston Consulate , and actions on other issues .
For example , it has harshly criticized the Administration ’ s statements and actions on Hong Kong , TikTok , the legal status of the South China Sea , and China ’ s efforts to dominate the 5G market .
Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race .
• None RUSSIA – We assess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia “ establishment.
” This is consistent with Moscow ’ s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration ’ s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia .
For example , pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption – including through publicizing leaked phone calls – to undermine former Vice President Biden ’ s candidacy and the Democratic Party .
Some Kremlin-linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s candidacy on social media and Russian television .
• None IRAN – We assess that Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions , President Trump , and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections .
Iran ’ s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence , such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content .
Tehran ’ s motivation to conduct such activities is , in part , driven by a perception that President Trump ’ s reelection would result in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an effort to foment regime change .
In a story about the partisan battle over the intelligence , CNN reports that Democrats have been pushing for a clearer statement that Russia is working against Joe Biden : Democrats are making the case that intelligence reviewed by members of Congress and both campaigns adds up to a broader Russian interference effort intended to damage Biden ’ s candidacy and , in turn , help President Donald Trump .
However , Republicans argue that there is not clear evidence that foreign actors seeking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one candidate over the other .
Meanwhile , intelligence officials caught in the middle see both sides playing partisan games : It ’ s not hard to see what Pelosi and the Democrats were hoping for here .
They learned that Russia is working against Biden and they wanted a “ neutral ” statement from the IC emphasizing that fact so they could once again play the Russian influence card against Trump .
To get it they put pressure on Evanina to release a more detailed statement .
And now they have it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they wanted .
Today ’ s press release will allow them to claim that Russia appears to support Trump ’ s reelection but only at the cost of acknowledging China ( and Iran ) would prefer Joe Biden .
We spent two years investigating the Trump campaign ’ s collusion with Russia .
Ultimately the Democratic push to drive that investigation into the news every day for years has arguably done a lot more damage to American ’ s confidence in the system than anything Russia actually did .
My guess is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play the Russia card loudly and often and will pretend the rest of today ’ s press release doesn ’ t exist .
And the media will mostly let them get away with it because it ’ s election season and most of them are progressives who , like China , want to see Trump lose .

William R. Evanina is the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center. Two weeks ago he published a warning that China, Iran and Russia were all looking to influence the 2020 election:
The intelligence warning on Friday did not accuse the Chinese of trying to hack the vote; instead it said they were using their influence “to shape the policy environment in the United States” and to pressure politicians “it views as opposed to China’s interests.” Russia, the warning said, was continuing to “spread disinformation in the U.S. that is designed to undermine confidence in our democratic process,” and it described Iran as an emerging actor in election interference, seeking to spread disinformation and “recirculating anti-U.S. content.”
At the time, Democrats in Congress warned that Evanina’s warning, “does not go nearly far enough in arming the American people with the knowledge they need about how foreign powers are seeking to influence our political process.” Pelosi reportedly “chastised” Evanina for not being more specific.
Today, Evanina released a statement which is much more direct. In it he says that China and Iran both want Trump to lose the election and Russia wants Joe Biden to lose.
Many foreign actors have a preference for who wins the election, which they express through a range of overt and private statements; covert influence efforts are rarer. We are primarily concerned about the ongoing and potential activity by China, Russia, and Iran.
CHINA – We assess that China prefers that President Trump – whom Beijing sees as unpredictable – does not win reelection. China has been expanding its influence efforts ahead of November 2020 to shape the policy environment in the United States, pressure political figures it views as opposed to China’s interests, and deflect and counter criticism of China. Although China will continue to weigh the risks and benefits of aggressive action, its public rhetoric over the past few months has grown increasingly critical of the current Administration’s COVID-19 response, closure of China’s Houston Consulate, and actions on other issues. For example, it has harshly criticized the Administration’s statements and actions on Hong Kong, TikTok, the legal status of the South China Sea, and China’s efforts to dominate the 5G market. Beijing recognizes that all of these efforts might affect the presidential race.
RUSSIA – We assess that Russia is using a range of measures to primarily denigrate former Vice President Biden and what it sees as an anti-Russia “establishment.” This is consistent with Moscow’s public criticism of him when he was Vice President for his role in the Obama Administration’s policies on Ukraine and its support for the anti-Putin opposition inside Russia. For example, pro-Russia Ukrainian parliamentarian Andriy Derkach is spreading claims about corruption – including through publicizing leaked phone calls – to undermine former Vice President Biden’s candidacy and the Democratic Party. Some Kremlin-linked actors are also seeking to boost President Trump’s candidacy on social media and Russian television.
IRAN – We assess that Iran seeks to undermine U.S. democratic institutions, President Trump, and to divide the country in advance of the 2020 elections. Iran’s efforts along these lines probably will focus on on-line influence, such as spreading disinformation on social media and recirculating anti-U.S. content. Tehran’s motivation to conduct such activities is, in part, driven by a perception that President Trump’s reelection would result in a continuation of U.S. pressure on Iran in an effort to foment regime change.
In a story about the partisan battle over the intelligence, CNN reports that Democrats have been pushing for a clearer statement that Russia is working against Joe Biden:
Democrats are making the case that intelligence reviewed by members of Congress and both campaigns adds up to a broader Russian interference effort intended to damage Biden’s candidacy and, in turn, help President Donald Trump. However, Republicans argue that there is not clear evidence that foreign actors seeking to interfere in the 2020 race, prefer one candidate over the other.
Meanwhile, intelligence officials caught in the middle see both sides playing partisan games:
Intelligence and law enforcement officials familiar with the briefings have expressed frustration that some lawmakers have sought to politicize the information. Some Republicans appeared to downplay information related to foreign interference while some Democrats homed-in only on information related to Russia, the officials say.
It’s not hard to see what Pelosi and the Democrats were hoping for here. They learned that Russia is working against Biden and they wanted a “neutral” statement from the IC emphasizing that fact so they could once again play the Russian influence card against Trump. To get it they put pressure on Evanina to release a more detailed statement. And now they have it though I doubt it’s what they wanted. Today’s press release will allow them to claim that Russia appears to support Trump’s reelection but only at the cost of acknowledging China (and Iran) would prefer Joe Biden.
We spent two years investigating the Trump campaign’s collusion with Russia. Ultimately the Democratic push to drive that investigation into the news every day for years has arguably done a lot more damage to American’s confidence in the system than anything Russia actually did.
My guess is that Democrats, having no shame, will play the Russia card loudly and often and will pretend the rest of today’s press release doesn’t exist. And the media will mostly let them get away with it because it’s election season and most of them are progressives who, like China, want to see Trump lose.


hotair--2020-08-07--Georgia student un-suspended after photo of crowded HS hallway went viral

That ’ s at North Paulding High School in Georgia , where the statewide COVID positivity rate has been north of 10 percent since late June .
Just because the state ’ s epidemic is still churning doesn ’ t mean the situation at the school is bad , though , right ?
Well , turns out there ’ s an outbreak on the football team , who had worked out together indoors a week before the diagnoses .
Parents were notified just hours before the first day of class , says BuzzFeed .
Some members of the school staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number was still unknown as of two days ago .
Why are they operating in business-as-usual mode under those circumstances ?
At least kids are wearing masks .
Except , no , they ’ re not : The school district has made mask-wearing a “ personal choice ” for students even though , by its own admission , social distancing in the building isn ’ t always possible .
And if you ’ re thinking that families who are worried can always opt for remote learning instead , nope , also not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ slots ” reserved for that filled up quickly .
( Why are there “ slots ” for a virtual experience ?
Isn ’ t capacity limitless ? )
Everyone else either has to show up in person or face suspension/expulsion .
Just to make things a little more onerous and the school ’ s PR fiasco a little more nightmarish , Hannah Watters , the student who snapped the pic of an ominously crowded hallway , was slapped with a suspension for violating rules against using smart phones during school hours and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And in case that wasn ’ t enough of a lesson to the student body not to make trouble for administrators , “ On Wednesday , an intercom announcement at the school from principal Gabe Carmona said any student found criticizing the school on social media could face discipline.
” News that a kid was being punished for exposing a dangerous situation at a public school brought out lawyers on social media rattling their legal sabers about First Amendment violations .
And so , inevitably , Watters has been un-suspended : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter alleging that the photo Watters took was misleading , with some justification .
Kids have to be able to move around the building when a period ends and they head off to their next class .
Lingering in a crowded hallway would be bad .
Passing each other quickly en route to class is … not optimal , but unavoidable .
But that doesn ’ t answer the other objection .
Where are the masks ?
There ’ s no practical way to enforce a mandate across the general public , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities might be able to ensure higher compliance , it ’ s at school .
Make masks mandatory on pain of detention or some other form of discipline if a student is caught without one .
Kids will still cheat when they think no one ’ s looking but at least they ’ ll wear the masks when someone is .
Saying there ’ s no way to enforce a mandate to wear a mask is like saying there ’ s no way to enforce a mandate against bringing drugs onto school grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be broken too .
Is that a reason not to have it in the first place ?
Should kids also consider wearing pants optional since there ’ s no practical way to enforce a pants mandate either ?
Read Avik Roy ’ s new op-ed at the WSJ making the case for reopening most schools .
Experiences this year in Europe and beyond suggest that it can be done reasonably safely for younger children , Roy notes .
That jibes with a recent South Korean study suggesting that younger kids are less infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age , though , things start to get dicey .
Says Roy , “ The Israeli experience , along with a recent outbreak at a Georgia summer camp , suggest that while high-schoolers themselves are at little risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19 , they are capable of serving as reservoirs of the virus and of transmission to adults , particularly when infection rates are high.
” By “ the Israeli experience , ” he means this : Confident it had beaten the coronavirus and desperate to reboot a devastated economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student body back in late May… The virus rippled out to the students ’ homes and then to other schools and neighborhoods , ultimately infecting hundreds of students , teachers and relatives .
Other outbreaks forced hundreds of schools to close .
Across the country , tens of thousands of students and teachers were quarantined… “ They definitely should not do what we have done , ” said Eli Waxman , a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science and chairman of the team advising Israel ’ s National Security Council on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure.
” We ’ re definitely going to do what they did — not nationwide , perhaps , but certainly many school districts where community case counts are low will end up trying to get back to normal too quickly .
That was Israel ’ s fatal mistake , per the Times : “ The lesson , experts say , is that even communities that have gotten the spread of the virus under control need to take strict precautions when reopening schools .
Smaller classes , mask wearing , keeping desks six feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , are likely to be crucial until a vaccine is available.
” That ’ s not what we ’ re seeing at North Paulding High and not what we ’ re going to be seeing at a lot of other American schools .
But let ’ s go ahead and reopen anyway , because if one thing is clear from America ’ s pandemic experience thus far it ’ s that we only learn lessons the hard way .
Get all of the schools open as soon as possible , seed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t magically immune , and then we ’ ll all huddle and figure out a Plan B in late September or early October .
I ’ m guessing Plan B is just going to be a raft of parents yanking their kids out of class and switching to some on-the-fly method of homeschooling :

Not great:
Day two at North Paulding High School. It is just as bad. We were stopped because it was jammed. We are close enough to the point where I got pushed multiple go to second block. This is not ok. Not to mention the 10% mask rate. pic.twitter.com/JKbGYqG9RS — hannah (@ihateiceman) August 4, 2020
This is what it looks like even with split dismissal. pic.twitter.com/erCA2lhOUb — hannah (@ihateiceman) August 4, 2020
That’s at North Paulding High School in Georgia, where the statewide COVID positivity rate has been north of 10 percent since late June. Just because the state’s epidemic is still churning doesn’t mean the situation at the school is bad, though, right? Well, turns out there’s an outbreak on the football team, who had worked out together indoors a week before the diagnoses. Parents were notified just hours before the first day of class, says BuzzFeed. Some members of the school staff have reportedly tested positive as well although the number was still unknown as of two days ago.
Why are they operating in business-as-usual mode under those circumstances?
At least kids are wearing masks. Except, no, they’re not: The school district has made mask-wearing a “personal choice” for students even though, by its own admission, social distancing in the building isn’t always possible. And if you’re thinking that families who are worried can always opt for remote learning instead, nope, also not true. Per BuzzFeed, all the “slots” reserved for that filled up quickly. (Why are there “slots” for a virtual experience? Isn’t capacity limitless?) Everyone else either has to show up in person or face suspension/expulsion.
Just to make things a little more onerous and the school’s PR fiasco a little more nightmarish, Hannah Watters, the student who snapped the pic of an ominously crowded hallway, was slapped with a suspension for violating rules against using smart phones during school hours and taking people’s photos without permission. And in case that wasn’t enough of a lesson to the student body not to make trouble for administrators, “On Wednesday, an intercom announcement at the school from principal Gabe Carmona said any student found criticizing the school on social media could face discipline.”
News that a kid was being punished for exposing a dangerous situation at a public school brought out lawyers on social media rattling their legal sabers about First Amendment violations. And so, inevitably, Watters has been un-suspended:
This morning my school called and they have deleted my suspension. To everyone supporting me, I can’t thank you enough. If I’m not responding it’s because my life has been somewhat crazy the past few days. Once again thank you. ❤ — hannah (@ihateiceman) August 7, 2020
The school’s superintendent put out a letter alleging that the photo Watters took was misleading, with some justification. Kids have to be able to move around the building when a period ends and they head off to their next class. Lingering in a crowded hallway would be bad. Passing each other quickly en route to class is … not optimal, but unavoidable. But that doesn’t answer the other objection. Where are the masks?
Masks are not required at the school, Mr. Otott said, though the administration strongly encourages them for students and staff members. “Wearing a mask is a personal choice, and there is no practical way to enforce a mandate to wear them,” he wrote, adding that more than 2,000 students attend the high school.
There’s no practical way to enforce a mandate across the general public, but if ever there were a place where authorities might be able to ensure higher compliance, it’s at school. Make masks mandatory on pain of detention or some other form of discipline if a student is caught without one. Kids will still cheat when they think no one’s looking but at least they’ll wear the masks when someone is. Saying there’s no way to enforce a mandate to wear a mask is like saying there’s no way to enforce a mandate against bringing drugs onto school grounds. That rule’s going to be broken too. Is that a reason not to have it in the first place?
Should kids also consider wearing pants optional since there’s no practical way to enforce a pants mandate either?
Read Avik Roy’s new op-ed at the WSJ making the case for reopening most schools. Experiences this year in Europe and beyond suggest that it can be done reasonably safely for younger children, Roy notes. That jibes with a recent South Korean study suggesting that younger kids are less infectious. Among those Hannah Watters’s age, though, things start to get dicey. Says Roy, “The Israeli experience, along with a recent outbreak at a Georgia summer camp, suggest that while high-schoolers themselves are at little risk of severe illness or death from Covid-19, they are capable of serving as reservoirs of the virus and of transmission to adults, particularly when infection rates are high.” By “the Israeli experience,” he means this:
Confident it had beaten the coronavirus and desperate to reboot a devastated economy, the Israeli government invited the entire student body back in late May… The virus rippled out to the students’ homes and then to other schools and neighborhoods, ultimately infecting hundreds of students, teachers and relatives. Other outbreaks forced hundreds of schools to close. Across the country, tens of thousands of students and teachers were quarantined… “They definitely should not do what we have done,” said Eli Waxman, a professor at the Weizmann Institute of Science and chairman of the team advising Israel’s National Security Council on the pandemic. “It was a major failure.”
We’re definitely going to do what they did — not nationwide, perhaps, but certainly many school districts where community case counts are low will end up trying to get back to normal too quickly. That was Israel’s fatal mistake, per the Times: “The lesson, experts say, is that even communities that have gotten the spread of the virus under control need to take strict precautions when reopening schools. Smaller classes, mask wearing, keeping desks six feet apart and providing adequate ventilation, they say, are likely to be crucial until a vaccine is available.”
That’s not what we’re seeing at North Paulding High and not what we’re going to be seeing at a lot of other American schools. But let’s go ahead and reopen anyway, because if one thing is clear from America’s pandemic experience thus far it’s that we only learn lessons the hard way. Get all of the schools open as soon as possible, seed the outbreaks to prove to people that kids aren’t magically immune, and then we’ll all huddle and figure out a Plan B in late September or early October. I’m guessing Plan B is just going to be a raft of parents yanking their kids out of class and switching to some on-the-fly method of homeschooling:
Here’s Watters with a John Lewis reference for CNN’s viewers.