At the United Nations, over 120 countries defied President Trump Thursday by voting in favor of a resolution calling for the United States to drop its recent recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. The final vote was 128 to 9, while 35 nations abstained and 21 countries casted no vote. Control of Jerusalem is one of the most contested issues: Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. Sustained protests continue in the Israel-occupied Palestinian territories, despite a brutal Israeli military crackdown. We speak with Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said professor of Arab studies at Columbia University and author of “Brokers of Deceit: How the U.S. Has Undermined Peace in the Middle East [ https://www.amazon.com/Brokers-Deceit-Undermined-Peace-Middle/dp/0807033243 ].” https://www.democracynow.org/2017/12/22/rashid_khalidi_us_recognition_of_jerusalem[with embedded video, and transcript]
Stoked! Journalist Alexei Wood & First J20 Defendants Found “Not Guilty” as 188 Still Face Trial
Published on Dec 22, 2017 by Democracy Now!
In a blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to silence dissent, the first trial of people arrested at Inauguration Day “Disrupt J20” protests ended Thursday with all of the defendants found not guilty of all charges. Six people faced multiple felonies and 50 years in prison for just being in the area where anti-fascist and anti-capitalist protesters were marching. During the protest, police blockaded more than 200 people into a corner in a process known as “kettling” and carried out mass arrests of everyone nearby, including medics, legal observers and some journalists. This first case was closely watched as a bellwether for free speech, because one of the six people on trial was Alexei Wood, an independent photojournalist from San Antonio, Texas, whose work focuses on resistance movements. He came to document protests during the inauguration on January 20 and live-streamed the street detentions by police and even his own arrest. Alexei Wood joins us from Washington, D.C., and we speak with Jude Ortiz, a member of the organizing crew of Defend J20 and the Mass Defense Committee chair for the National Lawyers Guild. https://www.democracynow.org/2017/12/22/stoked_journalist_alexei_wood_first_j20[with embedded video, and transcript]
Full Broadcast 22Dec17 Real News with David Knight
AG Jeff Sessions AWAKENS - opening investigations into Uranium One & government crimes surrounding the Bundy Trial. Joel Skousen joins David Knight to talk about the mistrial & what may happen in North Korea. And, Democrats are still grasping at how to spin their defeat and convince Americans keeping more of their money is a bad thing.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
President Donald J. Trump: Year One of Making America Great Again “From now on, America will be empowered by our aspirations, not burdened by our fears; inspired by the future, not bound by the failures of the past; and guided by our vision, not blinded by our doubts," - President Donald J. Trump December 22, 2017 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-year-one-making-america-great/
Friday, Dec. 22nd 2017: Globalist shakeup! - Google drama and sex allegations rock 2017, and we reveal the agendas behind it all! Alex Jones presents live-time footage of President Trump signing his historic tax bill into law as the mainstream media continues their smear campaign on the massive tax cuts coming to working Americans just in time for Christmas. Alex Jones also presents a video from Fox's Tucker Carlson Program where he unveils “Never-Before-Seen” statistics that prove illegal aliens commit “massively disproportionate” amount of crime in US. Jerome Corsi joins the show to talk Trump's new executive order, and longtime intelligence insider Zaq joins Alex to break down new developments along the DMZ in North Korea. Mike Cernovich hosts the final hour.
How President Trump's Jerusalem announcement upsets the status quo.
Both Israelis and Palestinians consider Jerusalem as their rightful capital. Jerusalem is home to important holy sites for all the Abrahamic religions, and so it has become a critical bargaining chip in the ongoing discussion between Israelis and Palestinians.
President Trump's administration announced in 2017 that it would officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and that it planned to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. This would make the U.S. the only country in the world with an embassy to Israel in Jerusalem - there are currently various consulates, but no embassies. The announcement spurred condemnation from various countries, including U.S. allies, and has quickly become a political flashpoint of the Middle East.
A World in Disarray, a VICE special report, is a feature-length documentary that explores the disorder in today’s international landscape and how it plays out in four regions of conflict and tension. Starting with an exclusive interview with Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations and author of “A World in Disarray [ https://www.cfr.org/book/world-disarray , https://www.amazon.com/World-Disarray-American-Foreign-Policy/dp/0399562362 ],” the special observes America’s role in a post-Cold War world and the unfolding consequences of an “America First” policy, with perspectives from Condoleezza Rice, Tony Blair, Samantha Power, Ash Carter, and others. Several VICE correspondents and founder Suroosh Alvi provide exclusive, never-before-seen footage as they journey through Syria, Ukraine, the South China Sea, and South Korea for first-hand accounts of ongoing crises. The special is available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand, and affiliate portals. Teaching notes and additional reading materials are available at https://www.cfr.org/AWID .
On Today’s War Room Show, Rob Dew looks at cooperate America paying massive bonus to its workers thanks to Donald Trump’s tax cut. Exposes the most dangers place for African Americans in the U.S. and how the flu shoot shot left a woman blind blooded and crippled by the flu shot.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
Fmr. U.S. attorneys warn Trump: Don't fire Mueller
The Beat With Ari Melber 12/22/17
More than 40 former U.S. Attorneys and GOP officials warn Trump not to fire Bob Mueller as a new report reveals Mueller attacks could be coming from inside the White House. Duration: 12:51
A new report from the Palm Beach Post shows Trump used a “dirty tax scam” to avoid millions in taxes. This, as new analysis shows Trump could save more than 11 million in the new GOP tax bill. Duration: 5:59
All In with Chris Hayes has spent the year trying to understand the very real crisis of violence in Chicago. We returned to the city again and again to talk to people suffering as a result of the violence and people trying to do something to stop it. Duration: 3:21
This is the story of a murder that disappeared and the city it disappeared in. Chris Hayes investigates the fight against crime in Chicago, Illinois. Duration: 22:51
Trymaine Lee talks with anti-violence intervention workers - who go out on the streets at night and talk to neighborhood kids to try and get them to turn away from a life of violence - about the cycle of retribution that fuels so much of the gun violence in Chicago. Duration: 2:21
Chicago activist Jedidiah Brown on trauma, mental health
All In with Chris Hayes 12/22/17
Jedidiah Brown, a young activist from Chicago who garnered attention when he rushed the empty stage at a Donald Trump campaign rally in 2016, reflects on his personal experiences with violence, trauma, and mental health. Duration: 6:16
Trymaine Lee reports on the effect that living under the perpetual threat of danger has on the residents of violent neighborhoods in Chicago. Duration: 7:06
Former gang members try to stop Chicago's cycle of violence
All In with Chris Hayes 12/22/17
With thousands of guns on the streets of Chicago, individual disputes turn deadly fast. What starts as a beef between two people often ends with five, six, seven people dead – leaving neighborhoods trapped in a bloody cycle of retaliation. Duration: 7:48
Activist Rachel Williams, who lost her 11-year-old cousin to gun violence, says she always knew the bloodshed she saw around her city would come to her family’s doorstep. Duration: 1:51
Trump partner with mob ties interviewed out of range of Democrats
The Rachel Maddow Show 12/22/17
Rachel Maddow reports on the colorful background of Donald Trump business partner Felix Sater, from ties to organized crime to FBI informant, and wonders why this particular witness was interviewed by House Intel staff in New York instead of D.C. Duration: 18:01
GOP attacking witnesses to head off Trump obstruction case
The Rachel Maddow Show 12/22/17
Rachel Maddow looks at how Republican congressional investigators seem less interested in answering the question of whether Donald Trump colluded with Russia than they are in smearing FBI officials who would be witnesses in a Trump obstruction of justice case. Duration: 9:21
Top FBI lawyer James Baker reassigned without explanation
The Rachel Maddow Show 12/22/17
Joyce Vance, former U.S. attorney, talks with Rachel Maddow about the reassignment of the top lawyer at the FBI and whether this is typical with a new director or evidence of politicizing the FBI. Duration: 5:32
Pruitt drives out EPA staff, hires unqualified former banker pal
The Rachel Maddow Show 12/22/17
Rachel Maddow reports on the disgraced former banker Albert Kelly, Scott Pruitt's friend who he put in charge of an EPA superfund cleanup task force as qualified, experienced EPA staff flee the agency by the hundreds. Duration: 8:43
With several new people announcing their resignation from the Donald Trump administration today, Rachel Maddow runs through the list so far that makes up a 30% turnover rate in under a year. Duration: 1:28
As Trump advisers predict a 2018 midterm "bloodbath," Republicans are now talking about bipartisanship. Congressional expert Norm Ornstein says it's an "absurd" suggestion after the tax bill "middle finger." Neera Tanden and Charlie Cook also join Ali Velshi. Duration: 12:56
Ex-U.S. Attorney: Mueller probe likely to go 'well into 2019'
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 12/22/17
House Republicans are pushing to end their Russia probe, but ex-federal prosecutor Paul Butler says even if those probes wrapped up, Robert Mueller's will likely go through 2018 and into 2019. How will Trump & the GOP respond? Betsy Woodruff also joins Ali Velshi. Duration: 8:50
Trump leaves for vacation but can't leave problems behind
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 12/23/17
President Trump departed the White House for vacation at Mar-a-Lago, but his troubles with the Russia investigation came with him. We're joined by a stellar panel to discuss the new person in Trump's inner circle who was questioned by the House Intelligence Committee. Duration: 13:33
Pulitzer Prize winners Peggy Noonan and Jon Meacham join Brian to talk about Trump's first year in office and how it compares to past presidents. Duration: 2:24
Senator-Elect Doug Jones Shares His Thoughts on the Republican Tax Plan
Published on Dec 22, 2017 by Late Night with Seth Meyers
Senator-elect Doug Jones reflects on the closely watched special election in Alabama and reveals his thoughts on the Republicans pushing through their tax plan before funding the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Senator-Elect Doug Jones Wants Us to Listen to President Trump's Accusers
Published on Dec 22, 2017 by Late Night with Seth Meyers
Senator-elect Doug Jones tells Seth what he thinks about the women who have accused President Trump of sexual misconduct and explains how he plans to ensure the black voters who helped propel him into office are heard.
Corey Lewandowski is reportedly upset his calls to the White House aren't being returned Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski is reportedly upset that his calls to the White House aren't being returned. The topic came up during an Oval Office meeting with other Trump associates on Wednesday. Lewandowski parted ways with the Trump campaign in June 2016. He has remained part of Trump's inner circle to some degree, but his influence seems to have waned. http://www.businessinsider.com/corey-lewandowski-is-angry-his-white-house-calls-arent-being-returned-2017-12
Judge dismisses lawsuit alleging Trump violated Constitution A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Thursday alleging that President Trump violated the Constitution’s emoluments clause because his hotels and restaurants do business with foreign governments while he is in office. The plaintiffs argued that because Trump properties rent out hotel rooms and meeting spaces to other governments, the president was violating a constitutional provision that bans the acceptance of foreign emoluments, or gifts from foreign powers. But Judge George B. Daniels of the Southern District of New York ruled that the plaintiffs, led by the government watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), lacked standing to bring such a case, saying it was up to Congress to prevent the president from accepting emoluments. CREW said it plans to appeal the verdict. “As the only political branch with the power to consent to violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, Congress is the appropriate body to determine whether, and to what extent, Defendant’s conduct unlawfully infringes on that power,” Daniels wrote in his ruling. The suit was one of the most high-profile efforts to take aim at Trump’s decision to hold onto his hotel and golf-course business while in the White House. However, the president faces similar suits: one filed by a group of congressional Democrats and another filed by the attorneys general of Maryland and the District. [...] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-alleging-trump-violated-constitution/2017/12/21/31011510-e697-11e7-ab50-621fe0588340_story.html
Trump’s ambassador to the Netherlands just got caught lying about the Dutch A Dutch journalist just asked new U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra why he said there are “no go” areas in the Netherlands, where radical Muslims are setting cars and politicians on fire. Hoekstra denied it, and called the claim “fake news.” The reporter then showed Hoekstra a video clip of himself at a congressional hearing in 2015 saying: “The Islamic movement has now gotten to a point where they have put Europe into chaos. Chaos in the Netherlands, there are cars being burned, there are politicians that are being burned.” “And yes, there are no-go zones in the Netherlands,” he added in the clip. Then things got extremely weird. When the reporter pressed, Hoekstra denied using the term “fake news,” which he'd uttered moments before. “I didn’t call that fake news,” he said. “I didn’t use the words today. I don’t think I did.” Hoekstra was being interviewed by reporter Wouter Zwart for current affairs program Nieuwsuur. The interview is not playing well in the Netherlands. (One sample headline: “The new Trump Ambassador to the Netherlands, Pete Hoekstra, lies about his own lies.") But the former congressman was always going to be a tough sell for one of Europe's most liberal countries. Though Hoekstra was born in the Netherlands, his family emigrated to Michigan when we was a toddler. He served as a Republican congressman for a decade and a half, eventually chairing the House Intelligence Committee. In that time, he adopted several positions that are at odds with core Dutch values. Hoekstra is opposed to same-sex marriage and gay rights. In Congress, he voted repeatedly to limit women's rights to abortion. He supports the death penalty and has argued passionately that refugees are a threat to European security. Hoekstra has given several talks at the anti-Islam American Freedom Alliance, which has also hosted Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders. In 2015, Hoekstra blamed a “secret jihad” for the “chaos” in the Netherlands. After Trump announced Hoekstra's appointment, Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant observed that Trump “put a Dutchman in the Netherlands — but it is a Dutchman from the Netherlands of the ’50s.” Of the appointment, liberal politician Sophie in ’t Veld said: “We are looking forward with interest to cooperating with Mr. Hoekstra. We will certainly remind him his roots lie in a country that values tolerance, equality and inclusion.… We expect the representative of our friend and ally the United States to fully and wholly respect our values and to show that respect in all his acts and words.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/12/22/trumps-ambassador-to-the-netherlands-just-got-caught-lying-about-the-dutch/
Prosecutors are reportedly seeking Kushner records from Deutsche Bank Federal prosecutors are seeking information about Trump senior advisor Jared Kushner's real estate business, according to The New York Times. In recent weeks, prosecutors in the United States attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York reportedly subpoenaed Deutsche Bank for records related to Kushner Companies, the Times said. There is no indication that the request, which the paper said was issued in recent weeks, is related to special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe. https://www.cnbc.com/2017/12/22/prosecutors-are-reportedly-seeking-kushner-records-from-deutsche-bank.html
Trump replaces 'E pluribus unum' with 'Make America Great Again' on presidential coin President Donald Trump had a personal hand in redesigning the presidential "challenge coin," as The Washington Post reported Friday. The phrase "E pluribus unum" will no longer appear on it. Instead, Trump's campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" will be present on the coin. http://www.businessinsider.com/trump-makes-changes-to-presidential-coin-2017-12
2 of the 3 major panels investigating Trump and Russia have become gripped by ugly infighting Two of the three congressional committees investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election are being gripped by partisan infighting. The Senate Judiciary Committee is split as to the focus of its investigation. The House Intelligence Committee could release two separate reports — one from Democrats and one from Republicans. http://www.businessinsider.com/congress-trump-russia-investigations-devin-nunes-2017-12
#MarchForTruth As the nation speculates whether or not Special Counsel Robert Mueller will be fired, activists across the country are gearing up for a nationwide response. https://www.marchfortruth.info/mueller-rapid-response/
Russia probe looms over Trump’s Mar-a-Lago retreat Trump’s aides and allies hope he’ll lay low during his holiday break, but it's the type of situation in which he seems to generate his biggest self-inflicted crises. https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/22/trump-mar-lago-holiday-313537
On the Front Lines of the GOP's Civil War In 2016, a group of Republicans broke ranks with their party to try to stop Donald Trump from winning the presidency. Now they’re rallying once more to keep him from destroying the country. Sam Tanenhaus reports on the Never Trumpers. Dec 20, 2017 http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a14428464/gop-never-trump/
Pictured: The mystery Russian wife of 'rat in glasses' Number 10 'Putin spy' and the riddle over her 'millions of Roubles' held in a Moscow bank Stanislav Yezhov - an interpreter for the Ukrainian cabinet - was detained today In July, Yezhov attended a meeting at No 10 Downing Street with Theresa May Ukraine PM Volodymyr Groysman said Yezhov had been spying for a 'long time' May said she is aware, but added: 'The matter is for the Ukrainian authorities' His mysterious Russian wife Yulia Miroshnikova, 32, reportedly has £3.6million held in a Moscow bank The couple, who lived together in the US also have a young daughter together http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5204441/Ukrainian-interpreter-spy-Moscow-Russian-wife.html
EPA says Superfund Task Force left behind little paper trail [...] According to EPA, the task force also created no work product other than its final report. ‘‘Pruitt’s plan for cleaning up toxic sites was apparently immaculately conceived, without the usual trappings of human parentage,’’ said Jeff Ruch, the executive director of PEER. ‘‘It stretches credulity that 107 EPA staff members with no agenda or reference materials somehow wrote an intricate plan in 30 days.’’ [...] https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/12/20/epa-says-superfund-task-force-left-behind-little-paper-trail/L3KQRZxEyvbqne1GdW02aL/story.html
The Halloween asteroid prepares to return in 2018 There is one year to go until asteroid 2015 TB145 approaches Earth once again, just as it did in 2015 around the night of Halloween, an occasion which astronomers did not pass up to study its characteristics. This dark object measures between 625 and 700 metres, its rotation period is around three hours and, in certain lighting conditions, it resembles a human skull. http://www.agenciasinc.es/en/News/The-Halloween-asteroid-prepares-to-return-in-2018
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