Tuesday, April 03, 2018 7:44:04 PM
Death to Drug Dealers: Trump Threatens to Ramp Up Drug War, Praising Efforts in Philippines & China
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Democracy Now! [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzuqE7-t13O4NIDYJfakrhw / https://www.youtube.com/user/democracynow , https://www.youtube.com/user/democracynow/videos ]
President Trump has reiterated his calls for the U.S. to impose the death penalty on drug dealers, praising countries like the Philippines, China and Singapore that apply capital punishment to drug traffickers. During a speech on Saturday, Trump recounted conversations with Chinese and Singaporean leaders who, he said, solved their countries’ drug problems by executing drug traffickers. Trump has also repeatedly expressed admiration for Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and said he’s done an “unbelievable job on the drug problem.” Last month, the International Criminal Court opened a preliminary investigation into accusations that Duterte had committed crimes against humanity by overseeing the killing of up to 8,000 people in his so-called war on drugs. We speak to Widney Brown, the managing director of policy at the Drug Policy Alliance [ http://www.drugpolicy.org/ ].
https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/12/death_to_drug_dealers_trump_threatens [with embedded video, and transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqNw_SMrIQA [with comments]
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Overthrow: 100 Years of U.S. Meddling & Regime Change, from Iran to Nicaragua to Hawaii to Cuba
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Democracy Now!
As special counsel Robert Mueller continues his probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, we take a look back at Washington’s record of meddling in elections across the globe. By one count, the United States has interfered in more than 80 foreign elections between 1946 and 2000. And that doesn’t count U.S.-backed coups and invasions. We speak to former New York Times reporter Stephen Kinzer, author of “Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq [ https://www.amazon.com/Overthrow-Americas-Century-Regime-Change/dp/0805082409 ].”
https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/12/100_years_of_us_interference_regime [with embedded video, and transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9Q19QJpJ4s [with comments]
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As Ex-CIA Head Admits to U.S. Meddling in Elections, Is Outrage over Russian Interference Overblown?
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Democracy Now!
Former CIA Director James Woolsey recently admitted the U.S. meddles in overseas elections. During an interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News, Woolsey laughed about it and said the U.S. takes such action “only for a very good cause.” Woolsey made the comments shortly after 13 Russians were indicted for interfering with the U.S. election. We speak to former New York Times reporter Stephen Kinzer, author of “Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq [ https://www.amazon.com/Overthrow-Americas-Century-Regime-Change/dp/0805082409 ].”
https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/12/as_ex_cia_head_admits_to [with embedded video, and transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LRArfyjK1Y [with comments]
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Notice Regarding the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Iran
Issued on: March 12, 2018
On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Iran to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran. On May 6, 1995, the President issued Executive Order 12959, imposing more comprehensive sanctions on Iran to further respond to this threat. On August 19, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13059, consolidating and clarifying those earlier orders. The President took additional steps pursuant to this national emergency through Executive Order 13553 of September 28, 2010, Executive Order 13574 of May 23, 2011, Executive Order 13590 of November 20, 2011, Executive Order 13599 of February 5, 2012, Executive Order 13606 of April 22, 2012, Executive Order 13608 of May 1, 2012, Executive Order 13622 of July 30, 2012, Executive Order 13628 of October 9, 2012, and Executive Order 13645 of June 3, 2013.
On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and Iran agreed to a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful. On January 16, 2016, Implementation Day under the JCPOA, the United States lifted nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, by terminating a number of Executive Orders that had been issued pursuant to this national emergency and by taking other actions. Though these measures constitute a significant change in our sanctions posture, comprehensive non-nuclear-related sanctions with respect to Iran remain in place.
Actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including its development of ballistic missiles, support for international terrorism, and human rights abuses continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2018. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12957. The emergency declared by Executive Order 12957 constitutes an emergency separate from that declared on November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170, in connection with the hostage crisis. This renewal, therefore, is distinct from the emergency renewal of November 2017.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/notice-regarding-continuation-national-emergency-respect-iran-2/
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Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate
Issued on: March 12, 2018
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to Iran that was declared on March 15, 1995, is to continue in effect beyond March 15, 2018.
On January 16, 2016, Implementation Day under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the United States lifted nuclear-related sanctions on Iran consistent with its commitments under the JCPOA, through termination of a number of Executive Orders that had been issued pursuant to this national emergency and other actions. Although these measures significantly changed our sanctions posture, comprehensive non-nuclear-related sanctions with respect to Iran remain in place.
Actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including its development of ballistic missiles, support for international terrorism, and human rights abuses continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
For these reasons, I have determined it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat.
Sincerely,
DONALD J. TRUMP
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/text-letter-president-speaker-house-representatives-president-senate-19/
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Full Show - Congressman Warns BOTH Parties’ Gun Control Trojan Horse - 03/12/2018
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Real News with David Knight [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC1L9FOMSaPgMyoLSnps47g , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC1L9FOMSaPgMyoLSnps47g/videos ]
12Mar18 Broadcast
Democrats are building their party platform around abolishing ICE & 2nd Amendment and former CIA & intel operatives are running for office as Democrats, outnumbering lawyers, state & local politicians and wealthy individuals. Then, the Florida legislature and government pass gun control measures in response to the Parkland shooting and Trump’s plan is revealed as a congressman warns of a legislative trick from BOTH parties. And, Joel Skousen is skeptical of the North Korean peace talks and talks about personal preparation.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8LF6JIq968 [with comments] [also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9Rug0qJok (with comments)]
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Presidential Order Regarding the Proposed Takeover of Qualcomm Incorporated by Broadcom Limited
Issued on: March 12, 2018
Upon review of a recommendation from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and consideration, as appropriate, of the factors set forth in the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, the President has made relevant findings and issued the following Order:
ORDER
REGARDING THE PROPOSED TAKEOVER OF QUALCOMM INCORPORATED BY BROADCOM LIMITED
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (section 721), 50 U.S.C. 4565, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Findings. (a) There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that Broadcom Limited, a limited company organized under the laws of Singapore (Broadcom), along with its partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates, including Broadcom Corporation, a California corporation, and Broadcom Cayman L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership, and their partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates (together, the Purchaser), through exercising control of Qualcomm Incorporated (Qualcomm), a Delaware corporation, might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States; and
(b) Provisions of law, other than section 721 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), do not, in my judgment, provide adequate and appropriate authority for me to protect the national security in this matter.
Sec. 2. Actions Ordered and Authorized. On the basis of the findings set forth in section 1 of this order, considering the factors described in subsection 721(f) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as appropriate, and pursuant to my authority under applicable law, including section 721, I hereby order that:
(a) The proposed takeover of Qualcomm by the Purchaser is prohibited, and any substantially equivalent merger, acquisition, or takeover, whether effected directly or indirectly, is also prohibited.
(b) All 15 individuals listed as potential candidates on the Form of Blue Proxy Card filed by Broadcom and Broadcom Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2018 (together, the Candidates), are hereby disqualified from standing for election as directors of Qualcomm. Qualcomm is prohibited from accepting the nomination of or votes for any of the Candidates.
(c) The Purchaser shall uphold its proxy commitments to those Qualcomm stockholders who have returned their final proxies to the Purchaser, to the extent consistent with this order.
(d) Qualcomm shall hold its annual stockholder meeting no later than 10 days following the written notice of the meeting provided to stockholders under Delaware General Corporation Law, Title 8, Chapter 1, Subchapter VII, section 222(b), and that notice shall be provided as soon as possible.
(e) The Purchaser and Qualcomm shall immediately and permanently abandon the proposed takeover. Immediately upon completion of all steps necessary to terminate the proposed takeover of Qualcomm, the Purchaser and Qualcomm shall certify in writing to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) that such termination has been effected in accordance with this order and that all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed takeover of Qualcomm have been completed.
(f) From the date of this order until the Purchaser and Qualcomm provide a certification of termination of the proposed takeover to CFIUS pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, the Purchaser and Qualcomm shall certify to CFIUS on a weekly basis that they are in compliance with this order and include a description of efforts to fully and permanently abandon the proposed takeover of Qualcomm and a timeline for projected completion of remaining actions.
(g) Any transaction or other device entered into or employed for the purpose of, or with the effect of, avoiding or circumventing this order is prohibited.
(h) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements, the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements.
(i) This order supersedes the Interim Order issued by CFIUS on March 4, 2018.
(j) The Attorney General is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce this order.
Sec. 3. Reservation. I hereby reserve my authority to issue further orders with respect to the Purchaser and Qualcomm as shall in my judgment be necessary to protect the national security of the United States.
Sec. 4. Publication and Transmittal. (a) This order shall be published in the Federal Register.
(b) I hereby direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a copy of this order to Qualcomm and Broadcom.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 12, 2018.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-order-regarding-proposed-takeover-qualcomm-incorporated-broadcom-limited/
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March 12: Gutting Dodd-Frank, risking another financial disaster
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by ThinkProgress [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYdasX3ym3E5r1iozVllmzA , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYdasX3ym3E5r1iozVllmzA/videos ]
Editor-in-chief Judd Legum and reporter Alan Pyke discuss the effort to roll back Dodd-Frank, the sweeping reforms put in place to stop another financial crisis like 2008 from happening again. The Republican bill is likely to pass with significant Democratic support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpEtnlHqJjw [no comments yet]
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The one thing GOP and Dems agree on could lead to the next financial crisis
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by ThinkProgress
Dodd-Frank was put into law in 2010 to protect the U.S. economy from experiencing another devastating crisis like the one in 2008. Eight years later, Senate Banking Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) aims to roll those regulations back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXTRJcz40n0 [no comments yet]
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What Barney Frank Really Thinks About The Rollback Of Dodd-Frank (HBO)
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by VICE News [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZaT_X_mc0BI-djXOlfhqWQ / https://www.youtube.com/user/vicenews , https://www.youtube.com/user/vicenews/videos ]
The Senate is on the verge of passing a bill that will weaken Dodd-Frank, the landmark 2010 banking reform law. If passed, the new bill will exempt midsize banks with less than $250 billion in assets from strict regulatory scrutiny, and loosen some rules on small banks. It’s a Republican bill, but it’s also being supported by more than a dozen Democratic senators.
VICE News spoke to former congressman Barney Frank, the architect of Dodd-Frank, about what the new bill means, why some Democrats are supporting it, and how the original bill he helped write is holding up almost a decade after it was signed into law.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NUlVA8dT5A [with comments]
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Life in Louisiana: Aaron Brent
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Southern Poverty Law Center [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqloayL-p1TP4Ed_fr53CA / https://www.youtube.com/user/SPLCenter , https://www.youtube.com/user/SPLCenter/videos ]
Aaron Brent arrived in Angola when he was 19 years old.
He is now 60 years old.
He is serving life in Louisiana.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViB0zOw4lrI [comments disabled] [and see also in particular (linked in) https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=139543935 and preceding and following (earlier this string)]
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Freethought Matters: Larry Decker, Executive Director Of Secular Coalition
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by FFRF [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28jWiP7HV6mBBW3C8AXuEg / https://www.youtube.com/user/FFRForg , https://www.youtube.com/user/FFRForg/videos ]
Larry T. Decker has spent nearly two decades in Washington, D.C. as a government relations professional in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. On Dec. 29, 2015, Decker was appointed by the Board of Directors to the position of executive director of the Secular Coalition for America. Prior to joining the Secular Coalition, Decker has a long history in Washington.
Decker served as the director of Public Policy for Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. During his time at the Global Fund, Decker secured more than $1 billion in federal appropriations for the Global Fund during a period of economic austerity. He successfully executed an outreach and education campaign to meet with all new Republican members of Congress following the 2010 midterm elections in an effort to ensure an understanding of the devastating consequences of cutting U.S. support to the Global Fund.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2239BklfuOk [with comments]
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Full Show - EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Robinson Talks About Taking On Ten ANTIFA At Once - 03/12/2018
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Alex Jones Channel [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsye7V9psc-APX6wV1twLg / https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAlexJonesChannel , https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAlexJonesChannel/videos ]
Monday, March 12th 2018: Musk to Mars! - Alex Jones breaks down how Tesla founder Elon Musk announced a plan to send a space vehicle to Mars as soon as next year with the ultimate goal involving planting seeds on the surface and establishing a human colony. Also, President Trump looks to individual states to decide gun purchase age restrictions. Mike Adams of NaturalNews.com breaks down internet censorship. Then, joining today's conversation, is British free speech activist Tommy Robinson to discuss UK's Orwellian censorship laws and his epic battle with ten masked ANTIFA thugs on his own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNSc8SPT41E [with comments] [also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbwJFzPllCU (additional text adapted from; with comments)] [a must-watch]
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RWW News: Alex Jones Claims The BBC Is 'A Giant Pedophile Cult'
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by RWW Blog [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXqRHe8n1TX5iDvkLS62rw / https://www.youtube.com/user/RWWBlog , https://www.youtube.com/user/RWWBlog/videos ]
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/alex-jones-claims-the-bbc-is-a-giant-pedophile-cult/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a59DlnPkXDg [with comments]
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Infowars conspiracy theory: Ties Sadiq Khan to Austin bombings
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by MMFA Alt. Channel [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PhjTobwRndMIUs8uA3vkg / https://www.youtube.com/user/MMFAalt1 , https://www.youtube.com/user/MMFAalt1/videos ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s58P1FndhHY [comments disabled]
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RWW News: Jerome Corsi Claims Trump Personally Ordered Intel Be Leaked To 8Chan
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by RWW Blog
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/jerome-corsi-trump-personally-selected-8chan-for-leaking-intel-about-the-storm/
[from March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Iz5ZWBOAo [with comments]
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New Testament errors {Doctrine of inerrancy debunked}
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Emperor Atheist [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCb4gMGQjON4h3ZmjvVwYbw , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCb4gMGQjON4h3ZmjvVwYbw/videos ]
Emperor Atheist discussing the doctrine of inerrancy in the New testament and how the texts are contradictory especially for those who agree with the Alexandrian texts.
Matthew 27:49 – the Alexandrian Text and Inerrancy
Matthew 27:49 is among the passages where a textual variant occurs which has the potential to impact doctrine – specifically, the doctrine of inerrancy. The doctrine that the texts of the Old and New Testament, as originally produced, are inerrant, is not something that a person has to believe in order to be saved. But many people consider it a doctrine that is important to maintain the health of the church. So let’s look into this.
Major Alexandrian witnesses for Matthew, including Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, contain more in this verse. They say (in Greek, of course), “And another took a spear and pierced his side, and out came water and blood.” Notice that this is reported, in the Alexandrian Text of Matthew, to occur before the death of Christ in 27:50.
Compare this to John 19:28-35. John explicitly says that Jesus was pierced after He died; John 19:35 makes a special point of saying that he is right about this. But the Alexandrian reading in Mt. 27:49 says that Jesus was pierced right before He died.
Modern versions such as the NIV and ESV are based primarily on a compilation of the Alexandrian Text; Byzantine readings are adopted in their base-texts as a last resort. (Clear exceptions are the NKJV - based on the TR - and the WEB and EMTV - based on the Byzantine Text.) Even when Vaticanus and Sinaiticus stand alone, modern versions still tend to adopt their readings. For example, NIV-translator Craig Blomberg has recently conveyed that if it wasn’t for the fuss that would be raised by KJV-Onlyists, Mark 16:9-20 would be gone. (As it is, the NIV’s treatment of Mark 16:9-20 is problematic, but I don’t want to spend much time criticizing the NIV because my criticisms might be obsolete tomorrow, as the NIV changes and changes.) Daniel Wallace has also said, iirc, that he’s considering removing Mark 16:9-20 from the text of the NET. To do so would be to adopt a reading that disagrees with all extant Greek manuscripts except for Vaticanus and Sinaiticus.
But that can’t happen in the case of Matthew 27:49. It cannot happen, I say, because the Alexandrian reading of Mt. 27:49 is attested in more than two Greek manuscripts. It is in Vaticanus and Sinaiticus and, if my information is correct, it is also attested in Codices C, L, U, and Gamma, plus more than 30 minuscules and several Latin copies. (Also, in the early 500’s, Severus of Antioch addressed this variant.) So we have a situation in which an Alexandrian reading is favored at Mark 16 where only two Greek MSS clearly display it, but an Alexandrian reading is being rejected at Mt. 27:49 where those same two Greek manuscipts (the “oldest and most reliable,” according to some footnotes), and other manuscripts, attest it.
I have to emphasize, again, that Sinaiticus has this Alexandrian reading. If you visit the Codex Sinaiticus website and consult the English translation provided there, it will give you a different impression. The actual reading in the manuscript is not translated; only the usual part is provided. But if you look at the manuscript-image itself, or read the Greek transcript, there is the Alexandrian reading, plain as day.
Now, before we begin to analyze the Alexandrian Text of Matthew 27:49, can we agree that it would, if adopted into the text, pose a problem for the doctrine of inerrancy? Read carefully the account in Matthew 27, and the parallel in John 19. Does anyone here think that the Alexandrian Text’s version of events in Matthew 27, and the version of events in John 19, can both be inerrant?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-PsywM876A [with comments]
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Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada
Issued on: March 12, 2018
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada regarding the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum that the President announced last week. President Trump emphasized the importance of quickly concluding the ongoing NAFTA negotiations to ensure the vitality of United States and North American manufacturing industries and to protect the economic and national security of the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/readout-president-donald-j-trumps-call-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-canada-5/
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WATCH: President Trump hosts 2017 World Series champions Houston Astros
Streamed live on Mar 12, 2018 by PBS NewsHour [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ZFN9Tx6xh-skXCuRHCDpQ / https://www.youtube.com/user/PBSNewsHour , https://www.youtube.com/user/PBSNewsHour/videos ]
President Donald Trump hosts the Houston Astros, 2017 World Series Champions, at the White House.
Remarks by President Trump at Welcoming of the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros
East Room
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-welcoming-2017-world-series-champion-houston-astros/ [official transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGMBIq3mrhs [comments disabled] [official White House upload at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs08nbesW5M (with comments)]
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WATCH: Sarah Sanders holds White House news briefing
Streamed live on Mar 12, 2018 by PBS NewsHour
President Donald Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders holds White House news briefing.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/press-briefing-press-secretary-sarah-sanders-031218/ [official transcript]
President Donald J. Trump is Taking Immediate Actions to Secure Our Schools
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe community surrounded by a loving family and to have a future filled with opportunity and with hope.”
- President Donald J. Trump
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-taking-immediate-actions-secure-schools/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DGDD5i43kM [comments disabled] [official White House upload at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgxnQB7utpE (with comments)]
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Shep Smith on Trump caving to the NRA: "The NRA gets to them, and that's that"
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by MMFA Alt. Channel
Shepard Smith Reporting, 3/12/18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhCIvL6xro8 [comments disabled]
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Full Show - Multiple Explosions In Texas As Infowars Is Under Attack - 03/12/2018
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by War Room [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClsn7QZVdszxLlUs-GOG0Sg , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClsn7QZVdszxLlUs-GOG0Sg/videos ]
Breaking news today includes multiple fatal explosions in Texas from suspicious packages, Infowars is under attack from Hillary Clinton's legal team, the House Intelligence Committee has just announced no collusion found between Russia and Trump, all while South By Southwest is in town. We cover the explosions, and Alex Jones joins the show to discuss the latest attacks on Infowars.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xL8l4V2Ly0 [with comments] [also, edited, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ-OzW8L3gM (with comments)]
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Exclusive! Leftists Sue Alex Jones For Questioning Charlottesville MSM PR Campaign
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Alex Jones Channel
Alex Jones explains the latest lawsuit by Clinton linked individuals and why it important to get right with yourself.
This statement concerns an impending lawsuit purported by Reuters to be filed by BRENNAN GILMORE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wejJicSLW4 [with comments] [a must-watch]
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Team Pork Chop! (feat. Shannon Q and Viced Rhino) - (Ken) Ham & AiG News
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Paulogia [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIS4cWaXgWpznjwovFYQBJQ , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIS4cWaXgWpznjwovFYQBJQ/videos ]
Ken Ham and his team have a bi-weekly "news" show, reacting to the news stories of the day from a Christian young-earth creation perspective from the Answers in Genesis staff at his Creation Museum.
Shannon Q and Viced Rhino join Ken Ham, Avery Foley, and Bodie Hodge as they discuss criminalizing Christian counseling, a 70-year-old man the first to be arrested under Ontario’s new ban on pro-life speech, new fossils are redefining what makes a dinosaur, and more in this episode of Answers News hosted in front of a live audience at the Creation Museum.
Shannon Q
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qhPJh8DeoR-3JhMrIvw0g
Viced Rhino
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNGEDuZOa-hA3abbWtTkUA
New York S121 Legislation
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/s121
Answers News — March 1, 2018:
Answers News — March 1, 2018
Join Ken Ham, Avery Foley, and Bodie Hodge as they discuss criminalizing Christian counseling, a 70-year-old man the first to be arrested under Ontario’s new ban on pro-life speech, new fossils are redefining what makes a dinosaur, and more in this episode of Answers News hosted in front of a live audience at the Creation Museum. For more information on these topics, please visit https://answersingenesis.org/ .
Here are links to the articles discussed in Answers News (due to time restraints, all topics may not be covered in this episode):
• Plants colonized the Earth 100 million years earlier than previously thought: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-colonized-earth-million-years-earlier.html
• New fossils are redefining what makes a dinosaur: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/new-fossils-are-redefining-what-makes-dinosaur
• Ancient DNA tells tales of humans' migrant history: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180221131851.htm
• Erie County Legislature Votes To Criminalize Christian Counseling: https://www.albanyupdate.com/erie-county-legislature-votes-criminalize-christian-counseling/
• Is This Seal the Earliest Evidence of Biblical Prophet Isaiah?: https://www.livescience.com/61836-ancient-seal-prophet-isaiah.html
• 70-year-old man first to be arrested under Ontario’s new ban on pro-life speech: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/70-year-old-man-becomes-first-arrest-under-ontarios-new-ban-on-pro-life-spe
• Court upholds double-murder conviction, sentence: http://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/court-upholds-double-murder-conviction-sentence/article_af6b83b6-3d7e-5929-8b14-c701ef8cbdf5.html
• Planned Parenthood to focus on getting state laws changed to promote abortion in 2018: https://www.all.org/planned-parenthood-to-focus-on-getting-state-laws-changed-to-promote-abortion-in-2018/
• “In God We Trust” removed from classroom after atheist parent complains: https://www.toddstarnes.com/faith/god-trust-removed-classroom-atheist-parent-complains/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwv825twlfM [comments disabled]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLBd0ppU0rw [with comments]
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Statement from the Press Secretary on the Visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
Issued on: March 12, 2018
President Donald J. Trump will welcome Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to the White House on March 20, 2018. The President looks forward to discussing ways to strengthen ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia and to advance our common security and economic priorities.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-visit-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-saudi-arabia/
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Stormy Daniels' lawyer: 'We're not going home'
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Adult film actress Stormy Daniels is ready to give back “hush money” to speak in detail about her alleged affair with Donald Trump. Michael Avenatti, Stormy Daniels’ attorney wonders why “we have not heard from the President” and says it “isn’t complicated” so “what are they hiding”?
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/stormy-daniels-lawyer-we-re-not-going-home-1184114755924 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaUVDGExn5s [with comments]
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Rosenstein to Trump: No 'justification' to fire Mueller
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Special Counsel Bob Mueller’s boss, Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein says Robert Mueller is “not an unguided missile” and there is no “justification” to fire him. All of this coming as the Republican leading the House Intelligence Committee's Russia probe says -- they're finished.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/rosenstein-to-trump-no-justification-to-fire-mueller-1184117315607
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Nunberg: Mueller team asked about Trump lawyer's payment to Stormy Daniels
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Former Trump campaign adviser Sam Nunberg reveals Mueller investigators asked him about Trump lawyer’s payments to women and detailed being asked about mentor Roger Stone and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange during his four hours in Mueller’s grand jury box.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/nunberg-mueller-team-asked-about-trump-lawyer-s-payment-to-stormy-daniels-1184117827775 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1XKKm5jNp0 [with comments]
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NYC vs. NJ: Rapper Havoc and Sen. Torricelli debate hometown music
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Watch legendary rapper Havoc from Mobb Deep and Senator Robert Torricelli debate music in this irreverent discussion on The Real List. Havoc reveals there will be a new Mobb Deep album before the end of 2018.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/nyc-vs-nj-rapper-havoc-and-sen-torricelli-debate-hometown-music-1184121411851 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzQ_AMegm5I [with comments]
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How A Family In Eastern Ghouta Was Torn Apart By The Airstrikes (HBO)
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by VICE News
More than 600 people have been killed in Eastern Ghouta, Syria in the last 13 days. As the Assad regime continues to try to smash the last major pocket of rebel activity. Hundreds of thousands are trapped in Eastern Ghouta, which has been under siege since 2013. And the UN-brokered promise of daily five-hour ceasefires, meant to help civilians escape, hasn’t materialized. And aid can't get in either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks20a9-FGkw [with comments]
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How Syria’s Kurds are trying to create a democracy
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Vox [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXo7UDZvByw2ixzpQCufnA / https://www.youtube.com/user/voxdotcom , https://www.youtube.com/user/voxdotcom/videos ]
It’s an unlikely place for a democratic revolution.
Since the start of the Syrian civil war, Kurdish people in the North have carved out an autonomous region of their own — Rojava — by fighting the Islamic State. Their militias, which form the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have emerged as the most effective fighters against ISIS and won them a close partnership with the US.
The ruling Kurdish Party, the PYD, has set up a democratic federation made of local governments. Their constitution claims to accept people of all ethnicities and religions and treat them as equals. One of its central tenets is equality of men and women. In fact, the all-female Women’s Protection Unit (YPJ) militia fights alongside the SDF, and they’re known to be especially good soldiers.
But the more territory the Kurds take from ISIS, the more worried Turkey gets.
Turkey has been at war with another closely linked Kurdish group, the PKK, for decades. In 2018, Turkey invaded the Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin, putting the country in direct conflict with the Kurds of Rojava.
Watch more Vox Atlas: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8cMiYb3G5e4MOmzf-piIWQb4INRW18g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaKwjvxukvg [with comments]
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How The Opposition Is Fighting Back In The Russian Elections (HBO)
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by VICE News
Alexei Navalny was detained last month for organizing the January 28th protests, and is waiting for a court date which is likely to result in him being put away until April. His campaign manager and deputy Leonid Volkov is already in the slammer and not due out until March 24th. When your candidate - long-banned from running - is telling people not to vote, and will spend election day in prison, what is a campaign? It will be up to his die-hard believers to organize protests in Navalny's name, risking arrest in the process, and likely failing to be effective in the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZCBUm94A_M [with comments]
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Maxine Waters reacts to Trump calling her "low-IQ individual"
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
Donald Trump called California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who has called for his impeachment, "a very low IQ individual" in a Pennsylvania speech over the weekend.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/maxine-waters-reacts-to-trump-calling-her-low-iq-individual-1184163396001 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeNAG7_-udM [with comments]
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Trump Jr. talks to the press with big bowl of ice cream
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
Donald Trump Jr. sported a hair net to tour a candy factory in Pennsylvania and then held an impromptu news conference while eating a big bowl of ice cream.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/trump-jr-talks-to-the-press-with-big-bowl-of-ice-cream-1184169027552 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDrS5nTw5s [with comments]
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Trump backs away from gun safety measures opposed by NRA
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
After calling out Republicans for being "petrified" of the NRA, the president retreated from NRA-opposed measures he previously endorsed.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/trump-backs-away-from-gun-safety-measures-opposed-by-nra-1184173635902
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Gov. Kasich: There's an opening now for gun reform
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
Republican governor John Kasich of Ohio believes there's now a consensus on certain gun restrictions, despite the power of the NRA.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/gov-kasich-there-s-an-opening-now-for-gun-reform-1184174659821
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New book's scoop could clarify dossier's 'Trump pee tape' claim
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
Rachel Maddow shares highlights from "Russian Roulette," the new book by David Corn and Michael Isikoff, including a story about Donald Trump's visit to a night club with questionable entertainment.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/new-book-s-scoop-could-clarify-dossier-s-trump-pee-tape-claim-1184236611773
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Trump set stage early for Russian permeation of his campaign
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
David Corn and Michael Isikoff discuss with Rachel Maddow some of the insights explored in their new book, "Russian Roulette," including the unusual presence of people like Paul Manafort, Carter Page, and George Papadopoulos on the Trump campaign team.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-set-stage-early-for-russian-permeation-of-his-campaign-1184244803999
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On 2016 Russian intrusion, US intel saw dots, missed connection
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
David Corn and Michael Isikoff discuss with Rachel Maddow some of the insights explored in their new book, "Russian Roulette," including how many of the ingredients of the Russian attack on the 2016 election were known to the U.S. intelligence community without the realization of the overall plot.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/on-2016-russian-intrusion-us-intel-saw-dots-missed-connection-1184256067951 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuBLb3F3u7Q [with comments]
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Schiff blasts GOP over premature Russia probe shutdown
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
Rep. Adam Schiff talks with Rachel Maddow about the Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee shutting down their Trump Russia investigation with witnesses yet to interview and questions left unanswered.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/schiff-blasts-gop-over-premature-russia-probe-shutdown-1184223811829 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2PXarrqhw [with comments]
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Lawrence & Rachel: 'Russian Roulette' connects the dots
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell
3/12/18
New book 'Russian Roulette' synthesizes the characters and timeline of Russia and the Trump campaign. Rachel Maddow interviewed the authors, Michael Isikoff and David Corn, on The Rachel Maddow Show tonight. She joins Lawrence O'Donnell to react to the interview.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lawrence-rachel-russian-roulette-connects-the-dots-1184266307857
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Rep. Swalwell: GOP ending Russia probe 'invites another attack'
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell
3/12/18
Congressman Eric Swalwell says House Intel Cmte. Democrats "weren't told" about the Republicans' plan to release a report essentially vindicating the Trump campaign of any wrongdoing and ending the Committee's Russia probe. David Frum also joins Lawrence O'Donnell.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/rep-swalwell-gop-ending-russia-probe-invites-another-attack-1184283203793 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg0dx7jDDjo [with comments]
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Rob Porter's ex-wife on Trump team's ignorance on abuse
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell
3/12/18
A full month after ex-wives revealed abuse allegations that were holding up White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter's security clearance, one of them, Jennie Willoughby, joins Lawrence O'Donnell to discuss what the White House and John Kelly don't get about abuse.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/rob-porter-s-ex-wife-on-trump-team-s-ignorance-on-abuse-1184269379553 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2zLZIrcGnc [with comments]
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Dems blast House Intel Republicans for ending Russia probe
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
Democrats say Republicans put protecting the president over finding the truth when the GOP on the House Intelligence Committee decided to wrap up their Russia investigation. Our panel reacts.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/dems-blast-house-intel-republicans-for-ending-russia-probe-1184322627868 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Z2jdNG_TI [with comments]
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Report: Mueller may delay decision on obstruction charge
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
A report from Bloomberg News states Russia Special Counsel Robert Mueller may delay deciding whether to change Trump with obstruction of justice until other parts of his investigation are through. Our panel reacts.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/report-mueller-may-delay-decision-on-obstruction-charge-1184328259890
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Stormy Daniels offers Trump $130,000 back for her silence
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
Stormy Daniels is offering to give back the $130,000 she was paid for her silence so she can speak freely about her alleged affair with Trump and release any text messages, photos, & videos she might have.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/stormy-daniels-offers-trump-130-000-back-for-her-silence-1184333891556
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Florida Dem: Deeply disappointed in Trump's gun plan
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) who's district is right next to the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and who spoke with Trump about guns at a bipartisan White House meeting reacts to his new gun control plan.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/florida-dem-deeply-disappointed-in-trump-s-gun-plan-1184334403964 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-vcHJUg4k [with comments]
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Trump Improvises His Way Through a Rally and Agrees to Meet Kim Jong-un | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWhs_6x42TyRM4Wstoq8HA , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWhs_6x42TyRM4Wstoq8HA/videos ]
President Trump discusses his 2020 bid at a rally meant for Pennsylvania's special election and agrees to meet Kim Jong-un to discuss North Korea's denuclearization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19HVfFAc7FI [with comments]
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Third Month Mania: Bracket of Bullshit | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Roy Wood Jr. and Michael Kosta introduce this year’s Third Month Mania, the bracket tournament where viewers vote to decide the best bullshit from the last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq3doz_t0lE [with comments]
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The MSM'S Attack On Betsy DeVos - The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Comedy Central [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUsN5ZwHx2kILm84-jPDeXw / https://www.youtube.com/user/comedycentral , https://www.youtube.com/user/comedycentral/videos , https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7nPL1U-R5r5XD8saDuOBVj1z69Y_4iK ]
Gotcha journalist Lesley Stahl tries to make Education Secretary Betsy DeVos look foolish by getting her to freely admit she's never been to a struggling school.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AIVNiS4hto [with comments]
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U.S. - North Korea Preliminary Negotiations
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtFAi84ehTSYSE9XoHefig , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtFAi84ehTSYSE9XoHefig/videos ]
One diplomat from each of the long-embattled countries find common ground in the DMZ.
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnP4VNv41GE [with comments]
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Can Trump's Lawyers Block Stormy Daniels' '60 Minutes' Appearance?
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Trump's lawyers are doing everything in their power to prevent Stormy Daniels' '60 Minutes' interview from airing. Even though nothing happened between them! Nothing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1d0h1Yf6Zk [with comments]
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Trump Went To Pennsylvania To Endorse... Himself
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Trump visited Moon Township, Pennsylvania, ahead of their upcoming special election to encourage voters to remember one Republican candidate: Donald Trump.
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTLLNFBgokw [with (over 4,000) comments]
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Betsy DeVos Flunked Her '60 Minutes' Test
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Betsy DeVos made a strong case for why she should be Secretary of Education. She being '60 Minutes' interview Lesley Stahl.
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKPIae1_LYw [with comments]
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Trump's Unhinged Rally, Betsy DeVos' Train Wreck Interview: A Closer Look
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Late Night with Seth Meyers [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTyTA7-g9nopHeHbeuvpRA / https://www.youtube.com/user/LateNightSeth , https://www.youtube.com/user/LateNightSeth/videos ]
Seth takes a closer look at Trump's unhinged performance at a campaign rally and Betsy DeVos' train wreck of an interview on 60 Minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPx3q-E_6mM [with (over 4,000) comments]
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stashed March 12, 2018:
Mueller Weighs Putting Off Trump Obstruction Decision
Delay would let him wrap up less explosive parts of inquiry
Obstruction decision might undercut probe, one way or another
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-12/mueller-is-said-to-weigh-putting-off-trump-obstruction-decision
There’s more to Russia’s cyber interference than the Mueller probe suggests
An underlying theme running through special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation is that Russia’s ultimate goal was to make sure Donald Trump was elected president. That’s just part of the picture.
Last month, Mueller’s team released the details of the grand jury indictments of 13 Russian nationals, as well as a shadowy Russian firm known as the Internet Research Agency, for conducting information warfare against the United States and breaking three U.S. federal laws.
Our research looks at Russian cyber and information warfare activity — and distinct patterns begin to emerge. But this is a nonlinear strategy and a long-term assault on Russia’s adversaries. Although boosting the Trump campaign may have been one of Russia’s primary goals in 2016, the 2020 goal could just as easily be helping the president’s Democratic challenger.
[...]
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/03/12/theres-more-to-russias-cyber-meddling-than-the-mueller-probe-suggests/
Mueller Has Trump & Co. Pinned Down
PR won't stop subpoenas.
https://www.alternet.org/muellers-wide-ranging-indictments-have-trump-co-pinned-down
Trump 'intends to' meet with special counsel under oath: White House spokesman - Raj Shah
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-intends-meet-special-counsel-oath-white-house/story?id=53658533
Raj Shah May Be in Trouble
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dispatches/2018/03/12/raj-shah-may-trouble/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dZWCs3qwrWK49OMaab1x0k5E1XGDM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Donald Trump Jr. Has Previously Undisclosed Business Partnership With Hunting Buddy
(NEW YORK) - Donald Trump Jr. has a previously undisclosed business relationship with a longtime hunting buddy who helped raise millions of dollars for his father’s 2016 presidential campaign and has had special access to top government officials since the election, records obtained by The Associated Press show.
The president’s eldest son and Texas hedge fund manager Gentry Beach have been involved in business deals together dating back to the mid-2000s and recently formed a company — Future Venture LLC — despite past claims by both men that they were just friends, according to previously unreported court records and other documents obtained by AP.
Beach last year met with top National Security Council officials to push a plan that would curb U.S. sanctions in Venezuela and open up business for U.S. companies in the oil-rich nation.
[...]
http://time.com/5195384/donald-trump-jr-gentry-beach-undisclosed-business/
APNewsBreak: Trump Jr. partners with donor who pitched gov’t
https://apnews.com/21fb6a17a0bb4ec0aa142c752c54e164/APNewsBreak:-Trump-Jr.-partners-with-donor-who-pitched-gov%27t
Trump Jr. toes "fuzzy line" as undisclosed partner gets access
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-jr-toes-fuzzy-line-as-undisclosed-partner-gets-access/
Donald Trump Jr.'s hunting buddy who helped raise millions for 2016 campaign has had special access to top officials since the election
Donald Trump Jr. and Texas hedge fund manager Gentry Beach have long claimed they're just friends
But the president's eldest son and the Republican donor have a previously undisclosed business relationship
Last February, Beach and an Iraqi-American businessman met with top officials at the National Security Council
They presented a plan for lightening U.S. sanctions in Venezuela in exchange for opening business opportunities for U.S. companies there
Seven months later Beach attended a private lunch in Dallas between Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Republican donors, including some in big oil
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5490145/Trump-Jr-partners-donor-pitched-govt.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dXCjJk40Ai16T5M_XnuNTOrQuxiCM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
At Pennsylvania rally, Trump again calls for the death penalty for drug dealers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-to-rally-in-pennsylvania-ahead-of-special-house-election/2018/03/10/3eed9dc0-23f4-11e8-86f6-54bfff693d2b_story.html
Trump privately trashes Rick Saccone
https://www.axios.com/scoop-trump-privately-trashes-rick-saccone-1520806446-c7033bad-f7a4-4d92-80a7-40113967a0e2.html
Here’s why Tuesday’s race in Trump Country is so competitive
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/here-s-why-tuesday-s-race-trump-country-so-competitive-n855721
Win or lose, Pennsylvania 18 likely forecasts bad news for the GOP in November
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/pennsylvania-18-bad-news-for-gop/index.html
Wake-up Call: Final day before PA-18 special election; GOP gov candidates withhold tax returns
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-wakeup-call-20180312-story.html
A Special Showdown in Trump Country
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/03/a-special-showdown-in-trump-country.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dSUIHuo9-bZysGMplFTth4WNOXfFM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Putin’s Russia: From basket case to resurgent superpower - AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putins-russia-from-basket-case-to-resurgent-superpower/2018/03/12/26709906-25e2-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html
original https://www.apnews.com/bf7e26e470964ea6b451516eeacecac7/Putin's-Russia:-From-basket-case-to-resurgent-superpower
Russian military tests nuclear-capable hypersonic missile
https://www.apnews.com/65aa113cc472402ba2c66a79ef37a37b/Russian-military-tests-nuclear-capable-hypersonic-missile
Putin says he approved plan to shoot down plane in 2014
MOSCOW (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in a new documentary that he approved of a plan to shoot down a hijacked passenger jet four years ago.
A Ukrainian man tried to hijack a Turkey-bound flight and demanded that it go to Sochi as the Winter Olympics were about to start there in February 2014. The Sochi Games were Putin’s pet project designed to showcase Russia.
The plane’s pilot instead tricked the man, who was drunk and falsely claimed he had a bomb, and landed in Istanbul. Officials credited the pilot and crew for convincing the 45-year-old-man that they were following his wishes.
Putin said in a two-hour documentary about him that aired on state television late Sunday that the chief of domestic intelligence agency FSB had briefed him on the phone and said they were prepared to shoot down the plane with 110 passengers onboard.
“I asked: ‘what are you suggesting?’ and the answer was the one I expected: shoot it down in line with the contingency plans for such situations,” Putin said, quoting his conversation with FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov. “I said: ‘act according to the plan.’”
[...]
https://www.apnews.com/150cc3554fa5464191f0f464d0884d14/Putin-says-he-approved-plan-to-shoot-down-plane-in-2014
Putin: Maybe Jews or minorities behind US election interference
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/putin-comment-jews-russian-minorities/index.html
Putin flexed nuclear muscle but the West refuses to recognize a Russian threat
http://thehill.com/opinion/international/377864-putin-flexed-nuclear-muscle-but-the-west-refuses-to-recognize-a-russian
Veteran CIA agent on Trump: “Corruption like we’ve never seen before”
Longtime CIA analyst Melvin Goodman: Russian hacking isn’t as dangerous as the “dumbing down of this country”
https://www.salon.com/2018/03/12/veteran-cia-agent-on-trump-corruption-like-weve-never-seen-before/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dCqoHgEOLqcjnaM-bBPpzIrA52HoM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
White House vows to help arm teachers and backs off raising age for buying guns
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/white-house-vows-to-help-arm-teachers-and-backs-off-raising-age-for-buying-guns/2018/03/11/14da0c8e-253a-11e8-bc72-077aa4dab9ef_story.html
White House promises federal aid to train armed teachers
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/white-house-promises-federal-aid-train-armed-teachers-n855636
Trump drops calls to raise guns age limit
US President Donald Trump's plan to deter school shootings does not include his repeated calls to raise the age for buying semi-automatic rifles to 21.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43369991
Trump pulls back from big changes to gun laws after Florida shooting
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-trump/trump-pulls-back-from-big-changes-to-gun-laws-after-florida-shooting-idUSKCN1GN0LW
Donald Trump Caves on Gun Reform, Will Appoint the Kind of Study Panel He Denounced Saturday
http://www.newsweek.com/trump-caves-gun-reform-plans-appoint-kind-study-panel-he-denounced-saturday-840109
Trump's Plan To Secure Schools Calls For Arming Teachers, Improving Background Checks
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/11/592777132/trumps-plan-to-secure-schools-calls-for-arming-teachers-improving-background-che
White House Moves Away From Effort to Raise Gun-Buyer Age
https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2018/03/12/capital-journal-monday-9/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dHXXjadY69pLetMPodAoatw_-EqtM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
DeVos struggles to answer basic questions about schools in her home state
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/betsy-devos-60-minutes/index.html
Trump's Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Doesn't Know How Badly Schools Are Performing in Her Home State
http://www.newsweek.com/trumps-education-secretary-betsy-devos-doesnt-know-how-badly-schools-are-840002
Betsy DeVos on guns, school choice and why people don't like her - the 3-11-18 60 Minutes interview
The secretary of education has been one of the most criticized members of President Trump's Cabinet, but DeVos says she's "more misunderstood than anything"
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/secretary-of-education-betsy-devos-on-guns-school-choice-and-why-people-dont-like-her/
Quiz: What’s the Worst Part of This Betsy DeVos Exchange?
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/03/quiz-whats-the-worst-part-of-this-betsy-devos-exchange.html
DeVos: ‘Maybe I Should’ Visit Underperforming Schools
https://www.thedailybeast.com/devos-maybe-i-should-visit-underperforming-schools
DeVos calls on Trump to not use foul language
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/betsy-devos-donald-trump-chuck-todd/index.html
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos stumbles during pointed ‘60 Minutes’ interview
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2018/03/12/education-secretary-betsy-devos-stumbles-during-pointed-60-minutes-interview/
Betsy DeVos Says She’s ‘Misunderstood,’ Then Struggles To Explain Her Own Policies
Education secretary also admits she hasn’t visited underperforming schools.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/besty-devos-60-minutes_us_5aa5df73e4b086698a9f1117
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dOK1KkKBzbt68kM_AIfLzGT_J8uIM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Japan PM, finance minister under fire over suspected cover-up of cronyism
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-politics/japan-pm-finance-minister-under-fire-over-suspected-cover-up-of-cronyism-idUSKCN1GO01K
Abe’s Government Under Fire as Japan Scandal Grips Inner Circle
Finance ministry admits that officials falsified documents
Aso says he’ll stay in office while blaming subordinate
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-12/japan-finance-minister-refuses-to-quit-as-school-scandal-deepens
“The Abe cabinet should resign en masse”: Japan’s big political scandal just got worse
https://qz.com/1226432/japans-moritomo-gakuen-land-sale-scandal-just-got-a-lot-worse-for-shinzo-abe/
Shinzo Abe of Japan Back in Spotlight Over Tampered Documents
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/world/asia/shinzo-abe-japan-scandal.html
Japan minister admits files altered in scandal dogging Abe - AFP
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-5489257/Japan-ministry-admits-altering-documents-scandal-dogging-Abe.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d0gb0sA_1AQkoSMX4aRgF5IyGJYLM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Qataris opted not to give info on Kushner, secret meetings to Mueller
WASHINGTON — Qatari officials gathered evidence of what they claim is illicit influence by the United Arab Emirates on Jared Kushner and other Trump associates, including details of secret meetings, but decided not to give the information to special counsel Robert Mueller for fear of harming relations with the Trump administration, say three sources familiar with the Qatari discussions.
Lebanese-American businessman George Nader and Republican donor Elliott Broidy, who participated in the meetings, have both been the focus of news reports in recent days about their connections to the UAE and Trump associates.
It is unknown whether Qatari officials were the source of the recent news stories detailing activities by Nader and Broidy published by The New York Times and CNN.
NBC News previously reported that Qatari officials weighed speaking to Mueller during a visit to Washington earlier this year, and has now learned the information the officials wanted to share included details about Nader and Broidy working with the UAE to turn the Trump administration against Qatar, according to three people familiar with the discussions.
Qatari officials believe the meetings — as well as fallout from Qatari business dealings with Kushner — may have influenced President Donald Trump's public endorsement of a blockade of Qatar by its neighbors that began last year.
A Qatari delegation came to Washington in late January and early February and met with Trump officials to discuss shared national security interests. Despite Trump's endorsement of the blockade in June, the Qataris felt the meetings with top advisers had been productive and decided against reaching out to Mueller in order to preserve the relationship, according to people familiar with the internal Qatari deliberations.
A spokesperson for the Qatari embassy in Washington said in a statement last week that Qatar won't be providing materials to the Mueller investigation.
The Qataris also met with FBI Director Chris Wray while they were in Washington, but never shared their information about the UAE's alleged influence on the administration.
Broidy, meanwhile, has accused Qatar of hacking his emails and distributing the contents to news organizations to discredit him. Qatar has denied that. Nader, who was stopped by federal agents at Dulles Airport near Washington in January, is now cooperating with Mueller's team.
Broidy was a top fundraiser for Trump in addition to being a member of Trump's inaugural committee and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Nader helped organize a January 2017 meeting in the Seychelles, according to The Washington Post, and the Post says Mueller is investigating as an alleged attempt to set up a back channel of communications with the Russians.
Qatar vs. the UAE
The gathering of damaging information by the Qataris, their consideration of whether to speak to Mueller, and the alleged influence campaign inside the White House by the Emiratis are all evidence of how mounting tensions between the two tiny, wealthy Gulf nations are playing out in a high-stakes war of influence in Washington.
In June 2017, Trump endorsed the decision led by UAE and Saudi Arabia to blockade Qatar, saying the Qatar was funding terrorism. On June 5, the president tweeted, "Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to horror of terrorism!" The blockade has cut the country off from shipments of food and medical supplies by land and sea.
Since then, according to Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) filings, both governments have greatly increased their hiring of American lobbyists, including some former Trump campaign officials.
Qatari officials believe Trump's verbal backing of the blockade was a form of retaliation by his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, whose family's negotiations with Qatari investors had recently fallen apart, according to several sources familiar with the Qatari government's thinking.
Trump, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have said the blockade is in retaliation for Qatar's support for terrorism. A spokesman for Kushner's lawyer told NBC News that Kushner was "a point person for completely appropriate contacts from foreign officials and he did not mix his or his former company's business in those contacts and any claim otherwise is false."
Qatari officials also believe the Trump administration may have been influenced by the meetings with Broidy and have documents that they say show the connection between Broidy and the UAE, according to several people familiar with the Qatari government's thinking.
According to the sources, the officials have information they claim details Nader's involvement in a December 2016 meeting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE had with Trump officials at Trump Tower, including Kushner, incoming national security advisor Michael Flynn and incoming chief strategist Steve Bannon.
The meeting took Obama administration officials by surprise when they learned about it in intelligence reports because the crown prince broke diplomatic protocol and did not alert them that he would be in the U.S., according to people familiar with the matter.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have long been rivals of Qatar, but their feud has escalated under the Trump administration.
Fourteen lobbying and public relations firms have publicly registered as agents of Qatar, UAE or Saudi Arabia since Trump's blockade endorsement last year, according to FARA data.
One firm that lobbied in favor of Qatar is Mercury Public Affairs, which worked with Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Manafort has since been charged by Mueller with money laundering, bank fraud and tax evasion. Mercury is believed to be an unnamed party in Manafort's charges, but so far faces no legal exposure. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Another firm that worked for Manafort, the now-dissolved Podesta Group, lobbied on behalf of Saudi Arabia, and published a still-live web site that alleges Qatar is treacherous.
Trump's former campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski previously worked for Avenue Strategies Global, which alleged in a letter to the Justice Department that Saudi Arabia was violating FARA regulations. The firm is being paid $500,000 monthly for its contract with the embassy of Qatar, according to FARA filings.
The widening rift between Qatar and UAE comes at a time when the White House is hoping to reduce tensions between the two countries and facilitate a resolution to issues that led to the blockade. Trump is expected to host separate meetings with the Saudi crown prince, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the Qatari emir in coming weeks, in advance of an expected summit of Arab states this summer.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/qataris-opted-not-give-info-kushner-secret-meetings-mueller-n855326
Qatari officials opt not to give Mueller info on Kushner, secret meetings
Stephanie Ruhle
Mar.12.2018
Officials in Qatar decided not to share what they claim is evidence of the United Arab Emirates having influence over Jared Kushner and other Trump associates. NBC’s Julia Ainsley joins to discuss her reporting and MSNBC National Security Analyst Ned Price weighs in.
https://www.msnbc.com/stephanie-ruhle/watch/qatari-officials-opt-not-to-give-mueller-info-on-kushner-secret-meetings-1183547971786
more: https://www.google.com/search?q=qatar+kushner
After Putin Raises Jews, Democrats Implore Trump to Extradite Russians
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/us/politics/democrats-trump-election-interference-russia-jews.html
After Putin blames Jews for election meddling, lawmakers demand he extradite indicted Russians
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/after-putin-blames-jews-election-meddling-lawmakers-demand-he-extradite-n855796
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dPSlF3CcOdWAqmMWnSYzFxK65J1YM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Britain Blames Russia for Nerve Agent Attack on Former Spy
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/world/europe/uk-russia-spy-poisoning.html
'Highly likely' Russia poisoned former spy, UK's Prime Minister says
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/europe/theresa-may-russia-spy-poisoning-intl/index.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d2RUZdP2LkH2tlMv0sScJgYYRlUOM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Trump Lawyers Are Considering A Challenge To Stop "60 Minutes" From Airing A Stormy Daniels Interview
Anderson Cooper interviewed the adult film performer and director on Thursday. CBS plans to air the interview next Sunday, March 18.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/trump-lawyers-are-considering-a-challenge-to-60-minutes
It is almost certainly too late for Trump to stop Stormy Daniels’s ‘60 Minutes’ interview
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/12/it-is-almost-certainly-too-late-for-trump-to-stop-stormy-danielss-60-minutes-interview/
Stormy Daniels Offers to Return Payment to End Deal for Her Silence
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/business/media/stormy-daniels-donald-trump.html
Stormy Daniels offers to pay back $130,000 for freedom to speak about Trump
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stormy-daniels-offers-pay-back-130g-freedom-talk-trump-n855746
Donald Trump Admits Melania's Life Is 'Not So Easy' Amid Stormy Daniels Sex Scandal!
http://perezhilton.com/2018-03-12-donald-trump-melania-trump-first-lady-is-not-so-easy-rally-pennsylvania/
Melania Knew
By Charles M. Blow
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/11/opinion/melania-trump-stormy.html
‘Melania Knew,’ Says ‘NY Times’ Columnist Charles Blow: Stormy Daniels Payoff Too Tawdry To Miss [Opinion]
"Melania knew exactly the kind of man she was getting,”
https://www.inquisitr.com/opinion/4823423/melania-knew-says-ny-times-columnist-charles-blow-stormy-daniels-payoff-too-tawdry-to-miss/
Alex Jones: My sources tell me Stormy Daniels is working with “the globalists” to try to take down Trump - from AJ video posted 3-10-18
https://www.mediamatters.org/video/2018/03/12/alex-jones-my-sources-tell-me-stormy-daniels-working-globalists-try-take-down-trump/219604
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dMuWp2aPDNIkMdMz0DHgQkkNYo0bM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Why it was so easy for ‘60 Minutes’ to rebut Betsy DeVos’s charter-school arguments
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/03/12/why-it-was-so-easy-for-60-minutes-to-rebut-betsy-devoss-charter-school-arguments/
White House officials alarmed at education secretary's '60 Minutes' performance
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/white-house-officials-alarmed-at-betsy-devos/index.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d7UyBZZQfXGWkUMJsn_OmKqaszRlM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Woman injured in 2nd explosion in Austin on Monday, EMS says
https://www.statesman.com/news/breaking-news/breaking-second-explosion-reported-east-austin/2Fhi7i7aSmWoMBS5HHbfeO/
Austin package explosions leave teen dead, women hurt after three blasts in 2 weeks - 2nd blast today (3-12-18)
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/12/austin-package-explosion-leaves-teen-dead-woman-hurt-after-second-blast-in-2-weeks.html
Two [sic - one] killed in city’s second Package bombing in March [one killed in earlier package bombing] - Austin, TX
http://wwlp.com/2018/03/12/package-explosion-kills-teen-injures-woman/
The Latest: Police weigh whether race factored into bombings - AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/the-latest-police-say-deadly-texas-package-bombs-are-linked/2018/03/12/9076e7e2-260f-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html
original https://www.apnews.com/0f63a75d81be40d29b6ae10ad9e16377/The-Latest:-Police-weigh-whether-race-factored-into-bombings
Police: 2 deadly package bombs in Texas capital are linked
https://www.apnews.com/f48e486c778e4791a5dd78c9682043a9/Police:-2-deadly-package-bombs-in-Texas-capital-are-linked
Two deadly March home explosions could be related, police say
Austin police are investigating a home explosion in Central East Austin as a homicide after a teenage boy was killed. Officials believe this latest explosion could be connected to the deadly home explosion on March 2, 2018.
[...]
However, a motive in the two incidents remains unclear at this time. Manley said they do know that the two victims in both cases were African Americans and they cannot rule out that the incidents were hate crimes.
[...]
http://www.11alive.com/article/news/two-deadly-march-home-explosions-could-be-related-police-say/269-527760325
2 deadly package explosions in Austin are connected, police say
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/us/texas-austin-blasts/index.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d45LA8NXChuJwQMVL4MUaMVtG9PlM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Video appears to show final moments before helicopter crashed into NYC's East River ( https://youtu.be/qdB2tkaNQ8M [since gone dark])
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/12/pilot-in-deadly-east-river-helicopter-crash-made-frantic-mayday-call.html
Russia Likely Responsible For Poisoning Spy, UK Officials Say
If Russia does not respond, British PM Theresa May said the poisoning will be considered “an unlawful use of force” against the United Kingdom.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/russian-spy-theresa-may_us_5aa6a5e3e4b009b705d4db35
Jewish Advocates Slam Putin For Implicating Jews In U.S. Election Meddling
“It is deeply disturbing to see the Russian president giving new life to classic anti-Semitic stereotypes.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/vladimir-putin-slammed-after-implicating-jews-in-us-election-meddling_us_5aa64c94e4b07047bec8163b
Facebook’s Fear Machine: How The Social Network Enables Racist News
Hate-based news is spreading throughout the social networking site at an ever-increasing rate.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/facebook-fear-machine_us_5a9e4ddfe4b0479c02567fa3
Months Before Winning $300 Million Puerto Rico Contract, Whitefish Energy Was On Shaky Financial Grounds
In newly obtained emails, local officials questioned the company’s finances as it sought to build a transformer manufacturing plant near Whitefish, Montana.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/whitefish-energy-financials_us_5aa30036e4b086698a9dd3eb
A Dozen Democrats Want To Help Banks Hide Racial Discrimination In Mortgages
These senators are finding common ground with President Trump.
Tim Kaine isn’t shy about his work as a fair housing lawyer. When he ran as the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2016, the Virginia senator routinely touted his past pro bono efforts to help low-income families deal with shady landlords and racist lenders. Combined with his affable dork-dad delivery, Kaine helped shore up Hillary Clinton’s credibility on an ambitious anti-discrimination agenda. And it didn’t sound like empty politician talk: Kaine had done the work.
He still feels a connection with civil rights attorneys. “In representing people who are getting ripped off or who don’t have anybody else to stand up for them or who don’t even know the questions to ask or where to turn for help, you are the hero,” Kaine told a Washington gathering of the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center in November.
And on Monday, the Senate will hold a key vote on a Kaine-sponsored bill that deliberately undermines the government’s ability to enforce laws against racial discrimination in the housing market. The legislation would block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from collecting key data showing when and where families of color are being overcharged for home loans or steered into predatory products. It’s just one small provision in a broad financial deregulation package, which is almost certain to clear both chambers of Congress and receive President Donald Trump’s signature. Last week, 17 members of the Senate Democratic caucus voted to advance the bill.
The effort to chip away at anti-discrimination enforcement has largely gone overlooked this year, as banking watchdogs focused their criticism on the legislation’s rollback of tougher rules against risk-taking at megabanks that were implemented in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Both foreign financial conglomerates and big American regional lenders would enjoy lighter federal supervision if the bill passes.
To its opponents, the bill represents a contorted statement of values, prioritizing short-term bank profits over consumer protection and financial stability.
“This is a bad bill,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told HuffPost. “No Democrat and no Republican should support it.”
The federal government has been collecting basic data on mortgage discrimination since 1975, tallying by race which families receive loans and which are denied. Banks have always made a habit of turning down mortgages in black neighborhoods - a practice known as redlining that is still very much alive and well. But the housing bubble and subsequent foreclosure bust laid bare another ugly trend. Lenders had also been targeting minority families with subprime mortgages and other predatory loans, instead of simply denying mortgages outright.
The 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law sought to address this by setting tougher predatory lending rules and by requiring banks to turn over a broader swath of information to the newly created CFPB. In addition to basic facts about loan approval or denial, lenders had to report a borrower’s age and credit score as well as the property value of the home being purchased, the interest rate, loan terms, and other pricing features of each mortgage. All of this information can be used to help determine if families of color are being ripped off or disproportionately pushed into predatory loans. The CFPB looks through the data for violations or red flags, and publishes it online so consumer groups can do their own research.
The bill the Senate will consider next week would wholly exempt banks that make 500 or fewer mortgages a year from reporting any of this additional data. That would shield about 85 percent of banks and credit unions from scrutiny, according to the CFPB’s estimates. These smaller lenders issue only a small fraction of the home loans provided by the financial system, but still work with hundreds of thousands of borrowers every year.
A Kaine spokesperson said the senator is just looking to provide “relief for small community banks and credit unions in Virginia while strengthening consumer protections for all Americans.” The spokesperson also noted Kaine’s background: “As a former fair housing attorney who fought against discriminatory lending practices, Senator Kaine supports stringent requirements to protect against unfair lending, and this legislation keeps those protections in place.”
But the National Consumer Law Center isn’t buying it. In December, the center teamed up with two other consumer groups to urge every senator to vote against the “harmful legislation” that Kaine is backing. “This bill contains destructive policies that roll back or eliminate essential protections,” the groups wrote.
It’s hard to find a liberal organization that likes anything about the bill. The AFL-CIO, the consumer watchdogs at Public Citizen, the establishment think-tankers at the Center for American Progress, the wonk-activists at Indivisible and the banking experts at Americans for Financial Reform have all weighed in against the legislation, citing harms to consumers and risks to financial stability. The National Fair Housing Alliance, the National Housing Law Project and the National Urban League have all specifically criticized the provision on anti-discrimination data.
Supporters of the bill bristle at the suggestion that it protects racial discrimination. They say it would allow banks to make more loans by cutting costs and help small banks stay in business in a market that favors Wall Street ? standard defenses for any measure that saves money for little banks. A spokesperson for Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said the legislation would not end the reporting of any data about race. That’s technically true: Banks would still have to report the race of loan applicants to regulators, just not the new details about rates and types of loans.
A spokesperson for Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) argued that the loss of some financial data was a reasonable price to pay for helping smaller lenders save money on paperwork: “The bill would exclude only 3.57 percent of data while exempting around 75 percent of insured banks and credit unions.”
Detailed numbers from the CFPB show the data loss would be heavily concentrated on poor neighborhoods ? precisely the communities most at risk for predatory lending. More than 1,700 census tracts officially designated as “low and moderate income” would lose at least 20 percent of the data they’d collect without the new law, while 185 cities and towns would lose at least 10 percent.
For progressive interest groups, the idea of turning a blind eye to just a little housing discrimination in order to help banks trim paperwork costs suggests a twisted set of priorities.
“This bill opens a door for racial discrimination in mortgage lending,” said Chad Bolt, a senior policy manager with Indivisible, a coalition of liberal activists formed after the 2016 election. “Why go back there?”
Banks already keep track of loan price and borrower details for their own files. The CFPB estimates that the current rule will cost small, “low-complexity” banks about $1,900 a year, plus about $3,000 in upfront costs. The potential profits from exploiting families of color are harder to quantify.
Senate Democrats, even those ardently pro-financial reform, have been telling community banks for years that they’re willing to cut them a break on some post-crisis regulations. But Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, had balked at Republican efforts to undermine basic consumer protection law. So the community bank lobbyists threw in their lot with big banks that were looking for their own set of favors. Until late last year, it seemed like a bad legislative strategy. Combining Wall Street deregulation with attacks on consumer protection enforcement was fine for cultivating Republican votes, but Democrats were reluctant to stage a frontal attack on President Barack Obama’s financial reform law.
The Senate Banking Committee hasn’t traditionally functioned as a platform for serious Wall Street oversight. Party leaders tend to pack the panel with swing-state Democrats, who can use their position to fundraise by doing various favors for the financial sector. With Brown refusing to bend on GOP demands, Sens. Warner, Tester, Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) decided to go around Brown and cut a deal with committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Eight more Democrats, including Kaine, are also co-sponsoring the bill.
Heitkamp and Donnelly face tough re-election battles this fall, and the paucity of legislation during the Trump era makes the campaign finance strategy at work here fairly easy to interpret. According to Center for Responsive Politics data, the top three recipients of campaign contributions from commercial banks in the 2018 cycle have been Heitkamp, Donnelly and Tester, in that order. Heitkamp’s $157,000 haul is nearly double what Crapo - usually a top target as the committee chair - brought in. Only Tester made the list of the top 20 Senate recipients of commercial bank cash in the 2016 cycle, suggesting that the bank lobby has been working overtime to get Democratic help this year.
“This bipartisan legislation would provide regulatory relief to Indiana’s 103 community banks and 154 credit unions, many of which are located in rural areas facing significant declines in lending activity,” Donnelly spokesman Sarah Rothschild told HuffPost. “That is why Senator Donnelly has worked since 2013 to make it easier for Hoosier families to get mortgages or obtain loans to start small businesses.”
A representative for Heitkamp declined to comment.
For the financial industry as a whole, the anti-discrimination data provision is essentially a sideshow - something thrown in to appease small banks that are comparatively disadvantaged by other parts of the bill.
Dodd-Frank imposed a tougher set of rules on the biggest banks than it placed on smaller firms. Banks with at least $50 billion in assets have to undergo frequent stress-testing by the Federal Reserve to determine whether they can withstand an unexpected financial shock. They have to finance their operations with more capital and less debt, and they have to keep more cash on hand. But the new deregulation bill would raise that minimum definition of big banks to $250 billion in assets - which means even huge regional players like BB&T and Regions Bank would no longer have to follow the tougher Dodd-Frank rules. Foreign conglomerates with trillions of dollars in global assets like Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and UBS would also be exempted from U.S. enforcement of big bank standards, since they keep less than $250 billion of their assets in the United States.
“It’s a whose-side-are-you-on moment,” said Brown. “Are you with the big banks and the Wall Street operators who wrecked the economy and got big bailouts, or are you with families and workers? ... There is collective amnesia on Capitol Hill about what happened 10 years ago.”
During the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, a host of banks in the $100 billion to $200 billion range rushed into emergency acquisitions that ended with huge bailouts. Bank of America acquired Countrywide under duress, before the combined firm received a massive slate of taxpayer aid. GMAC, a major auto lender now known as Ally Bank, received several rounds of government help.
“Clearly the distress or failure of some of these banks could trigger reactions spreading broadly to the financial system,” former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker wrote in a letter to Brown highlighting the risks of rolling back oversight of “several large foreign banks.” Volcker suggested that a $100 billion threshold would be more appropriate.
But for Warren and some other progressive Democrats, the bill looks like a solution in search of a problem. Dodd-Frank isn’t strangling large banks. They’re enormously profitable at the moment, and they were among the biggest beneficiaries of the tax bill Trump signed last year.
“To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the financial crisis, some Democrats are joining Republicans to pass a bill that will deregulate 30 of the 40 largest banks in the country that received a combined $50 billion in bailout money,” Warren told HuffPost. “This is not the work we should be doing.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/democrats-banks-racial-discrimination_us_5a96e489e4b0e6a523042fc8
U.S. Warns United Nations: If You Don’t Act On Syria, We Will - Reuters
“When the international community consistently fails to act, there are times when states are compelled to take their own action.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/us-threatens-action-syria-ceasefire_us_5aa6b076e4b009b705d4f1ff
original https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-s-warns-it-may-act-on-syria-as-onslaught-against-ghouta-grinds-on-idUSKCN1GO284
Law Student Asked To Leave Bar For Wearing Turban: ‘It Broke My Heart’ - Yahoo! Lifestyle - a Sikh
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/law-student-asked-to-leave-bar-for-wearing-turban-it-broke-my-heart_us_5aa68f4ae4b03c9edfae11ef
original https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/law-student-asked-leave-bar-wearing-turban-broke-heart-165449412.html
UK Police Investigating Letters Laying Out Points System For Attacking Muslims
People across the country received letters saying they could earn points for various violent acts on “Punish A Muslim Day.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/uk-police-investigating-letters-calling-for-violent-attacks-on-muslims_us_5aa686f7e4b07047bec877f6
6th Grader Writes Heartbreaking Will In Case Of School Shooting
Javon Davies said he wrote the letter giving away his cat and video games “just in case something happened.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/6th-grader-writes-heartbreaking-will-to-family-in-case-of-school-shooting_us_5aa687d1e4b086698a9fc359
Here’s Why ABC Shelved ‘Black-ish’ Episode On NFL Anthem Protests
Differences between ABC and showrunner Kenya Barris led to the cancellation.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/blackish-abc-nfl-anthem-protest_us_5aa6a2fde4b03c9edfae4a2d
Myanmar Steps Up Campaign Against Rohingya By Bulldozing Villages: Report
And the government is building military bases and new villages in their place.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/myanmar-bulldozing-rohingya-villages_us_5aa67a05e4b01b9b0a3d3a1c
An Ethnic Cleansing Campaign may be underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo
https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/437zep/an-ethnic-cleansing-campaign-may-be-underway-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-a-vice-news-investigation-reveals
Trump’s Quote-Unquote ‘Good Week’ Was Mostly Good For China
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-kuttner-trump-korea_us_5aa66e65e4b086698a9f96b7
‘School Choice’ Is A Lie That Harms Us All - Betsy DeVos
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-hopkinson-school-choice_us_5aa2cd35e4b01b9b0a3b2133
DeVos: ‘I Don’t Know’ Whether Sexual Assaults Outnumber False Accusations
The education secretary fumbled an interview with “60 Minutes.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/devos-i-dont-know-whether-sexual-assaults-outnumber-false-accusations_us_5aa67531e4b086698a9f9fa4
Man Had ‘AR-15-Styled Rifle,’ Bump Stock Outside Indianapolis Hotel Before Women’s March: Report
Ahmed Alaklouk, 22, faces a federal gun charge for possessing a weapon while living in the U.S. illegally.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/indianapolis-womens-march-gun_us_5aa66d11e4b01b9b0a3d2af5
Warren Rejects DNA Test Idea To Prove Native American Ancestry: ‘Nobody Is Going To Take That Part Of Me Away’ - Yahoo! News
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/warren-rejects-dna-test-idea-to-prove-native-american-ancestry-nobody-is-going-to-take-that-part-of-me-away_us_5aa68e22e4b087e5aaec3dfa
original https://www.yahoo.com/news/warren-rejects-dna-test-idea-prove-native-american-ancestry-nobody-going-take-part-away-173657853.html
The Church Of Scientology Is Launching A TV Network
“It’s time for us to tell our story,” the organization said.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-church-of-scientology-is-launching-a-tv-network_us_5aa5a636e4b07047bec7b2d1
This Woman Is Hosting Mobile Vibrator-Building Workshops Out Of An Airstream - further to https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=139208323
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/best-vibrators_us_5aa2ccc2e4b01b9b0a3b2074
Bill Dix resigning from posts as Majority Leader and Iowa State Senator following release of incriminating video
DES MOINES - Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, an 18-year veteran of the Iowa Legislature, abruptly resigned his leadership and District 25 position Monday in the wake of a video posted online that appeared to show the Shell Rock Republican kissing a female lobbyist at a Des Moines bar.
In a short statement, Dix announced his resignation as majority leader and state senator, effective at 2 p.m. Monday. He sent a resignation letter to Iowa Senate President Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, and House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, in accordance with Iowa Code requirement.
Senate President Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, declined to comment after a closed-door caucus of the 29-member Senate GOP majority. But his office issued a statement confirming Dix’s departure.
“I believe he made the right decision for himself and for his district, but most importantly, I believe he made the decision in the best interest of his family,” Whitver said in his statement.
“Senate Republicans will continue to move the policies Iowans elected us to pursue,” Whitver added. “After discussions with the Republican caucus this afternoon, an election to fill the position of Iowa Senate majority leader will be held on Wednesday.”
Dix, a third-generation farmer who was born and raised on his family farm near Janesville, met with fellow Republicans for about 15 minutes behind closed doors in a Senate committee room where a farmer, met with fellow Republicans for about 15 minutes behind closed doors in a Senate committee room where staffers had placed a large white board in front of the glass window to keep TV cameras, reporters or others from seeing in the room. Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, filled in for Dix at the start of Monday’s session and the majority leader did not make any public comments during the day’s proceedings.
“He did the right thing for himself, for his family and for Iowans today and I think as a caucus we’ll move forward,” said Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City, who attended the meeting. “As a caucus we’re going to move forward.”
[...]
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/bill-dix-resigning-from-posts-as-majority-leader-and-iowa-state-senator-following-release-of-incriminating-video-20180312
Video Appears To Show Bill Dix In Romantic Relationship With Lobbyist
https://iowastartingline.com/2018/03/12/video-appears-to-show-bill-dix-in-romantic-relationship-with-lobbyist/
Video Appears To Show Bill Dix In Relationship With Lobbyist
Iowa Starting Line
A video shot on a camera phone appears to show Iowa Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix in a romantic relationship with a Statehouse lobbyist. Video taken at Waveland Tap in Des Moines on March 1, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnRfOJyo-7w
UPDATE: Iowa Senate leader Bill Dix resigns ( https://youtu.be/RnRfOJyo-7w )
http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Video-appears-to-show-Iowa-Senate-leader-kissing-lobbyist-at-bar-476568633.html
Married [GOP] lawmaker resigns after he’s busted making out with lobbyist ( https://youtu.be/RnRfOJyo-7w )
https://nypost.com/2018/03/12/married-lawmaker-resigns-after-reportedly-making-out-with-lobbyist/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dJTi8BYpD_AvvdM-0wA4I6kLAVZDM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Trump close to tapping Kudlow to succeed Cohn
The president, known for making snap hiring decisions, has sent mixed signals on whom he wants as his next economic adviser.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/12/kudlow-cohn-trump-economic-adviser-457125
Trump speaks with Larry Kudlow about joining White House as economic adviser
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/12/trump-considers-media-personality-larry-kudlow-to-be-top-white-house-economist/
Larry Kudlow and the Trump-TV feedback loop
http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/12/media/president-trump-tv-larry-kudlow/index.html
Lawrence Kudlow Being Considered for Top White House Economic Post
Kudlow, a cable TV economic analyst, was expected to interview for position as soon as this week
https://www.wsj.com/articles/lawrence-kudlow-being-considered-for-top-white-house-economic-post-1520881537
Christopher Liddell Is Front-Runner to Become Trump’s Top Economic Adviser
MARCH 10, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/us/politics/christopher-liddell-trump.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dh3zcF66s9zAC9MoU3-14nhYFG2KM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Nerve Agent Found In U.K. Is Rare And Definitely Russian
https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2018/03/12/592964624/nerve-agent-found-in-u-k-is-rare-and-definitely-russian
White House Calls Attack on Ex-Spy in UK 'An Outrage,' But Doesn't Mention Russia
https://www.voanews.com/a/white-house-attack-united-kingdom-former-spy-outrage-russia/4295542.html
Britain gets tough on Putin after nerve agent attack. But will Trump?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/12/britain-just-got-tough-on-putin-and-put-trump-in-a-very-tough-spot/
What you need to know about Novichok, the Russian nerve agent used to poison ex-spy Sergei Skripal
Double agent Sergei Skripal was poisoned with nerve agent Novichok, Theresa May has said.
•Novichok nerve agents are Cold War-era chemical weapons, up to ten times more deadly than the notorious XV nerve agent used in other assassinations.
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-novichok-nerve-agent-2018-3
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dfXQwkEU-ZcFtGMtexVLSLh8tsw-M?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Republicans find no evidence of collusion or Russian preference for Trump
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/republicans-find-no-evidence-of-collusion-or-russian-preference-for-trump/2018/03/12/28c2cd44-2639-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html
Despite Mueller’s Push, House Republicans Declare No Evidence of Collusion
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/us/politics/house-intelligence-trump-russia.html
House Intelligence Committee to announce they are done with Russia probe interviews
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/house-intelligence-committee-russia-probe-interviews-done/index.html
House Intelligence Panel Wraps Up Russia Probe Interviews
Committee is set to write a report as Senate and Mueller investigations continue
https://www.wsj.com/articles/house-intelligence-panel-wraps-up-russia-probe-interviews-1520875190
House Republicans break with intelligence community on Russia
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/house-republicans-russia-conclusions/index.html
Draft GOP report: No coordination between Trump and Russia
https://apnews.com/dc7c4ec1be104801aefd46313fadb01b
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dJxJiLhjSv2XiiMXaA3CB9DIiBXyM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Rod Rosenstein, deputy attorney general, says Robert Mueller is 'not an unguided missile'
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/12/rosenstein-mueller-not-unguided-missle-interview/416388002/
Rod Rosenstein: Special counsel 'not an unguided missile'
Washington (CNN) - Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein offered full-throated support for special counsel Robert Mueller and defended his investigation into Russian election meddling as it weathers criticism in an interview with USA Today published Monday.
"The special counsel is not an unguided missile," Rosenstein told the newspaper. "I don't believe there is any justification at this point for terminating the special counsel."
Mueller has been in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump and Republican critics as his probe has unfolded and grown since beginning under Rosenstein's direction in May. The endorsement from Rosenstein, who has oversight of the probe given the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions from matters related to the election, came after reports earlier in the year that Trump had tried to fire Mueller last summer.
Rosenstein also appeared unfazed by attacks by Trump against him and the wider integrity of the Justice Department, USA Today reported. Four sources told CNN in January that Trump had been venting about Rosenstein in private, and a Tea Party-aligned group spent six figures last month on an advertisement that slammed him as a "weak careerist."
"I believe much of the criticism will fall by the wayside when people reflect on this era and the Department of Justice," Rosenstein said Monday, not referring to Trump directly. "I'm very confident that when the history of this era is written, it will reflect that the department was operated with integrity."
[...]
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/rod-rosenstein-interview-mueller/index.html
more: https://www.google.com/search?q=rod+rosenstein
Trump Blocks Broadcom’s Bid for Qualcomm
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/technology/trump-broadcom-qualcomm-merger.html
Trump blocks Broadcom takeover bid for Qualcomm - AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/trump-blocks-broadcom-takeover-bid-for-qualcomm/2018/03/12/9ecd9882-2659-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html
original https://www.apnews.com/aecd247326fe437c8ab0c78882c97396/Trump-blocks-Broadcom-takeover-bid-for-Qualcomm
Trump blocks Broadcom's $117 billion Qualcomm bid over national security
The White House has blocked Broadcom's $117 billion bid for Qualcomm due to national security concerns.
http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/12/news/companies/trump-qualcomm-broadcom-deal/index.html
Qualcomm's Troubles to Persist Even as Broadcom Pursuit Blocked
Chipmaker still faces Apple dispute, lack of confidence in CEO
U.S. President Trump signs order prohibiting Broadcom takeover
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-13/qualcomm-s-troubles-to-persist-even-as-broadcom-pursuit-blocked
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dtFE3PLzRozWciMqHEEpgpTvJgaHM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Donald Trump and the Stress Test of Liberal Democracy
Resistance must take the form of the affirmation of the values and institutions that the President has scorned and threatened.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/19/donald-trump-and-the-stress-test-of-liberal-democracy
Bibi Netanyahu Echoes Trump on Immigration
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/bibi-netanyahu-echoes-trump-on-immigration
How Psychopaths See the World
It’s not that they can’t consider other people’s perspectives. It’s that they don’t do so automatically.
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/03/a-hidden-problem-at-the-heart-of-psychopathy/555335/
study http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/03/06/1721903115
The ability to feel empathy—or not—is shaped by your genes
https://qz.com/1226026/the-ability-to-feel-empathy-or-not-is-shaped-by-your-genes/
Genes have a role in empathy, study says
It helps us to make close connections with people, and influences how we behave in a range of situations, from the workplace to a party.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43343807
study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-017-0082-6
Empathy might also be part genetic, a new study concludes
https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/mind-and-brain/empathy-explanation-genetic-12032018/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d-h9U-kyjwVojHMmpPhy7lMlyZVMM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Camera trapper hits jackpot with stunning video of 4 mountain lions near L.A.
https://bnqt.com/2018/03/05/camera-trapper-hits-jackpot-with-stunning-video-of-4-mountain-lions-near-l-a/
How Native American Slaveholders Complicate the Trail of Tears Narrative
The new exhibition ‘Americans’ at the National Museum of the American Indian prompts a deeper dive for historic truths
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-native-american-slaveholders-complicate-trail-tears-narrative-180968339/
How two of President John Tyler's grandsons are still alive, 174 years later
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-two-of-president-john-tylers-grandsons-are-still-alive/
Lead exposure linked to 412,000 premature deaths in US each year, study finds
New research suggests exposure to traces of lead may be linked to as many deaths as smoking
Exposure to traces of lead in petrol, paint and old plumbing may be linked to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year, according to new research.
As many as 412,000 Americans die prematurely every year - mostly from cardiovascular disease - due to historic exposure to low levels of the toxic metal, a US study suggests.
The figure is 10 times more than previously thought and could put deaths from lead exposure on par with smoking.
[...]
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/lead-exposure-linked-412000-premature-deaths-heart-disease-us-the-lancet-study-a8252791.html
New Study Links Lead Exposure to Heart Disease Deaths
The research suggests that even low-level exposure may be a significant risk factor for heart disease
https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/new-study-links-lead-exposure-to-heart-disease-deaths/
study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30025-2/fulltext
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/ddHU0IZRmCezd3M23maxWYDbI9LMM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Inevitable muscle wasting of old age could be stopped, scientists believe
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/12/inevitable-muscle-wasting-old-age-could-stopped-scientists-believe/
study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP275520/full
PR https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-03/tps-cwt030818.php
Muscle loss in old age linked to fewer nerve signals
Researchers say they may have worked out why there is a natural loss of muscle in the legs as people age - and that it is due to a loss of nerves.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43347409
Researchers investigate protective systems that could reverse muscle loss in old age
A new study has helped to shed light on the process underlying muscle loss in old age, a condition that increases people’s risk of frailty and disability.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180312/Researchers-investigate-protective-systems-that-could-reverse-muscle-loss-in-old-age.aspx
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d2imnHqxqcVygAMcl6BBxEQSaur4M?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
How ancient humans survived global ‘volcanic winter’ from massive eruption
About 74,000 years ago, a colossal volcano in Sumatra named Toba blew its top in the largest eruption to occur anywhere on Earth in the past 2 million years. Gas and ashes spewed into the atmosphere spread around the world within weeks, and some scientists think they triggered a global “volcanic winter” that may have lasted decades, leading to massive die-offs and the near-extinction of the human species. But others have suggested that the eruption’s effects were less dramatic.
Now, subtle traces of volcanic ash at Pinnacle Point, a famous archaeological site on the southern coast of South Africa, suggest that at least some groups of early humans survived, and even thrived, in the eruption’s aftermath. The discovery also offers archaeologists an astonishingly precise time marker for dating sites around the globe.
When Toba erupted, modern humans had already traveled out of Africa to at least the Middle East and perhaps beyond. Some researchers have proposed that Toba’s eruption was big enough to cause a reverse greenhouse effect that cooled Earth for decades, leading to ecological disaster and widespread food shortages that only a few small communities were able to survive. (Volcanoes spew sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which can form aerosols that reflect the sun’s rays.) But the theory is hotly debated. Sediments from Lake Malawi, in eastern Africa, for example, don’t show evidence for a dramatic change in plant life around the time of the eruption.
[...]
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/03/how-ancient-humans-survived-global-volcanic-winter-massive-eruption
study http://www.nature.com/articles/nature25967
Humans Did Something Unexpected During One Of Earth's Largest Supereruptions
http://www.iflscience.com/environment/humanity-did-something-unexpected-during-one-of-earths-largest-supereruptions/
After a Volcano’s Ancient Supereruption, Humanity May Have Thrived
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/science/toba-supervolcano-supereruption.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dABnl6WGeMv62kM6seFmKur6TQtwM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
A Company Is Building 3D-Printed Homes For Just $10,000
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2018/03/12/3d-printed-homes-10000-dollars/
You can now 3D-print a house in under a day ( https://youtu.be/SvM7jFZGAec )
https://qz.com/1227301/sxsw-2018-affordable-3d-printed-houses-from-icon-and-charity-new-story-debuted-in-austin/
New Story Unveils First 3-D-Printed Home
How New Story and ICON made the first 3-D-printed home for the developing world
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/new-story-unveils-first-3-d-printed-home
New Story + ICON : 3D Printed Homes for the Developing World
New Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvM7jFZGAec
A $4,000 3-D-printed home still has some big barriers to overcome
A startup called Icon says it can make a 650-square-foot house using 3-D printing in 12 to 24 hours.
https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/610505/a-4000-3-d-printed-home-still-has-some-big-barriers-to-overcome/
The Quest to Bring 3-D-Printed Homes to the Developing World
https://www.wired.com/story/new-story-3-d-printed-house/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d3DODStobVpfT9M6cDT9FEPycSi_M?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Enormous [or not] magnetic storm to strike Earth this weekend; huge [or not] impact on humans and telecommunication [VIDEO] ( https://youtu.be/ghi4Qk8fY2c [since gone dark],
http://www.ibtimes.sg/enormous-magnetic-storm-strike-earth-this-weekend-huge-impact-humans-telecommunication-video-25148
Solar Storms Can Crash Communications, But 3D Models Aid Prediction
https://www.space.com/39937-geomagnetic-storm-blackouts-predictions-3d.html
Nature likes to make bow waves
Boats moving through water make bow waves. Objects in space, including Earth, make them, too. Even the moon’s shadow – penetrating Earth’s atmosphere during a total solar eclipse – creates moving bow waves.
http://earthsky.org/space/cosmic-bow-shocks-video
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dHK1OTMIfUdvBJMHefvQ0c5bCTZuM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Arrested development: Hubble finds relic galaxy close to home - NGC 1277
https://phys.org/news/2018-03-hubble-relic-galaxy-home.html
study http://www.nature.com/articles/nature25756
NGC 1277
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6qMghtXSE
Hubble Just Found a "Relic Galaxy," and It's Absolutely Stunning
https://www.inverse.com/article/42187-hubble-finds-relic-galaxy-ngc-1277
Ancient ‘red and dead’ galaxy sheds light on big bang relics
https://astronomynow.com/2018/03/12/ancient-red-and-dead-galaxy-sheds-light-on-big-bang-relics/
Hubble Reveals a Very Strange, Oddball Galaxy NGC 1277 --"It's Almost All Black Hole!" ( https://youtu.be/Wx6qMghtXSE )
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2018/03/hubble-reveals-a-very-strange-oddball-galaxy-ngc-1277-its-almost-all-black-hole.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dhjOMETK_Be49cMEBdnwrSMOpH5yM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
--
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Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Democracy Now! [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzuqE7-t13O4NIDYJfakrhw / https://www.youtube.com/user/democracynow , https://www.youtube.com/user/democracynow/videos ]
President Trump has reiterated his calls for the U.S. to impose the death penalty on drug dealers, praising countries like the Philippines, China and Singapore that apply capital punishment to drug traffickers. During a speech on Saturday, Trump recounted conversations with Chinese and Singaporean leaders who, he said, solved their countries’ drug problems by executing drug traffickers. Trump has also repeatedly expressed admiration for Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and said he’s done an “unbelievable job on the drug problem.” Last month, the International Criminal Court opened a preliminary investigation into accusations that Duterte had committed crimes against humanity by overseeing the killing of up to 8,000 people in his so-called war on drugs. We speak to Widney Brown, the managing director of policy at the Drug Policy Alliance [ http://www.drugpolicy.org/ ].
https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/12/death_to_drug_dealers_trump_threatens [with embedded video, and transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqNw_SMrIQA [with comments]
*
Overthrow: 100 Years of U.S. Meddling & Regime Change, from Iran to Nicaragua to Hawaii to Cuba
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Democracy Now!
As special counsel Robert Mueller continues his probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, we take a look back at Washington’s record of meddling in elections across the globe. By one count, the United States has interfered in more than 80 foreign elections between 1946 and 2000. And that doesn’t count U.S.-backed coups and invasions. We speak to former New York Times reporter Stephen Kinzer, author of “Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq [ https://www.amazon.com/Overthrow-Americas-Century-Regime-Change/dp/0805082409 ].”
https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/12/100_years_of_us_interference_regime [with embedded video, and transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9Q19QJpJ4s [with comments]
*
As Ex-CIA Head Admits to U.S. Meddling in Elections, Is Outrage over Russian Interference Overblown?
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Democracy Now!
Former CIA Director James Woolsey recently admitted the U.S. meddles in overseas elections. During an interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News, Woolsey laughed about it and said the U.S. takes such action “only for a very good cause.” Woolsey made the comments shortly after 13 Russians were indicted for interfering with the U.S. election. We speak to former New York Times reporter Stephen Kinzer, author of “Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq [ https://www.amazon.com/Overthrow-Americas-Century-Regime-Change/dp/0805082409 ].”
https://www.democracynow.org/2018/3/12/as_ex_cia_head_admits_to [with embedded video, and transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LRArfyjK1Y [with comments]
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Notice Regarding the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Iran
Issued on: March 12, 2018
On March 15, 1995, by Executive Order 12957, the President declared a national emergency with respect to Iran to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States constituted by the actions and policies of the Government of Iran. On May 6, 1995, the President issued Executive Order 12959, imposing more comprehensive sanctions on Iran to further respond to this threat. On August 19, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13059, consolidating and clarifying those earlier orders. The President took additional steps pursuant to this national emergency through Executive Order 13553 of September 28, 2010, Executive Order 13574 of May 23, 2011, Executive Order 13590 of November 20, 2011, Executive Order 13599 of February 5, 2012, Executive Order 13606 of April 22, 2012, Executive Order 13608 of May 1, 2012, Executive Order 13622 of July 30, 2012, Executive Order 13628 of October 9, 2012, and Executive Order 13645 of June 3, 2013.
On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), the European Union, and Iran agreed to a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful. On January 16, 2016, Implementation Day under the JCPOA, the United States lifted nuclear-related sanctions on Iran, by terminating a number of Executive Orders that had been issued pursuant to this national emergency and by taking other actions. Though these measures constitute a significant change in our sanctions posture, comprehensive non-nuclear-related sanctions with respect to Iran remain in place.
Actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including its development of ballistic missiles, support for international terrorism, and human rights abuses continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
For this reason, the national emergency declared on March 15, 1995, must continue in effect beyond March 15, 2018. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to Iran declared in Executive Order 12957. The emergency declared by Executive Order 12957 constitutes an emergency separate from that declared on November 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170, in connection with the hostage crisis. This renewal, therefore, is distinct from the emergency renewal of November 2017.
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/notice-regarding-continuation-national-emergency-respect-iran-2/
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Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate
Issued on: March 12, 2018
Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)
Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency with respect to Iran that was declared on March 15, 1995, is to continue in effect beyond March 15, 2018.
On January 16, 2016, Implementation Day under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the United States lifted nuclear-related sanctions on Iran consistent with its commitments under the JCPOA, through termination of a number of Executive Orders that had been issued pursuant to this national emergency and other actions. Although these measures significantly changed our sanctions posture, comprehensive non-nuclear-related sanctions with respect to Iran remain in place.
Actions and policies of the Government of Iran, including its development of ballistic missiles, support for international terrorism, and human rights abuses continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.
For these reasons, I have determined it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat.
Sincerely,
DONALD J. TRUMP
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/text-letter-president-speaker-house-representatives-president-senate-19/
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Full Show - Congressman Warns BOTH Parties’ Gun Control Trojan Horse - 03/12/2018
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Real News with David Knight [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC1L9FOMSaPgMyoLSnps47g , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC1L9FOMSaPgMyoLSnps47g/videos ]
12Mar18 Broadcast
Democrats are building their party platform around abolishing ICE & 2nd Amendment and former CIA & intel operatives are running for office as Democrats, outnumbering lawyers, state & local politicians and wealthy individuals. Then, the Florida legislature and government pass gun control measures in response to the Parkland shooting and Trump’s plan is revealed as a congressman warns of a legislative trick from BOTH parties. And, Joel Skousen is skeptical of the North Korean peace talks and talks about personal preparation.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8LF6JIq968 [with comments] [also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC9Rug0qJok (with comments)]
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Presidential Order Regarding the Proposed Takeover of Qualcomm Incorporated by Broadcom Limited
Issued on: March 12, 2018
Upon review of a recommendation from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and consideration, as appropriate, of the factors set forth in the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, the President has made relevant findings and issued the following Order:
ORDER
REGARDING THE PROPOSED TAKEOVER OF QUALCOMM INCORPORATED BY BROADCOM LIMITED
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (section 721), 50 U.S.C. 4565, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Findings. (a) There is credible evidence that leads me to believe that Broadcom Limited, a limited company organized under the laws of Singapore (Broadcom), along with its partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates, including Broadcom Corporation, a California corporation, and Broadcom Cayman L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership, and their partners, subsidiaries, or affiliates (together, the Purchaser), through exercising control of Qualcomm Incorporated (Qualcomm), a Delaware corporation, might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States; and
(b) Provisions of law, other than section 721 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), do not, in my judgment, provide adequate and appropriate authority for me to protect the national security in this matter.
Sec. 2. Actions Ordered and Authorized. On the basis of the findings set forth in section 1 of this order, considering the factors described in subsection 721(f) of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as appropriate, and pursuant to my authority under applicable law, including section 721, I hereby order that:
(a) The proposed takeover of Qualcomm by the Purchaser is prohibited, and any substantially equivalent merger, acquisition, or takeover, whether effected directly or indirectly, is also prohibited.
(b) All 15 individuals listed as potential candidates on the Form of Blue Proxy Card filed by Broadcom and Broadcom Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2018 (together, the Candidates), are hereby disqualified from standing for election as directors of Qualcomm. Qualcomm is prohibited from accepting the nomination of or votes for any of the Candidates.
(c) The Purchaser shall uphold its proxy commitments to those Qualcomm stockholders who have returned their final proxies to the Purchaser, to the extent consistent with this order.
(d) Qualcomm shall hold its annual stockholder meeting no later than 10 days following the written notice of the meeting provided to stockholders under Delaware General Corporation Law, Title 8, Chapter 1, Subchapter VII, section 222(b), and that notice shall be provided as soon as possible.
(e) The Purchaser and Qualcomm shall immediately and permanently abandon the proposed takeover. Immediately upon completion of all steps necessary to terminate the proposed takeover of Qualcomm, the Purchaser and Qualcomm shall certify in writing to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) that such termination has been effected in accordance with this order and that all steps necessary to fully and permanently abandon the proposed takeover of Qualcomm have been completed.
(f) From the date of this order until the Purchaser and Qualcomm provide a certification of termination of the proposed takeover to CFIUS pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, the Purchaser and Qualcomm shall certify to CFIUS on a weekly basis that they are in compliance with this order and include a description of efforts to fully and permanently abandon the proposed takeover of Qualcomm and a timeline for projected completion of remaining actions.
(g) Any transaction or other device entered into or employed for the purpose of, or with the effect of, avoiding or circumventing this order is prohibited.
(h) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstances, is held to be invalid because of the lack of certain procedural requirements, the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements.
(i) This order supersedes the Interim Order issued by CFIUS on March 4, 2018.
(j) The Attorney General is authorized to take any steps necessary to enforce this order.
Sec. 3. Reservation. I hereby reserve my authority to issue further orders with respect to the Purchaser and Qualcomm as shall in my judgment be necessary to protect the national security of the United States.
Sec. 4. Publication and Transmittal. (a) This order shall be published in the Federal Register.
(b) I hereby direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit a copy of this order to Qualcomm and Broadcom.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 12, 2018.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-order-regarding-proposed-takeover-qualcomm-incorporated-broadcom-limited/
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March 12: Gutting Dodd-Frank, risking another financial disaster
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by ThinkProgress [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYdasX3ym3E5r1iozVllmzA , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYdasX3ym3E5r1iozVllmzA/videos ]
Editor-in-chief Judd Legum and reporter Alan Pyke discuss the effort to roll back Dodd-Frank, the sweeping reforms put in place to stop another financial crisis like 2008 from happening again. The Republican bill is likely to pass with significant Democratic support.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpEtnlHqJjw [no comments yet]
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The one thing GOP and Dems agree on could lead to the next financial crisis
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by ThinkProgress
Dodd-Frank was put into law in 2010 to protect the U.S. economy from experiencing another devastating crisis like the one in 2008. Eight years later, Senate Banking Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) aims to roll those regulations back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXTRJcz40n0 [no comments yet]
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What Barney Frank Really Thinks About The Rollback Of Dodd-Frank (HBO)
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by VICE News [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZaT_X_mc0BI-djXOlfhqWQ / https://www.youtube.com/user/vicenews , https://www.youtube.com/user/vicenews/videos ]
The Senate is on the verge of passing a bill that will weaken Dodd-Frank, the landmark 2010 banking reform law. If passed, the new bill will exempt midsize banks with less than $250 billion in assets from strict regulatory scrutiny, and loosen some rules on small banks. It’s a Republican bill, but it’s also being supported by more than a dozen Democratic senators.
VICE News spoke to former congressman Barney Frank, the architect of Dodd-Frank, about what the new bill means, why some Democrats are supporting it, and how the original bill he helped write is holding up almost a decade after it was signed into law.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NUlVA8dT5A [with comments]
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Life in Louisiana: Aaron Brent
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Southern Poverty Law Center [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJqloayL-p1TP4Ed_fr53CA / https://www.youtube.com/user/SPLCenter , https://www.youtube.com/user/SPLCenter/videos ]
Aaron Brent arrived in Angola when he was 19 years old.
He is now 60 years old.
He is serving life in Louisiana.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViB0zOw4lrI [comments disabled] [and see also in particular (linked in) https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=139543935 and preceding and following (earlier this string)]
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Freethought Matters: Larry Decker, Executive Director Of Secular Coalition
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by FFRF [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC28jWiP7HV6mBBW3C8AXuEg / https://www.youtube.com/user/FFRForg , https://www.youtube.com/user/FFRForg/videos ]
Larry T. Decker has spent nearly two decades in Washington, D.C. as a government relations professional in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. On Dec. 29, 2015, Decker was appointed by the Board of Directors to the position of executive director of the Secular Coalition for America. Prior to joining the Secular Coalition, Decker has a long history in Washington.
Decker served as the director of Public Policy for Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. During his time at the Global Fund, Decker secured more than $1 billion in federal appropriations for the Global Fund during a period of economic austerity. He successfully executed an outreach and education campaign to meet with all new Republican members of Congress following the 2010 midterm elections in an effort to ensure an understanding of the devastating consequences of cutting U.S. support to the Global Fund.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2239BklfuOk [with comments]
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Full Show - EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Robinson Talks About Taking On Ten ANTIFA At Once - 03/12/2018
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Alex Jones Channel [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvsye7V9psc-APX6wV1twLg / https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAlexJonesChannel , https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAlexJonesChannel/videos ]
Monday, March 12th 2018: Musk to Mars! - Alex Jones breaks down how Tesla founder Elon Musk announced a plan to send a space vehicle to Mars as soon as next year with the ultimate goal involving planting seeds on the surface and establishing a human colony. Also, President Trump looks to individual states to decide gun purchase age restrictions. Mike Adams of NaturalNews.com breaks down internet censorship. Then, joining today's conversation, is British free speech activist Tommy Robinson to discuss UK's Orwellian censorship laws and his epic battle with ten masked ANTIFA thugs on his own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNSc8SPT41E [with comments] [also at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbwJFzPllCU (additional text adapted from; with comments)] [a must-watch]
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RWW News: Alex Jones Claims The BBC Is 'A Giant Pedophile Cult'
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by RWW Blog [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXqRHe8n1TX5iDvkLS62rw / https://www.youtube.com/user/RWWBlog , https://www.youtube.com/user/RWWBlog/videos ]
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/alex-jones-claims-the-bbc-is-a-giant-pedophile-cult/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a59DlnPkXDg [with comments]
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Infowars conspiracy theory: Ties Sadiq Khan to Austin bombings
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by MMFA Alt. Channel [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PhjTobwRndMIUs8uA3vkg / https://www.youtube.com/user/MMFAalt1 , https://www.youtube.com/user/MMFAalt1/videos ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s58P1FndhHY [comments disabled]
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RWW News: Jerome Corsi Claims Trump Personally Ordered Intel Be Leaked To 8Chan
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by RWW Blog
http://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/jerome-corsi-trump-personally-selected-8chan-for-leaking-intel-about-the-storm/
[from March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Iz5ZWBOAo [with comments]
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New Testament errors {Doctrine of inerrancy debunked}
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Emperor Atheist [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCb4gMGQjON4h3ZmjvVwYbw , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCb4gMGQjON4h3ZmjvVwYbw/videos ]
Emperor Atheist discussing the doctrine of inerrancy in the New testament and how the texts are contradictory especially for those who agree with the Alexandrian texts.
Matthew 27:49 – the Alexandrian Text and Inerrancy
Matthew 27:49 is among the passages where a textual variant occurs which has the potential to impact doctrine – specifically, the doctrine of inerrancy. The doctrine that the texts of the Old and New Testament, as originally produced, are inerrant, is not something that a person has to believe in order to be saved. But many people consider it a doctrine that is important to maintain the health of the church. So let’s look into this.
Major Alexandrian witnesses for Matthew, including Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, contain more in this verse. They say (in Greek, of course), “And another took a spear and pierced his side, and out came water and blood.” Notice that this is reported, in the Alexandrian Text of Matthew, to occur before the death of Christ in 27:50.
Compare this to John 19:28-35. John explicitly says that Jesus was pierced after He died; John 19:35 makes a special point of saying that he is right about this. But the Alexandrian reading in Mt. 27:49 says that Jesus was pierced right before He died.
Modern versions such as the NIV and ESV are based primarily on a compilation of the Alexandrian Text; Byzantine readings are adopted in their base-texts as a last resort. (Clear exceptions are the NKJV - based on the TR - and the WEB and EMTV - based on the Byzantine Text.) Even when Vaticanus and Sinaiticus stand alone, modern versions still tend to adopt their readings. For example, NIV-translator Craig Blomberg has recently conveyed that if it wasn’t for the fuss that would be raised by KJV-Onlyists, Mark 16:9-20 would be gone. (As it is, the NIV’s treatment of Mark 16:9-20 is problematic, but I don’t want to spend much time criticizing the NIV because my criticisms might be obsolete tomorrow, as the NIV changes and changes.) Daniel Wallace has also said, iirc, that he’s considering removing Mark 16:9-20 from the text of the NET. To do so would be to adopt a reading that disagrees with all extant Greek manuscripts except for Vaticanus and Sinaiticus.
But that can’t happen in the case of Matthew 27:49. It cannot happen, I say, because the Alexandrian reading of Mt. 27:49 is attested in more than two Greek manuscripts. It is in Vaticanus and Sinaiticus and, if my information is correct, it is also attested in Codices C, L, U, and Gamma, plus more than 30 minuscules and several Latin copies. (Also, in the early 500’s, Severus of Antioch addressed this variant.) So we have a situation in which an Alexandrian reading is favored at Mark 16 where only two Greek MSS clearly display it, but an Alexandrian reading is being rejected at Mt. 27:49 where those same two Greek manuscipts (the “oldest and most reliable,” according to some footnotes), and other manuscripts, attest it.
I have to emphasize, again, that Sinaiticus has this Alexandrian reading. If you visit the Codex Sinaiticus website and consult the English translation provided there, it will give you a different impression. The actual reading in the manuscript is not translated; only the usual part is provided. But if you look at the manuscript-image itself, or read the Greek transcript, there is the Alexandrian reading, plain as day.
Now, before we begin to analyze the Alexandrian Text of Matthew 27:49, can we agree that it would, if adopted into the text, pose a problem for the doctrine of inerrancy? Read carefully the account in Matthew 27, and the parallel in John 19. Does anyone here think that the Alexandrian Text’s version of events in Matthew 27, and the version of events in John 19, can both be inerrant?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-PsywM876A [with comments]
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Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada
Issued on: March 12, 2018
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada regarding the Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum that the President announced last week. President Trump emphasized the importance of quickly concluding the ongoing NAFTA negotiations to ensure the vitality of United States and North American manufacturing industries and to protect the economic and national security of the United States.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/readout-president-donald-j-trumps-call-prime-minister-justin-trudeau-canada-5/
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WATCH: President Trump hosts 2017 World Series champions Houston Astros
Streamed live on Mar 12, 2018 by PBS NewsHour [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ZFN9Tx6xh-skXCuRHCDpQ / https://www.youtube.com/user/PBSNewsHour , https://www.youtube.com/user/PBSNewsHour/videos ]
President Donald Trump hosts the Houston Astros, 2017 World Series Champions, at the White House.
Remarks by President Trump at Welcoming of the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros
East Room
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-welcoming-2017-world-series-champion-houston-astros/ [official transcript]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGMBIq3mrhs [comments disabled] [official White House upload at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs08nbesW5M (with comments)]
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WATCH: Sarah Sanders holds White House news briefing
Streamed live on Mar 12, 2018 by PBS NewsHour
President Donald Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders holds White House news briefing.
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Sarah Sanders
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/press-briefing-press-secretary-sarah-sanders-031218/ [official transcript]
President Donald J. Trump is Taking Immediate Actions to Secure Our Schools
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe community surrounded by a loving family and to have a future filled with opportunity and with hope.”
- President Donald J. Trump
March 12, 2018
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-taking-immediate-actions-secure-schools/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DGDD5i43kM [comments disabled] [official White House upload at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgxnQB7utpE (with comments)]
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Shep Smith on Trump caving to the NRA: "The NRA gets to them, and that's that"
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by MMFA Alt. Channel
Shepard Smith Reporting, 3/12/18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhCIvL6xro8 [comments disabled]
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Full Show - Multiple Explosions In Texas As Infowars Is Under Attack - 03/12/2018
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by War Room [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClsn7QZVdszxLlUs-GOG0Sg , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClsn7QZVdszxLlUs-GOG0Sg/videos ]
Breaking news today includes multiple fatal explosions in Texas from suspicious packages, Infowars is under attack from Hillary Clinton's legal team, the House Intelligence Committee has just announced no collusion found between Russia and Trump, all while South By Southwest is in town. We cover the explosions, and Alex Jones joins the show to discuss the latest attacks on Infowars.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xL8l4V2Ly0 [with comments] [also, edited, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ-OzW8L3gM (with comments)]
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Exclusive! Leftists Sue Alex Jones For Questioning Charlottesville MSM PR Campaign
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Alex Jones Channel
Alex Jones explains the latest lawsuit by Clinton linked individuals and why it important to get right with yourself.
This statement concerns an impending lawsuit purported by Reuters to be filed by BRENNAN GILMORE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wejJicSLW4 [with comments] [a must-watch]
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Team Pork Chop! (feat. Shannon Q and Viced Rhino) - (Ken) Ham & AiG News
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Paulogia [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIS4cWaXgWpznjwovFYQBJQ , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIS4cWaXgWpznjwovFYQBJQ/videos ]
Ken Ham and his team have a bi-weekly "news" show, reacting to the news stories of the day from a Christian young-earth creation perspective from the Answers in Genesis staff at his Creation Museum.
Shannon Q and Viced Rhino join Ken Ham, Avery Foley, and Bodie Hodge as they discuss criminalizing Christian counseling, a 70-year-old man the first to be arrested under Ontario’s new ban on pro-life speech, new fossils are redefining what makes a dinosaur, and more in this episode of Answers News hosted in front of a live audience at the Creation Museum.
Shannon Q
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0qhPJh8DeoR-3JhMrIvw0g
Viced Rhino
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNGEDuZOa-hA3abbWtTkUA
New York S121 Legislation
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2015/s121
Answers News — March 1, 2018:
Answers News — March 1, 2018
Published on Mar 1, 2018 by Answers in Genesis [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCicvc24eAbFp-thRrBnSP2A / https://www.youtube.com/user/answersvideos , https://www.youtube.com/user/answersvideos/videos ]
Join Ken Ham, Avery Foley, and Bodie Hodge as they discuss criminalizing Christian counseling, a 70-year-old man the first to be arrested under Ontario’s new ban on pro-life speech, new fossils are redefining what makes a dinosaur, and more in this episode of Answers News hosted in front of a live audience at the Creation Museum. For more information on these topics, please visit https://answersingenesis.org/ .
Here are links to the articles discussed in Answers News (due to time restraints, all topics may not be covered in this episode):
• Plants colonized the Earth 100 million years earlier than previously thought: https://phys.org/news/2018-02-colonized-earth-million-years-earlier.html
• New fossils are redefining what makes a dinosaur: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/new-fossils-are-redefining-what-makes-dinosaur
• Ancient DNA tells tales of humans' migrant history: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/02/180221131851.htm
• Erie County Legislature Votes To Criminalize Christian Counseling: https://www.albanyupdate.com/erie-county-legislature-votes-criminalize-christian-counseling/
• Is This Seal the Earliest Evidence of Biblical Prophet Isaiah?: https://www.livescience.com/61836-ancient-seal-prophet-isaiah.html
• 70-year-old man first to be arrested under Ontario’s new ban on pro-life speech: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/70-year-old-man-becomes-first-arrest-under-ontarios-new-ban-on-pro-life-spe
• Court upholds double-murder conviction, sentence: http://www.tribstar.com/news/local_news/court-upholds-double-murder-conviction-sentence/article_af6b83b6-3d7e-5929-8b14-c701ef8cbdf5.html
• Planned Parenthood to focus on getting state laws changed to promote abortion in 2018: https://www.all.org/planned-parenthood-to-focus-on-getting-state-laws-changed-to-promote-abortion-in-2018/
• “In God We Trust” removed from classroom after atheist parent complains: https://www.toddstarnes.com/faith/god-trust-removed-classroom-atheist-parent-complains/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lwv825twlfM [comments disabled]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLBd0ppU0rw [with comments]
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Statement from the Press Secretary on the Visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
Issued on: March 12, 2018
President Donald J. Trump will welcome Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to the White House on March 20, 2018. The President looks forward to discussing ways to strengthen ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia and to advance our common security and economic priorities.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-visit-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-saudi-arabia/
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Stormy Daniels' lawyer: 'We're not going home'
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Adult film actress Stormy Daniels is ready to give back “hush money” to speak in detail about her alleged affair with Donald Trump. Michael Avenatti, Stormy Daniels’ attorney wonders why “we have not heard from the President” and says it “isn’t complicated” so “what are they hiding”?
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/stormy-daniels-lawyer-we-re-not-going-home-1184114755924 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaUVDGExn5s [with comments]
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Rosenstein to Trump: No 'justification' to fire Mueller
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Special Counsel Bob Mueller’s boss, Deputy Attorney General, Rod Rosenstein says Robert Mueller is “not an unguided missile” and there is no “justification” to fire him. All of this coming as the Republican leading the House Intelligence Committee's Russia probe says -- they're finished.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/rosenstein-to-trump-no-justification-to-fire-mueller-1184117315607
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Nunberg: Mueller team asked about Trump lawyer's payment to Stormy Daniels
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Former Trump campaign adviser Sam Nunberg reveals Mueller investigators asked him about Trump lawyer’s payments to women and detailed being asked about mentor Roger Stone and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange during his four hours in Mueller’s grand jury box.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/nunberg-mueller-team-asked-about-trump-lawyer-s-payment-to-stormy-daniels-1184117827775 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1XKKm5jNp0 [with comments]
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NYC vs. NJ: Rapper Havoc and Sen. Torricelli debate hometown music
The Beat with Ari Melber
3/12/18
Watch legendary rapper Havoc from Mobb Deep and Senator Robert Torricelli debate music in this irreverent discussion on The Real List. Havoc reveals there will be a new Mobb Deep album before the end of 2018.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-beat-with-ari-melber/watch/nyc-vs-nj-rapper-havoc-and-sen-torricelli-debate-hometown-music-1184121411851 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzQ_AMegm5I [with comments]
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How A Family In Eastern Ghouta Was Torn Apart By The Airstrikes (HBO)
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by VICE News
More than 600 people have been killed in Eastern Ghouta, Syria in the last 13 days. As the Assad regime continues to try to smash the last major pocket of rebel activity. Hundreds of thousands are trapped in Eastern Ghouta, which has been under siege since 2013. And the UN-brokered promise of daily five-hour ceasefires, meant to help civilians escape, hasn’t materialized. And aid can't get in either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks20a9-FGkw [with comments]
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How Syria’s Kurds are trying to create a democracy
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Vox [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXo7UDZvByw2ixzpQCufnA / https://www.youtube.com/user/voxdotcom , https://www.youtube.com/user/voxdotcom/videos ]
It’s an unlikely place for a democratic revolution.
Since the start of the Syrian civil war, Kurdish people in the North have carved out an autonomous region of their own — Rojava — by fighting the Islamic State. Their militias, which form the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have emerged as the most effective fighters against ISIS and won them a close partnership with the US.
The ruling Kurdish Party, the PYD, has set up a democratic federation made of local governments. Their constitution claims to accept people of all ethnicities and religions and treat them as equals. One of its central tenets is equality of men and women. In fact, the all-female Women’s Protection Unit (YPJ) militia fights alongside the SDF, and they’re known to be especially good soldiers.
But the more territory the Kurds take from ISIS, the more worried Turkey gets.
Turkey has been at war with another closely linked Kurdish group, the PKK, for decades. In 2018, Turkey invaded the Syrian Kurdish enclave of Afrin, putting the country in direct conflict with the Kurds of Rojava.
Watch more Vox Atlas: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8cMiYb3G5e4MOmzf-piIWQb4INRW18g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaKwjvxukvg [with comments]
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How The Opposition Is Fighting Back In The Russian Elections (HBO)
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by VICE News
Alexei Navalny was detained last month for organizing the January 28th protests, and is waiting for a court date which is likely to result in him being put away until April. His campaign manager and deputy Leonid Volkov is already in the slammer and not due out until March 24th. When your candidate - long-banned from running - is telling people not to vote, and will spend election day in prison, what is a campaign? It will be up to his die-hard believers to organize protests in Navalny's name, risking arrest in the process, and likely failing to be effective in the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZCBUm94A_M [with comments]
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Maxine Waters reacts to Trump calling her "low-IQ individual"
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
Donald Trump called California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who has called for his impeachment, "a very low IQ individual" in a Pennsylvania speech over the weekend.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/maxine-waters-reacts-to-trump-calling-her-low-iq-individual-1184163396001 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeNAG7_-udM [with comments]
*
Trump Jr. talks to the press with big bowl of ice cream
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
Donald Trump Jr. sported a hair net to tour a candy factory in Pennsylvania and then held an impromptu news conference while eating a big bowl of ice cream.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/trump-jr-talks-to-the-press-with-big-bowl-of-ice-cream-1184169027552 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDrS5nTw5s [with comments]
*
Trump backs away from gun safety measures opposed by NRA
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
After calling out Republicans for being "petrified" of the NRA, the president retreated from NRA-opposed measures he previously endorsed.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/trump-backs-away-from-gun-safety-measures-opposed-by-nra-1184173635902
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Gov. Kasich: There's an opening now for gun reform
All In with Chris Hayes
3/12/18
Republican governor John Kasich of Ohio believes there's now a consensus on certain gun restrictions, despite the power of the NRA.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/all-in/watch/gov-kasich-there-s-an-opening-now-for-gun-reform-1184174659821
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New book's scoop could clarify dossier's 'Trump pee tape' claim
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
Rachel Maddow shares highlights from "Russian Roulette," the new book by David Corn and Michael Isikoff, including a story about Donald Trump's visit to a night club with questionable entertainment.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/new-book-s-scoop-could-clarify-dossier-s-trump-pee-tape-claim-1184236611773
*
Trump set stage early for Russian permeation of his campaign
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
David Corn and Michael Isikoff discuss with Rachel Maddow some of the insights explored in their new book, "Russian Roulette," including the unusual presence of people like Paul Manafort, Carter Page, and George Papadopoulos on the Trump campaign team.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/trump-set-stage-early-for-russian-permeation-of-his-campaign-1184244803999
*
On 2016 Russian intrusion, US intel saw dots, missed connection
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
David Corn and Michael Isikoff discuss with Rachel Maddow some of the insights explored in their new book, "Russian Roulette," including how many of the ingredients of the Russian attack on the 2016 election were known to the U.S. intelligence community without the realization of the overall plot.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/on-2016-russian-intrusion-us-intel-saw-dots-missed-connection-1184256067951 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuBLb3F3u7Q [with comments]
*
Schiff blasts GOP over premature Russia probe shutdown
The Rachel Maddow Show
3/12/18
Rep. Adam Schiff talks with Rachel Maddow about the Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee shutting down their Trump Russia investigation with witnesses yet to interview and questions left unanswered.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/schiff-blasts-gop-over-premature-russia-probe-shutdown-1184223811829 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf2PXarrqhw [with comments]
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Lawrence & Rachel: 'Russian Roulette' connects the dots
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell
3/12/18
New book 'Russian Roulette' synthesizes the characters and timeline of Russia and the Trump campaign. Rachel Maddow interviewed the authors, Michael Isikoff and David Corn, on The Rachel Maddow Show tonight. She joins Lawrence O'Donnell to react to the interview.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lawrence-rachel-russian-roulette-connects-the-dots-1184266307857
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Rep. Swalwell: GOP ending Russia probe 'invites another attack'
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell
3/12/18
Congressman Eric Swalwell says House Intel Cmte. Democrats "weren't told" about the Republicans' plan to release a report essentially vindicating the Trump campaign of any wrongdoing and ending the Committee's Russia probe. David Frum also joins Lawrence O'Donnell.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/rep-swalwell-gop-ending-russia-probe-invites-another-attack-1184283203793 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg0dx7jDDjo [with comments]
*
Rob Porter's ex-wife on Trump team's ignorance on abuse
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell
3/12/18
A full month after ex-wives revealed abuse allegations that were holding up White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter's security clearance, one of them, Jennie Willoughby, joins Lawrence O'Donnell to discuss what the White House and John Kelly don't get about abuse.
©2018 NBCNews.com
http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/rob-porter-s-ex-wife-on-trump-team-s-ignorance-on-abuse-1184269379553 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2zLZIrcGnc [with comments]
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Dems blast House Intel Republicans for ending Russia probe
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
Democrats say Republicans put protecting the president over finding the truth when the GOP on the House Intelligence Committee decided to wrap up their Russia investigation. Our panel reacts.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/dems-blast-house-intel-republicans-for-ending-russia-probe-1184322627868 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Z2jdNG_TI [with comments]
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Report: Mueller may delay decision on obstruction charge
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
A report from Bloomberg News states Russia Special Counsel Robert Mueller may delay deciding whether to change Trump with obstruction of justice until other parts of his investigation are through. Our panel reacts.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/report-mueller-may-delay-decision-on-obstruction-charge-1184328259890
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Stormy Daniels offers Trump $130,000 back for her silence
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
Stormy Daniels is offering to give back the $130,000 she was paid for her silence so she can speak freely about her alleged affair with Trump and release any text messages, photos, & videos she might have.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/stormy-daniels-offers-trump-130-000-back-for-her-silence-1184333891556
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Florida Dem: Deeply disappointed in Trump's gun plan
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams
3/13/18
Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) who's district is right next to the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando and who spoke with Trump about guns at a bipartisan White House meeting reacts to his new gun control plan.
©2018 NBCNews.com
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
http://www.msnbc.com/brian-williams/watch/florida-dem-deeply-disappointed-in-trump-s-gun-plan-1184334403964 , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6-vcHJUg4k [with comments]
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Trump Improvises His Way Through a Rally and Agrees to Meet Kim Jong-un | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWhs_6x42TyRM4Wstoq8HA , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWhs_6x42TyRM4Wstoq8HA/videos ]
President Trump discusses his 2020 bid at a rally meant for Pennsylvania's special election and agrees to meet Kim Jong-un to discuss North Korea's denuclearization.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19HVfFAc7FI [with comments]
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Third Month Mania: Bracket of Bullshit | The Daily Show
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
Roy Wood Jr. and Michael Kosta introduce this year’s Third Month Mania, the bracket tournament where viewers vote to decide the best bullshit from the last year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq3doz_t0lE [with comments]
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The MSM'S Attack On Betsy DeVos - The Opposition w/ Jordan Klepper
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Comedy Central [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUsN5ZwHx2kILm84-jPDeXw / https://www.youtube.com/user/comedycentral , https://www.youtube.com/user/comedycentral/videos , https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7nPL1U-R5r5XD8saDuOBVj1z69Y_4iK ]
Gotcha journalist Lesley Stahl tries to make Education Secretary Betsy DeVos look foolish by getting her to freely admit she's never been to a struggling school.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AIVNiS4hto [with comments]
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U.S. - North Korea Preliminary Negotiations
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtFAi84ehTSYSE9XoHefig , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMtFAi84ehTSYSE9XoHefig/videos ]
One diplomat from each of the long-embattled countries find common ground in the DMZ.
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnP4VNv41GE [with comments]
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Can Trump's Lawyers Block Stormy Daniels' '60 Minutes' Appearance?
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Trump's lawyers are doing everything in their power to prevent Stormy Daniels' '60 Minutes' interview from airing. Even though nothing happened between them! Nothing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1d0h1Yf6Zk [with comments]
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Trump Went To Pennsylvania To Endorse... Himself
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Trump visited Moon Township, Pennsylvania, ahead of their upcoming special election to encourage voters to remember one Republican candidate: Donald Trump.
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTLLNFBgokw [with (over 4,000) comments]
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Betsy DeVos Flunked Her '60 Minutes' Test
Published on Mar 13, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Betsy DeVos made a strong case for why she should be Secretary of Education. She being '60 Minutes' interview Lesley Stahl.
[originally aired March 12, 2018]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKPIae1_LYw [with comments]
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Trump's Unhinged Rally, Betsy DeVos' Train Wreck Interview: A Closer Look
Published on Mar 12, 2018 by Late Night with Seth Meyers [ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTyTA7-g9nopHeHbeuvpRA / https://www.youtube.com/user/LateNightSeth , https://www.youtube.com/user/LateNightSeth/videos ]
Seth takes a closer look at Trump's unhinged performance at a campaign rally and Betsy DeVos' train wreck of an interview on 60 Minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPx3q-E_6mM [with (over 4,000) comments]
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stashed March 12, 2018:
Mueller Weighs Putting Off Trump Obstruction Decision
Delay would let him wrap up less explosive parts of inquiry
Obstruction decision might undercut probe, one way or another
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-12/mueller-is-said-to-weigh-putting-off-trump-obstruction-decision
There’s more to Russia’s cyber interference than the Mueller probe suggests
An underlying theme running through special counsel Robert S. Mueller III’s investigation is that Russia’s ultimate goal was to make sure Donald Trump was elected president. That’s just part of the picture.
Last month, Mueller’s team released the details of the grand jury indictments of 13 Russian nationals, as well as a shadowy Russian firm known as the Internet Research Agency, for conducting information warfare against the United States and breaking three U.S. federal laws.
Our research looks at Russian cyber and information warfare activity — and distinct patterns begin to emerge. But this is a nonlinear strategy and a long-term assault on Russia’s adversaries. Although boosting the Trump campaign may have been one of Russia’s primary goals in 2016, the 2020 goal could just as easily be helping the president’s Democratic challenger.
[...]
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2018/03/12/theres-more-to-russias-cyber-meddling-than-the-mueller-probe-suggests/
Mueller Has Trump & Co. Pinned Down
PR won't stop subpoenas.
https://www.alternet.org/muellers-wide-ranging-indictments-have-trump-co-pinned-down
Trump 'intends to' meet with special counsel under oath: White House spokesman - Raj Shah
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-intends-meet-special-counsel-oath-white-house/story?id=53658533
Raj Shah May Be in Trouble
( https://youtu.be/LtAr3f-UyAY )
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/dispatches/2018/03/12/raj-shah-may-trouble/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dZWCs3qwrWK49OMaab1x0k5E1XGDM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Donald Trump Jr. Has Previously Undisclosed Business Partnership With Hunting Buddy
(NEW YORK) - Donald Trump Jr. has a previously undisclosed business relationship with a longtime hunting buddy who helped raise millions of dollars for his father’s 2016 presidential campaign and has had special access to top government officials since the election, records obtained by The Associated Press show.
The president’s eldest son and Texas hedge fund manager Gentry Beach have been involved in business deals together dating back to the mid-2000s and recently formed a company — Future Venture LLC — despite past claims by both men that they were just friends, according to previously unreported court records and other documents obtained by AP.
Beach last year met with top National Security Council officials to push a plan that would curb U.S. sanctions in Venezuela and open up business for U.S. companies in the oil-rich nation.
[...]
http://time.com/5195384/donald-trump-jr-gentry-beach-undisclosed-business/
APNewsBreak: Trump Jr. partners with donor who pitched gov’t
https://apnews.com/21fb6a17a0bb4ec0aa142c752c54e164/APNewsBreak:-Trump-Jr.-partners-with-donor-who-pitched-gov%27t
Trump Jr. toes "fuzzy line" as undisclosed partner gets access
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-jr-toes-fuzzy-line-as-undisclosed-partner-gets-access/
Donald Trump Jr.'s hunting buddy who helped raise millions for 2016 campaign has had special access to top officials since the election
Donald Trump Jr. and Texas hedge fund manager Gentry Beach have long claimed they're just friends
But the president's eldest son and the Republican donor have a previously undisclosed business relationship
Last February, Beach and an Iraqi-American businessman met with top officials at the National Security Council
They presented a plan for lightening U.S. sanctions in Venezuela in exchange for opening business opportunities for U.S. companies there
Seven months later Beach attended a private lunch in Dallas between Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Republican donors, including some in big oil
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5490145/Trump-Jr-partners-donor-pitched-govt.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dXCjJk40Ai16T5M_XnuNTOrQuxiCM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
At Pennsylvania rally, Trump again calls for the death penalty for drug dealers
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-to-rally-in-pennsylvania-ahead-of-special-house-election/2018/03/10/3eed9dc0-23f4-11e8-86f6-54bfff693d2b_story.html
Trump privately trashes Rick Saccone
https://www.axios.com/scoop-trump-privately-trashes-rick-saccone-1520806446-c7033bad-f7a4-4d92-80a7-40113967a0e2.html
Here’s why Tuesday’s race in Trump Country is so competitive
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/first-read/here-s-why-tuesday-s-race-trump-country-so-competitive-n855721
Win or lose, Pennsylvania 18 likely forecasts bad news for the GOP in November
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/pennsylvania-18-bad-news-for-gop/index.html
Wake-up Call: Final day before PA-18 special election; GOP gov candidates withhold tax returns
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-wakeup-call-20180312-story.html
A Special Showdown in Trump Country
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/03/a-special-showdown-in-trump-country.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dSUIHuo9-bZysGMplFTth4WNOXfFM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Putin’s Russia: From basket case to resurgent superpower - AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putins-russia-from-basket-case-to-resurgent-superpower/2018/03/12/26709906-25e2-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html
original https://www.apnews.com/bf7e26e470964ea6b451516eeacecac7/Putin's-Russia:-From-basket-case-to-resurgent-superpower
Russian military tests nuclear-capable hypersonic missile
https://www.apnews.com/65aa113cc472402ba2c66a79ef37a37b/Russian-military-tests-nuclear-capable-hypersonic-missile
Putin says he approved plan to shoot down plane in 2014
MOSCOW (AP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in a new documentary that he approved of a plan to shoot down a hijacked passenger jet four years ago.
A Ukrainian man tried to hijack a Turkey-bound flight and demanded that it go to Sochi as the Winter Olympics were about to start there in February 2014. The Sochi Games were Putin’s pet project designed to showcase Russia.
The plane’s pilot instead tricked the man, who was drunk and falsely claimed he had a bomb, and landed in Istanbul. Officials credited the pilot and crew for convincing the 45-year-old-man that they were following his wishes.
Putin said in a two-hour documentary about him that aired on state television late Sunday that the chief of domestic intelligence agency FSB had briefed him on the phone and said they were prepared to shoot down the plane with 110 passengers onboard.
“I asked: ‘what are you suggesting?’ and the answer was the one I expected: shoot it down in line with the contingency plans for such situations,” Putin said, quoting his conversation with FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov. “I said: ‘act according to the plan.’”
[...]
https://www.apnews.com/150cc3554fa5464191f0f464d0884d14/Putin-says-he-approved-plan-to-shoot-down-plane-in-2014
Putin: Maybe Jews or minorities behind US election interference
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/putin-comment-jews-russian-minorities/index.html
Putin flexed nuclear muscle but the West refuses to recognize a Russian threat
http://thehill.com/opinion/international/377864-putin-flexed-nuclear-muscle-but-the-west-refuses-to-recognize-a-russian
Veteran CIA agent on Trump: “Corruption like we’ve never seen before”
Longtime CIA analyst Melvin Goodman: Russian hacking isn’t as dangerous as the “dumbing down of this country”
https://www.salon.com/2018/03/12/veteran-cia-agent-on-trump-corruption-like-weve-never-seen-before/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dCqoHgEOLqcjnaM-bBPpzIrA52HoM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
White House vows to help arm teachers and backs off raising age for buying guns
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/white-house-vows-to-help-arm-teachers-and-backs-off-raising-age-for-buying-guns/2018/03/11/14da0c8e-253a-11e8-bc72-077aa4dab9ef_story.html
White House promises federal aid to train armed teachers
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/white-house-promises-federal-aid-train-armed-teachers-n855636
Trump drops calls to raise guns age limit
US President Donald Trump's plan to deter school shootings does not include his repeated calls to raise the age for buying semi-automatic rifles to 21.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43369991
Trump pulls back from big changes to gun laws after Florida shooting
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-guns-trump/trump-pulls-back-from-big-changes-to-gun-laws-after-florida-shooting-idUSKCN1GN0LW
Donald Trump Caves on Gun Reform, Will Appoint the Kind of Study Panel He Denounced Saturday
http://www.newsweek.com/trump-caves-gun-reform-plans-appoint-kind-study-panel-he-denounced-saturday-840109
Trump's Plan To Secure Schools Calls For Arming Teachers, Improving Background Checks
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/11/592777132/trumps-plan-to-secure-schools-calls-for-arming-teachers-improving-background-che
White House Moves Away From Effort to Raise Gun-Buyer Age
https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2018/03/12/capital-journal-monday-9/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dHXXjadY69pLetMPodAoatw_-EqtM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
DeVos struggles to answer basic questions about schools in her home state
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/betsy-devos-60-minutes/index.html
Trump's Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Doesn't Know How Badly Schools Are Performing in Her Home State
http://www.newsweek.com/trumps-education-secretary-betsy-devos-doesnt-know-how-badly-schools-are-840002
Betsy DeVos on guns, school choice and why people don't like her - the 3-11-18 60 Minutes interview
The secretary of education has been one of the most criticized members of President Trump's Cabinet, but DeVos says she's "more misunderstood than anything"
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/secretary-of-education-betsy-devos-on-guns-school-choice-and-why-people-dont-like-her/
Quiz: What’s the Worst Part of This Betsy DeVos Exchange?
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2018/03/quiz-whats-the-worst-part-of-this-betsy-devos-exchange.html
DeVos: ‘Maybe I Should’ Visit Underperforming Schools
https://www.thedailybeast.com/devos-maybe-i-should-visit-underperforming-schools
DeVos calls on Trump to not use foul language
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/betsy-devos-donald-trump-chuck-todd/index.html
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos stumbles during pointed ‘60 Minutes’ interview
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2018/03/12/education-secretary-betsy-devos-stumbles-during-pointed-60-minutes-interview/
Betsy DeVos Says She’s ‘Misunderstood,’ Then Struggles To Explain Her Own Policies
Education secretary also admits she hasn’t visited underperforming schools.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/besty-devos-60-minutes_us_5aa5df73e4b086698a9f1117
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dOK1KkKBzbt68kM_AIfLzGT_J8uIM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Japan PM, finance minister under fire over suspected cover-up of cronyism
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-politics/japan-pm-finance-minister-under-fire-over-suspected-cover-up-of-cronyism-idUSKCN1GO01K
Abe’s Government Under Fire as Japan Scandal Grips Inner Circle
Finance ministry admits that officials falsified documents
Aso says he’ll stay in office while blaming subordinate
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-12/japan-finance-minister-refuses-to-quit-as-school-scandal-deepens
“The Abe cabinet should resign en masse”: Japan’s big political scandal just got worse
https://qz.com/1226432/japans-moritomo-gakuen-land-sale-scandal-just-got-a-lot-worse-for-shinzo-abe/
Shinzo Abe of Japan Back in Spotlight Over Tampered Documents
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/world/asia/shinzo-abe-japan-scandal.html
Japan minister admits files altered in scandal dogging Abe - AFP
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-5489257/Japan-ministry-admits-altering-documents-scandal-dogging-Abe.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d0gb0sA_1AQkoSMX4aRgF5IyGJYLM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Qataris opted not to give info on Kushner, secret meetings to Mueller
WASHINGTON — Qatari officials gathered evidence of what they claim is illicit influence by the United Arab Emirates on Jared Kushner and other Trump associates, including details of secret meetings, but decided not to give the information to special counsel Robert Mueller for fear of harming relations with the Trump administration, say three sources familiar with the Qatari discussions.
Lebanese-American businessman George Nader and Republican donor Elliott Broidy, who participated in the meetings, have both been the focus of news reports in recent days about their connections to the UAE and Trump associates.
It is unknown whether Qatari officials were the source of the recent news stories detailing activities by Nader and Broidy published by The New York Times and CNN.
NBC News previously reported that Qatari officials weighed speaking to Mueller during a visit to Washington earlier this year, and has now learned the information the officials wanted to share included details about Nader and Broidy working with the UAE to turn the Trump administration against Qatar, according to three people familiar with the discussions.
Qatari officials believe the meetings — as well as fallout from Qatari business dealings with Kushner — may have influenced President Donald Trump's public endorsement of a blockade of Qatar by its neighbors that began last year.
A Qatari delegation came to Washington in late January and early February and met with Trump officials to discuss shared national security interests. Despite Trump's endorsement of the blockade in June, the Qataris felt the meetings with top advisers had been productive and decided against reaching out to Mueller in order to preserve the relationship, according to people familiar with the internal Qatari deliberations.
A spokesperson for the Qatari embassy in Washington said in a statement last week that Qatar won't be providing materials to the Mueller investigation.
The Qataris also met with FBI Director Chris Wray while they were in Washington, but never shared their information about the UAE's alleged influence on the administration.
Broidy, meanwhile, has accused Qatar of hacking his emails and distributing the contents to news organizations to discredit him. Qatar has denied that. Nader, who was stopped by federal agents at Dulles Airport near Washington in January, is now cooperating with Mueller's team.
Broidy was a top fundraiser for Trump in addition to being a member of Trump's inaugural committee and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Nader helped organize a January 2017 meeting in the Seychelles, according to The Washington Post, and the Post says Mueller is investigating as an alleged attempt to set up a back channel of communications with the Russians.
Qatar vs. the UAE
The gathering of damaging information by the Qataris, their consideration of whether to speak to Mueller, and the alleged influence campaign inside the White House by the Emiratis are all evidence of how mounting tensions between the two tiny, wealthy Gulf nations are playing out in a high-stakes war of influence in Washington.
In June 2017, Trump endorsed the decision led by UAE and Saudi Arabia to blockade Qatar, saying the Qatar was funding terrorism. On June 5, the president tweeted, "Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to horror of terrorism!" The blockade has cut the country off from shipments of food and medical supplies by land and sea.
Since then, according to Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) filings, both governments have greatly increased their hiring of American lobbyists, including some former Trump campaign officials.
Qatari officials believe Trump's verbal backing of the blockade was a form of retaliation by his son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, whose family's negotiations with Qatari investors had recently fallen apart, according to several sources familiar with the Qatari government's thinking.
Trump, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have said the blockade is in retaliation for Qatar's support for terrorism. A spokesman for Kushner's lawyer told NBC News that Kushner was "a point person for completely appropriate contacts from foreign officials and he did not mix his or his former company's business in those contacts and any claim otherwise is false."
Qatari officials also believe the Trump administration may have been influenced by the meetings with Broidy and have documents that they say show the connection between Broidy and the UAE, according to several people familiar with the Qatari government's thinking.
According to the sources, the officials have information they claim details Nader's involvement in a December 2016 meeting that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE had with Trump officials at Trump Tower, including Kushner, incoming national security advisor Michael Flynn and incoming chief strategist Steve Bannon.
The meeting took Obama administration officials by surprise when they learned about it in intelligence reports because the crown prince broke diplomatic protocol and did not alert them that he would be in the U.S., according to people familiar with the matter.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have long been rivals of Qatar, but their feud has escalated under the Trump administration.
Fourteen lobbying and public relations firms have publicly registered as agents of Qatar, UAE or Saudi Arabia since Trump's blockade endorsement last year, according to FARA data.
One firm that lobbied in favor of Qatar is Mercury Public Affairs, which worked with Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Manafort has since been charged by Mueller with money laundering, bank fraud and tax evasion. Mercury is believed to be an unnamed party in Manafort's charges, but so far faces no legal exposure. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Another firm that worked for Manafort, the now-dissolved Podesta Group, lobbied on behalf of Saudi Arabia, and published a still-live web site that alleges Qatar is treacherous.
Trump's former campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski previously worked for Avenue Strategies Global, which alleged in a letter to the Justice Department that Saudi Arabia was violating FARA regulations. The firm is being paid $500,000 monthly for its contract with the embassy of Qatar, according to FARA filings.
The widening rift between Qatar and UAE comes at a time when the White House is hoping to reduce tensions between the two countries and facilitate a resolution to issues that led to the blockade. Trump is expected to host separate meetings with the Saudi crown prince, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the Qatari emir in coming weeks, in advance of an expected summit of Arab states this summer.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/qataris-opted-not-give-info-kushner-secret-meetings-mueller-n855326
Qatari officials opt not to give Mueller info on Kushner, secret meetings
Stephanie Ruhle
Mar.12.2018
Officials in Qatar decided not to share what they claim is evidence of the United Arab Emirates having influence over Jared Kushner and other Trump associates. NBC’s Julia Ainsley joins to discuss her reporting and MSNBC National Security Analyst Ned Price weighs in.
https://www.msnbc.com/stephanie-ruhle/watch/qatari-officials-opt-not-to-give-mueller-info-on-kushner-secret-meetings-1183547971786
more: https://www.google.com/search?q=qatar+kushner
After Putin Raises Jews, Democrats Implore Trump to Extradite Russians
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/us/politics/democrats-trump-election-interference-russia-jews.html
After Putin blames Jews for election meddling, lawmakers demand he extradite indicted Russians
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/after-putin-blames-jews-election-meddling-lawmakers-demand-he-extradite-n855796
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dPSlF3CcOdWAqmMWnSYzFxK65J1YM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Britain Blames Russia for Nerve Agent Attack on Former Spy
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/world/europe/uk-russia-spy-poisoning.html
'Highly likely' Russia poisoned former spy, UK's Prime Minister says
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/europe/theresa-may-russia-spy-poisoning-intl/index.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d2RUZdP2LkH2tlMv0sScJgYYRlUOM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Trump Lawyers Are Considering A Challenge To Stop "60 Minutes" From Airing A Stormy Daniels Interview
Anderson Cooper interviewed the adult film performer and director on Thursday. CBS plans to air the interview next Sunday, March 18.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/trump-lawyers-are-considering-a-challenge-to-60-minutes
It is almost certainly too late for Trump to stop Stormy Daniels’s ‘60 Minutes’ interview
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/12/it-is-almost-certainly-too-late-for-trump-to-stop-stormy-danielss-60-minutes-interview/
Stormy Daniels Offers to Return Payment to End Deal for Her Silence
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/business/media/stormy-daniels-donald-trump.html
Stormy Daniels offers to pay back $130,000 for freedom to speak about Trump
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stormy-daniels-offers-pay-back-130g-freedom-talk-trump-n855746
Donald Trump Admits Melania's Life Is 'Not So Easy' Amid Stormy Daniels Sex Scandal!
http://perezhilton.com/2018-03-12-donald-trump-melania-trump-first-lady-is-not-so-easy-rally-pennsylvania/
Melania Knew
By Charles M. Blow
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/11/opinion/melania-trump-stormy.html
‘Melania Knew,’ Says ‘NY Times’ Columnist Charles Blow: Stormy Daniels Payoff Too Tawdry To Miss [Opinion]
"Melania knew exactly the kind of man she was getting,”
https://www.inquisitr.com/opinion/4823423/melania-knew-says-ny-times-columnist-charles-blow-stormy-daniels-payoff-too-tawdry-to-miss/
Alex Jones: My sources tell me Stormy Daniels is working with “the globalists” to try to take down Trump - from AJ video posted 3-10-18
https://www.mediamatters.org/video/2018/03/12/alex-jones-my-sources-tell-me-stormy-daniels-working-globalists-try-take-down-trump/219604
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dMuWp2aPDNIkMdMz0DHgQkkNYo0bM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Why it was so easy for ‘60 Minutes’ to rebut Betsy DeVos’s charter-school arguments
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2018/03/12/why-it-was-so-easy-for-60-minutes-to-rebut-betsy-devoss-charter-school-arguments/
White House officials alarmed at education secretary's '60 Minutes' performance
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/white-house-officials-alarmed-at-betsy-devos/index.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d7UyBZZQfXGWkUMJsn_OmKqaszRlM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Woman injured in 2nd explosion in Austin on Monday, EMS says
https://www.statesman.com/news/breaking-news/breaking-second-explosion-reported-east-austin/2Fhi7i7aSmWoMBS5HHbfeO/
Austin package explosions leave teen dead, women hurt after three blasts in 2 weeks - 2nd blast today (3-12-18)
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/12/austin-package-explosion-leaves-teen-dead-woman-hurt-after-second-blast-in-2-weeks.html
Two [sic - one] killed in city’s second Package bombing in March [one killed in earlier package bombing] - Austin, TX
http://wwlp.com/2018/03/12/package-explosion-kills-teen-injures-woman/
The Latest: Police weigh whether race factored into bombings - AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/the-latest-police-say-deadly-texas-package-bombs-are-linked/2018/03/12/9076e7e2-260f-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html
original https://www.apnews.com/0f63a75d81be40d29b6ae10ad9e16377/The-Latest:-Police-weigh-whether-race-factored-into-bombings
Police: 2 deadly package bombs in Texas capital are linked
https://www.apnews.com/f48e486c778e4791a5dd78c9682043a9/Police:-2-deadly-package-bombs-in-Texas-capital-are-linked
Two deadly March home explosions could be related, police say
Austin police are investigating a home explosion in Central East Austin as a homicide after a teenage boy was killed. Officials believe this latest explosion could be connected to the deadly home explosion on March 2, 2018.
[...]
However, a motive in the two incidents remains unclear at this time. Manley said they do know that the two victims in both cases were African Americans and they cannot rule out that the incidents were hate crimes.
[...]
http://www.11alive.com/article/news/two-deadly-march-home-explosions-could-be-related-police-say/269-527760325
2 deadly package explosions in Austin are connected, police say
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/us/texas-austin-blasts/index.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d45LA8NXChuJwQMVL4MUaMVtG9PlM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Video appears to show final moments before helicopter crashed into NYC's East River ( https://youtu.be/qdB2tkaNQ8M [since gone dark])
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2018/03/12/pilot-in-deadly-east-river-helicopter-crash-made-frantic-mayday-call.html
Russia Likely Responsible For Poisoning Spy, UK Officials Say
If Russia does not respond, British PM Theresa May said the poisoning will be considered “an unlawful use of force” against the United Kingdom.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/russian-spy-theresa-may_us_5aa6a5e3e4b009b705d4db35
Jewish Advocates Slam Putin For Implicating Jews In U.S. Election Meddling
“It is deeply disturbing to see the Russian president giving new life to classic anti-Semitic stereotypes.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/vladimir-putin-slammed-after-implicating-jews-in-us-election-meddling_us_5aa64c94e4b07047bec8163b
Facebook’s Fear Machine: How The Social Network Enables Racist News
Hate-based news is spreading throughout the social networking site at an ever-increasing rate.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/facebook-fear-machine_us_5a9e4ddfe4b0479c02567fa3
Months Before Winning $300 Million Puerto Rico Contract, Whitefish Energy Was On Shaky Financial Grounds
In newly obtained emails, local officials questioned the company’s finances as it sought to build a transformer manufacturing plant near Whitefish, Montana.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/whitefish-energy-financials_us_5aa30036e4b086698a9dd3eb
A Dozen Democrats Want To Help Banks Hide Racial Discrimination In Mortgages
These senators are finding common ground with President Trump.
Tim Kaine isn’t shy about his work as a fair housing lawyer. When he ran as the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee in 2016, the Virginia senator routinely touted his past pro bono efforts to help low-income families deal with shady landlords and racist lenders. Combined with his affable dork-dad delivery, Kaine helped shore up Hillary Clinton’s credibility on an ambitious anti-discrimination agenda. And it didn’t sound like empty politician talk: Kaine had done the work.
He still feels a connection with civil rights attorneys. “In representing people who are getting ripped off or who don’t have anybody else to stand up for them or who don’t even know the questions to ask or where to turn for help, you are the hero,” Kaine told a Washington gathering of the nonprofit National Consumer Law Center in November.
And on Monday, the Senate will hold a key vote on a Kaine-sponsored bill that deliberately undermines the government’s ability to enforce laws against racial discrimination in the housing market. The legislation would block the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from collecting key data showing when and where families of color are being overcharged for home loans or steered into predatory products. It’s just one small provision in a broad financial deregulation package, which is almost certain to clear both chambers of Congress and receive President Donald Trump’s signature. Last week, 17 members of the Senate Democratic caucus voted to advance the bill.
The effort to chip away at anti-discrimination enforcement has largely gone overlooked this year, as banking watchdogs focused their criticism on the legislation’s rollback of tougher rules against risk-taking at megabanks that were implemented in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Both foreign financial conglomerates and big American regional lenders would enjoy lighter federal supervision if the bill passes.
To its opponents, the bill represents a contorted statement of values, prioritizing short-term bank profits over consumer protection and financial stability.
“This is a bad bill,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told HuffPost. “No Democrat and no Republican should support it.”
The federal government has been collecting basic data on mortgage discrimination since 1975, tallying by race which families receive loans and which are denied. Banks have always made a habit of turning down mortgages in black neighborhoods - a practice known as redlining that is still very much alive and well. But the housing bubble and subsequent foreclosure bust laid bare another ugly trend. Lenders had also been targeting minority families with subprime mortgages and other predatory loans, instead of simply denying mortgages outright.
The 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law sought to address this by setting tougher predatory lending rules and by requiring banks to turn over a broader swath of information to the newly created CFPB. In addition to basic facts about loan approval or denial, lenders had to report a borrower’s age and credit score as well as the property value of the home being purchased, the interest rate, loan terms, and other pricing features of each mortgage. All of this information can be used to help determine if families of color are being ripped off or disproportionately pushed into predatory loans. The CFPB looks through the data for violations or red flags, and publishes it online so consumer groups can do their own research.
The bill the Senate will consider next week would wholly exempt banks that make 500 or fewer mortgages a year from reporting any of this additional data. That would shield about 85 percent of banks and credit unions from scrutiny, according to the CFPB’s estimates. These smaller lenders issue only a small fraction of the home loans provided by the financial system, but still work with hundreds of thousands of borrowers every year.
A Kaine spokesperson said the senator is just looking to provide “relief for small community banks and credit unions in Virginia while strengthening consumer protections for all Americans.” The spokesperson also noted Kaine’s background: “As a former fair housing attorney who fought against discriminatory lending practices, Senator Kaine supports stringent requirements to protect against unfair lending, and this legislation keeps those protections in place.”
But the National Consumer Law Center isn’t buying it. In December, the center teamed up with two other consumer groups to urge every senator to vote against the “harmful legislation” that Kaine is backing. “This bill contains destructive policies that roll back or eliminate essential protections,” the groups wrote.
It’s hard to find a liberal organization that likes anything about the bill. The AFL-CIO, the consumer watchdogs at Public Citizen, the establishment think-tankers at the Center for American Progress, the wonk-activists at Indivisible and the banking experts at Americans for Financial Reform have all weighed in against the legislation, citing harms to consumers and risks to financial stability. The National Fair Housing Alliance, the National Housing Law Project and the National Urban League have all specifically criticized the provision on anti-discrimination data.
Supporters of the bill bristle at the suggestion that it protects racial discrimination. They say it would allow banks to make more loans by cutting costs and help small banks stay in business in a market that favors Wall Street ? standard defenses for any measure that saves money for little banks. A spokesperson for Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said the legislation would not end the reporting of any data about race. That’s technically true: Banks would still have to report the race of loan applicants to regulators, just not the new details about rates and types of loans.
A spokesperson for Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) argued that the loss of some financial data was a reasonable price to pay for helping smaller lenders save money on paperwork: “The bill would exclude only 3.57 percent of data while exempting around 75 percent of insured banks and credit unions.”
Detailed numbers from the CFPB show the data loss would be heavily concentrated on poor neighborhoods ? precisely the communities most at risk for predatory lending. More than 1,700 census tracts officially designated as “low and moderate income” would lose at least 20 percent of the data they’d collect without the new law, while 185 cities and towns would lose at least 10 percent.
For progressive interest groups, the idea of turning a blind eye to just a little housing discrimination in order to help banks trim paperwork costs suggests a twisted set of priorities.
“This bill opens a door for racial discrimination in mortgage lending,” said Chad Bolt, a senior policy manager with Indivisible, a coalition of liberal activists formed after the 2016 election. “Why go back there?”
Banks already keep track of loan price and borrower details for their own files. The CFPB estimates that the current rule will cost small, “low-complexity” banks about $1,900 a year, plus about $3,000 in upfront costs. The potential profits from exploiting families of color are harder to quantify.
Senate Democrats, even those ardently pro-financial reform, have been telling community banks for years that they’re willing to cut them a break on some post-crisis regulations. But Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, had balked at Republican efforts to undermine basic consumer protection law. So the community bank lobbyists threw in their lot with big banks that were looking for their own set of favors. Until late last year, it seemed like a bad legislative strategy. Combining Wall Street deregulation with attacks on consumer protection enforcement was fine for cultivating Republican votes, but Democrats were reluctant to stage a frontal attack on President Barack Obama’s financial reform law.
The Senate Banking Committee hasn’t traditionally functioned as a platform for serious Wall Street oversight. Party leaders tend to pack the panel with swing-state Democrats, who can use their position to fundraise by doing various favors for the financial sector. With Brown refusing to bend on GOP demands, Sens. Warner, Tester, Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) decided to go around Brown and cut a deal with committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). Eight more Democrats, including Kaine, are also co-sponsoring the bill.
Heitkamp and Donnelly face tough re-election battles this fall, and the paucity of legislation during the Trump era makes the campaign finance strategy at work here fairly easy to interpret. According to Center for Responsive Politics data, the top three recipients of campaign contributions from commercial banks in the 2018 cycle have been Heitkamp, Donnelly and Tester, in that order. Heitkamp’s $157,000 haul is nearly double what Crapo - usually a top target as the committee chair - brought in. Only Tester made the list of the top 20 Senate recipients of commercial bank cash in the 2016 cycle, suggesting that the bank lobby has been working overtime to get Democratic help this year.
“This bipartisan legislation would provide regulatory relief to Indiana’s 103 community banks and 154 credit unions, many of which are located in rural areas facing significant declines in lending activity,” Donnelly spokesman Sarah Rothschild told HuffPost. “That is why Senator Donnelly has worked since 2013 to make it easier for Hoosier families to get mortgages or obtain loans to start small businesses.”
A representative for Heitkamp declined to comment.
For the financial industry as a whole, the anti-discrimination data provision is essentially a sideshow - something thrown in to appease small banks that are comparatively disadvantaged by other parts of the bill.
Dodd-Frank imposed a tougher set of rules on the biggest banks than it placed on smaller firms. Banks with at least $50 billion in assets have to undergo frequent stress-testing by the Federal Reserve to determine whether they can withstand an unexpected financial shock. They have to finance their operations with more capital and less debt, and they have to keep more cash on hand. But the new deregulation bill would raise that minimum definition of big banks to $250 billion in assets - which means even huge regional players like BB&T and Regions Bank would no longer have to follow the tougher Dodd-Frank rules. Foreign conglomerates with trillions of dollars in global assets like Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and UBS would also be exempted from U.S. enforcement of big bank standards, since they keep less than $250 billion of their assets in the United States.
“It’s a whose-side-are-you-on moment,” said Brown. “Are you with the big banks and the Wall Street operators who wrecked the economy and got big bailouts, or are you with families and workers? ... There is collective amnesia on Capitol Hill about what happened 10 years ago.”
During the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009, a host of banks in the $100 billion to $200 billion range rushed into emergency acquisitions that ended with huge bailouts. Bank of America acquired Countrywide under duress, before the combined firm received a massive slate of taxpayer aid. GMAC, a major auto lender now known as Ally Bank, received several rounds of government help.
“Clearly the distress or failure of some of these banks could trigger reactions spreading broadly to the financial system,” former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker wrote in a letter to Brown highlighting the risks of rolling back oversight of “several large foreign banks.” Volcker suggested that a $100 billion threshold would be more appropriate.
But for Warren and some other progressive Democrats, the bill looks like a solution in search of a problem. Dodd-Frank isn’t strangling large banks. They’re enormously profitable at the moment, and they were among the biggest beneficiaries of the tax bill Trump signed last year.
“To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the financial crisis, some Democrats are joining Republicans to pass a bill that will deregulate 30 of the 40 largest banks in the country that received a combined $50 billion in bailout money,” Warren told HuffPost. “This is not the work we should be doing.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/democrats-banks-racial-discrimination_us_5a96e489e4b0e6a523042fc8
U.S. Warns United Nations: If You Don’t Act On Syria, We Will - Reuters
“When the international community consistently fails to act, there are times when states are compelled to take their own action.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/us-threatens-action-syria-ceasefire_us_5aa6b076e4b009b705d4f1ff
original https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/u-s-warns-it-may-act-on-syria-as-onslaught-against-ghouta-grinds-on-idUSKCN1GO284
Law Student Asked To Leave Bar For Wearing Turban: ‘It Broke My Heart’ - Yahoo! Lifestyle - a Sikh
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/law-student-asked-to-leave-bar-for-wearing-turban-it-broke-my-heart_us_5aa68f4ae4b03c9edfae11ef
original https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/law-student-asked-leave-bar-wearing-turban-broke-heart-165449412.html
UK Police Investigating Letters Laying Out Points System For Attacking Muslims
People across the country received letters saying they could earn points for various violent acts on “Punish A Muslim Day.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/uk-police-investigating-letters-calling-for-violent-attacks-on-muslims_us_5aa686f7e4b07047bec877f6
6th Grader Writes Heartbreaking Will In Case Of School Shooting
Javon Davies said he wrote the letter giving away his cat and video games “just in case something happened.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/6th-grader-writes-heartbreaking-will-to-family-in-case-of-school-shooting_us_5aa687d1e4b086698a9fc359
Here’s Why ABC Shelved ‘Black-ish’ Episode On NFL Anthem Protests
Differences between ABC and showrunner Kenya Barris led to the cancellation.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/blackish-abc-nfl-anthem-protest_us_5aa6a2fde4b03c9edfae4a2d
Myanmar Steps Up Campaign Against Rohingya By Bulldozing Villages: Report
And the government is building military bases and new villages in their place.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/myanmar-bulldozing-rohingya-villages_us_5aa67a05e4b01b9b0a3d3a1c
An Ethnic Cleansing Campaign may be underway in the Democratic Republic of Congo
https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/437zep/an-ethnic-cleansing-campaign-may-be-underway-in-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-a-vice-news-investigation-reveals
Trump’s Quote-Unquote ‘Good Week’ Was Mostly Good For China
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-kuttner-trump-korea_us_5aa66e65e4b086698a9f96b7
‘School Choice’ Is A Lie That Harms Us All - Betsy DeVos
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/opinion-hopkinson-school-choice_us_5aa2cd35e4b01b9b0a3b2133
DeVos: ‘I Don’t Know’ Whether Sexual Assaults Outnumber False Accusations
The education secretary fumbled an interview with “60 Minutes.”
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/devos-i-dont-know-whether-sexual-assaults-outnumber-false-accusations_us_5aa67531e4b086698a9f9fa4
Man Had ‘AR-15-Styled Rifle,’ Bump Stock Outside Indianapolis Hotel Before Women’s March: Report
Ahmed Alaklouk, 22, faces a federal gun charge for possessing a weapon while living in the U.S. illegally.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/indianapolis-womens-march-gun_us_5aa66d11e4b01b9b0a3d2af5
Warren Rejects DNA Test Idea To Prove Native American Ancestry: ‘Nobody Is Going To Take That Part Of Me Away’ - Yahoo! News
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/warren-rejects-dna-test-idea-to-prove-native-american-ancestry-nobody-is-going-to-take-that-part-of-me-away_us_5aa68e22e4b087e5aaec3dfa
original https://www.yahoo.com/news/warren-rejects-dna-test-idea-prove-native-american-ancestry-nobody-going-take-part-away-173657853.html
The Church Of Scientology Is Launching A TV Network
“It’s time for us to tell our story,” the organization said.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-church-of-scientology-is-launching-a-tv-network_us_5aa5a636e4b07047bec7b2d1
This Woman Is Hosting Mobile Vibrator-Building Workshops Out Of An Airstream - further to https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=139208323
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/best-vibrators_us_5aa2ccc2e4b01b9b0a3b2074
Bill Dix resigning from posts as Majority Leader and Iowa State Senator following release of incriminating video
DES MOINES - Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, an 18-year veteran of the Iowa Legislature, abruptly resigned his leadership and District 25 position Monday in the wake of a video posted online that appeared to show the Shell Rock Republican kissing a female lobbyist at a Des Moines bar.
In a short statement, Dix announced his resignation as majority leader and state senator, effective at 2 p.m. Monday. He sent a resignation letter to Iowa Senate President Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, and House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, in accordance with Iowa Code requirement.
Senate President Jack Whitver, R-Ankeny, declined to comment after a closed-door caucus of the 29-member Senate GOP majority. But his office issued a statement confirming Dix’s departure.
“I believe he made the right decision for himself and for his district, but most importantly, I believe he made the decision in the best interest of his family,” Whitver said in his statement.
“Senate Republicans will continue to move the policies Iowans elected us to pursue,” Whitver added. “After discussions with the Republican caucus this afternoon, an election to fill the position of Iowa Senate majority leader will be held on Wednesday.”
Dix, a third-generation farmer who was born and raised on his family farm near Janesville, met with fellow Republicans for about 15 minutes behind closed doors in a Senate committee room where a farmer, met with fellow Republicans for about 15 minutes behind closed doors in a Senate committee room where staffers had placed a large white board in front of the glass window to keep TV cameras, reporters or others from seeing in the room. Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, filled in for Dix at the start of Monday’s session and the majority leader did not make any public comments during the day’s proceedings.
“He did the right thing for himself, for his family and for Iowans today and I think as a caucus we’ll move forward,” said Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City, who attended the meeting. “As a caucus we’re going to move forward.”
[...]
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/bill-dix-resigning-from-posts-as-majority-leader-and-iowa-state-senator-following-release-of-incriminating-video-20180312
Video Appears To Show Bill Dix In Romantic Relationship With Lobbyist
( https://youtu.be/RnRfOJyo-7w )
https://iowastartingline.com/2018/03/12/video-appears-to-show-bill-dix-in-romantic-relationship-with-lobbyist/
Video Appears To Show Bill Dix In Relationship With Lobbyist
Iowa Starting Line
A video shot on a camera phone appears to show Iowa Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix in a romantic relationship with a Statehouse lobbyist. Video taken at Waveland Tap in Des Moines on March 1, 2018.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnRfOJyo-7w
UPDATE: Iowa Senate leader Bill Dix resigns ( https://youtu.be/RnRfOJyo-7w )
http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Video-appears-to-show-Iowa-Senate-leader-kissing-lobbyist-at-bar-476568633.html
Married [GOP] lawmaker resigns after he’s busted making out with lobbyist ( https://youtu.be/RnRfOJyo-7w )
https://nypost.com/2018/03/12/married-lawmaker-resigns-after-reportedly-making-out-with-lobbyist/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dJTi8BYpD_AvvdM-0wA4I6kLAVZDM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Trump close to tapping Kudlow to succeed Cohn
The president, known for making snap hiring decisions, has sent mixed signals on whom he wants as his next economic adviser.
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/03/12/kudlow-cohn-trump-economic-adviser-457125
Trump speaks with Larry Kudlow about joining White House as economic adviser
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2018/03/12/trump-considers-media-personality-larry-kudlow-to-be-top-white-house-economist/
Larry Kudlow and the Trump-TV feedback loop
http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/12/media/president-trump-tv-larry-kudlow/index.html
Lawrence Kudlow Being Considered for Top White House Economic Post
Kudlow, a cable TV economic analyst, was expected to interview for position as soon as this week
https://www.wsj.com/articles/lawrence-kudlow-being-considered-for-top-white-house-economic-post-1520881537
Christopher Liddell Is Front-Runner to Become Trump’s Top Economic Adviser
MARCH 10, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/us/politics/christopher-liddell-trump.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dh3zcF66s9zAC9MoU3-14nhYFG2KM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Nerve Agent Found In U.K. Is Rare And Definitely Russian
https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2018/03/12/592964624/nerve-agent-found-in-u-k-is-rare-and-definitely-russian
White House Calls Attack on Ex-Spy in UK 'An Outrage,' But Doesn't Mention Russia
https://www.voanews.com/a/white-house-attack-united-kingdom-former-spy-outrage-russia/4295542.html
Britain gets tough on Putin after nerve agent attack. But will Trump?
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/12/britain-just-got-tough-on-putin-and-put-trump-in-a-very-tough-spot/
What you need to know about Novichok, the Russian nerve agent used to poison ex-spy Sergei Skripal
Double agent Sergei Skripal was poisoned with nerve agent Novichok, Theresa May has said.
•Novichok nerve agents are Cold War-era chemical weapons, up to ten times more deadly than the notorious XV nerve agent used in other assassinations.
http://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-novichok-nerve-agent-2018-3
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dfXQwkEU-ZcFtGMtexVLSLh8tsw-M?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Republicans find no evidence of collusion or Russian preference for Trump
https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/republicans-find-no-evidence-of-collusion-or-russian-preference-for-trump/2018/03/12/28c2cd44-2639-11e8-874b-d517e912f125_story.html
Despite Mueller’s Push, House Republicans Declare No Evidence of Collusion
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/us/politics/house-intelligence-trump-russia.html
House Intelligence Committee to announce they are done with Russia probe interviews
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/house-intelligence-committee-russia-probe-interviews-done/index.html
House Intelligence Panel Wraps Up Russia Probe Interviews
Committee is set to write a report as Senate and Mueller investigations continue
https://www.wsj.com/articles/house-intelligence-panel-wraps-up-russia-probe-interviews-1520875190
House Republicans break with intelligence community on Russia
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/house-republicans-russia-conclusions/index.html
Draft GOP report: No coordination between Trump and Russia
https://apnews.com/dc7c4ec1be104801aefd46313fadb01b
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dJxJiLhjSv2XiiMXaA3CB9DIiBXyM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Rod Rosenstein, deputy attorney general, says Robert Mueller is 'not an unguided missile'
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/12/rosenstein-mueller-not-unguided-missle-interview/416388002/
Rod Rosenstein: Special counsel 'not an unguided missile'
Washington (CNN) - Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein offered full-throated support for special counsel Robert Mueller and defended his investigation into Russian election meddling as it weathers criticism in an interview with USA Today published Monday.
"The special counsel is not an unguided missile," Rosenstein told the newspaper. "I don't believe there is any justification at this point for terminating the special counsel."
Mueller has been in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump and Republican critics as his probe has unfolded and grown since beginning under Rosenstein's direction in May. The endorsement from Rosenstein, who has oversight of the probe given the recusal of Attorney General Jeff Sessions from matters related to the election, came after reports earlier in the year that Trump had tried to fire Mueller last summer.
Rosenstein also appeared unfazed by attacks by Trump against him and the wider integrity of the Justice Department, USA Today reported. Four sources told CNN in January that Trump had been venting about Rosenstein in private, and a Tea Party-aligned group spent six figures last month on an advertisement that slammed him as a "weak careerist."
"I believe much of the criticism will fall by the wayside when people reflect on this era and the Department of Justice," Rosenstein said Monday, not referring to Trump directly. "I'm very confident that when the history of this era is written, it will reflect that the department was operated with integrity."
[...]
https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/12/politics/rod-rosenstein-interview-mueller/index.html
more: https://www.google.com/search?q=rod+rosenstein
Trump Blocks Broadcom’s Bid for Qualcomm
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/technology/trump-broadcom-qualcomm-merger.html
Trump blocks Broadcom takeover bid for Qualcomm - AP
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/trump-blocks-broadcom-takeover-bid-for-qualcomm/2018/03/12/9ecd9882-2659-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html
original https://www.apnews.com/aecd247326fe437c8ab0c78882c97396/Trump-blocks-Broadcom-takeover-bid-for-Qualcomm
Trump blocks Broadcom's $117 billion Qualcomm bid over national security
The White House has blocked Broadcom's $117 billion bid for Qualcomm due to national security concerns.
http://money.cnn.com/2018/03/12/news/companies/trump-qualcomm-broadcom-deal/index.html
Qualcomm's Troubles to Persist Even as Broadcom Pursuit Blocked
Chipmaker still faces Apple dispute, lack of confidence in CEO
U.S. President Trump signs order prohibiting Broadcom takeover
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-03-13/qualcomm-s-troubles-to-persist-even-as-broadcom-pursuit-blocked
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dtFE3PLzRozWciMqHEEpgpTvJgaHM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Donald Trump and the Stress Test of Liberal Democracy
Resistance must take the form of the affirmation of the values and institutions that the President has scorned and threatened.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/03/19/donald-trump-and-the-stress-test-of-liberal-democracy
Bibi Netanyahu Echoes Trump on Immigration
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/bibi-netanyahu-echoes-trump-on-immigration
How Psychopaths See the World
It’s not that they can’t consider other people’s perspectives. It’s that they don’t do so automatically.
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/03/a-hidden-problem-at-the-heart-of-psychopathy/555335/
study http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2018/03/06/1721903115
The ability to feel empathy—or not—is shaped by your genes
https://qz.com/1226026/the-ability-to-feel-empathy-or-not-is-shaped-by-your-genes/
Genes have a role in empathy, study says
It helps us to make close connections with people, and influences how we behave in a range of situations, from the workplace to a party.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43343807
study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-017-0082-6
Empathy might also be part genetic, a new study concludes
https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/mind-and-brain/empathy-explanation-genetic-12032018/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d-h9U-kyjwVojHMmpPhy7lMlyZVMM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Camera trapper hits jackpot with stunning video of 4 mountain lions near L.A.
( https://youtu.be/CnFXR6hVb5Y )
https://bnqt.com/2018/03/05/camera-trapper-hits-jackpot-with-stunning-video-of-4-mountain-lions-near-l-a/
How Native American Slaveholders Complicate the Trail of Tears Narrative
The new exhibition ‘Americans’ at the National Museum of the American Indian prompts a deeper dive for historic truths
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-native-american-slaveholders-complicate-trail-tears-narrative-180968339/
How two of President John Tyler's grandsons are still alive, 174 years later
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-two-of-president-john-tylers-grandsons-are-still-alive/
Lead exposure linked to 412,000 premature deaths in US each year, study finds
New research suggests exposure to traces of lead may be linked to as many deaths as smoking
Exposure to traces of lead in petrol, paint and old plumbing may be linked to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year, according to new research.
As many as 412,000 Americans die prematurely every year - mostly from cardiovascular disease - due to historic exposure to low levels of the toxic metal, a US study suggests.
The figure is 10 times more than previously thought and could put deaths from lead exposure on par with smoking.
[...]
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/lead-exposure-linked-412000-premature-deaths-heart-disease-us-the-lancet-study-a8252791.html
New Study Links Lead Exposure to Heart Disease Deaths
The research suggests that even low-level exposure may be a significant risk factor for heart disease
https://www.consumerreports.org/lead/new-study-links-lead-exposure-to-heart-disease-deaths/
study http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(18)30025-2/fulltext
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/ddHU0IZRmCezd3M23maxWYDbI9LMM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Inevitable muscle wasting of old age could be stopped, scientists believe
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/03/12/inevitable-muscle-wasting-old-age-could-stopped-scientists-believe/
study http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP275520/full
PR https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-03/tps-cwt030818.php
Muscle loss in old age linked to fewer nerve signals
Researchers say they may have worked out why there is a natural loss of muscle in the legs as people age - and that it is due to a loss of nerves.
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-43347409
Researchers investigate protective systems that could reverse muscle loss in old age
A new study has helped to shed light on the process underlying muscle loss in old age, a condition that increases people’s risk of frailty and disability.
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180312/Researchers-investigate-protective-systems-that-could-reverse-muscle-loss-in-old-age.aspx
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d2imnHqxqcVygAMcl6BBxEQSaur4M?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
How ancient humans survived global ‘volcanic winter’ from massive eruption
About 74,000 years ago, a colossal volcano in Sumatra named Toba blew its top in the largest eruption to occur anywhere on Earth in the past 2 million years. Gas and ashes spewed into the atmosphere spread around the world within weeks, and some scientists think they triggered a global “volcanic winter” that may have lasted decades, leading to massive die-offs and the near-extinction of the human species. But others have suggested that the eruption’s effects were less dramatic.
Now, subtle traces of volcanic ash at Pinnacle Point, a famous archaeological site on the southern coast of South Africa, suggest that at least some groups of early humans survived, and even thrived, in the eruption’s aftermath. The discovery also offers archaeologists an astonishingly precise time marker for dating sites around the globe.
When Toba erupted, modern humans had already traveled out of Africa to at least the Middle East and perhaps beyond. Some researchers have proposed that Toba’s eruption was big enough to cause a reverse greenhouse effect that cooled Earth for decades, leading to ecological disaster and widespread food shortages that only a few small communities were able to survive. (Volcanoes spew sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which can form aerosols that reflect the sun’s rays.) But the theory is hotly debated. Sediments from Lake Malawi, in eastern Africa, for example, don’t show evidence for a dramatic change in plant life around the time of the eruption.
[...]
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/03/how-ancient-humans-survived-global-volcanic-winter-massive-eruption
study http://www.nature.com/articles/nature25967
Humans Did Something Unexpected During One Of Earth's Largest Supereruptions
http://www.iflscience.com/environment/humanity-did-something-unexpected-during-one-of-earths-largest-supereruptions/
After a Volcano’s Ancient Supereruption, Humanity May Have Thrived
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/science/toba-supervolcano-supereruption.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dABnl6WGeMv62kM6seFmKur6TQtwM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
A Company Is Building 3D-Printed Homes For Just $10,000
( https://youtu.be/SvM7jFZGAec )
http://denver.cbslocal.com/2018/03/12/3d-printed-homes-10000-dollars/
You can now 3D-print a house in under a day ( https://youtu.be/SvM7jFZGAec )
https://qz.com/1227301/sxsw-2018-affordable-3d-printed-houses-from-icon-and-charity-new-story-debuted-in-austin/
New Story Unveils First 3-D-Printed Home
How New Story and ICON made the first 3-D-printed home for the developing world
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/new-story-unveils-first-3-d-printed-home
New Story + ICON : 3D Printed Homes for the Developing World
New Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvM7jFZGAec
A $4,000 3-D-printed home still has some big barriers to overcome
A startup called Icon says it can make a 650-square-foot house using 3-D printing in 12 to 24 hours.
https://www.technologyreview.com/the-download/610505/a-4000-3-d-printed-home-still-has-some-big-barriers-to-overcome/
The Quest to Bring 3-D-Printed Homes to the Developing World
https://www.wired.com/story/new-story-3-d-printed-house/
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/d3DODStobVpfT9M6cDT9FEPycSi_M?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Enormous [or not] magnetic storm to strike Earth this weekend; huge [or not] impact on humans and telecommunication [VIDEO] ( https://youtu.be/ghi4Qk8fY2c [since gone dark],
https://youtu.be/bS0YwBzgoCY )
http://www.ibtimes.sg/enormous-magnetic-storm-strike-earth-this-weekend-huge-impact-humans-telecommunication-video-25148
Solar Storms Can Crash Communications, But 3D Models Aid Prediction
https://www.space.com/39937-geomagnetic-storm-blackouts-predictions-3d.html
Nature likes to make bow waves
( https://youtu.be/0rGz862VPRo )
Boats moving through water make bow waves. Objects in space, including Earth, make them, too. Even the moon’s shadow – penetrating Earth’s atmosphere during a total solar eclipse – creates moving bow waves.
http://earthsky.org/space/cosmic-bow-shocks-video
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dHK1OTMIfUdvBJMHefvQ0c5bCTZuM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
Arrested development: Hubble finds relic galaxy close to home - NGC 1277
https://phys.org/news/2018-03-hubble-relic-galaxy-home.html
study http://www.nature.com/articles/nature25756
NGC 1277
Kowch737
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wx6qMghtXSE
Hubble Just Found a "Relic Galaxy," and It's Absolutely Stunning
https://www.inverse.com/article/42187-hubble-finds-relic-galaxy-ngc-1277
Ancient ‘red and dead’ galaxy sheds light on big bang relics
https://astronomynow.com/2018/03/12/ancient-red-and-dead-galaxy-sheds-light-on-big-bang-relics/
Hubble Reveals a Very Strange, Oddball Galaxy NGC 1277 --"It's Almost All Black Hole!" ( https://youtu.be/Wx6qMghtXSE )
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2018/03/hubble-reveals-a-very-strange-oddball-galaxy-ngc-1277-its-almost-all-black-hole.html
more: https://news.google.com/news/story/dhjOMETK_Be49cMEBdnwrSMOpH5yM?ned=us&gl=US&hl=en
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Greensburg, KS - 5/4/07
"Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty."
from John Philpot Curran, Speech
upon the Right of Election, 1790
F6
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