I live in Gaza. I want you to know why we’re protesting.
The international media keeps warping our demands for their own purposes.
A PALESTINIAN WOMAN DOCUMENTS THE SITUATION AT THE BORDER FENCE WITH ISRAEL AS MASS DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE ON MAY 14, 2018 IN GAZA CITY. (CREDIT: SPENCER PLATT/GETTY IMAGES)
GAZA CITY — Zaheyya, 70 years old and tired after a long walk from Saladin Road to the “no-go” zone, looked among the huge crowd of protesters for a place to rest as she carried a Palestinian flag and her embroidered bag over her shoulder.
When I approached Zaheyya on Monday and asked if I could interview her to find out why she is participating in the Great Return March in spite of her age and sickness, she replied, “Shame on you, for asking me this question! I will come every day until U.N. Resolution 194 is implemented.”
The resolution Zaheyya recalled was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in 1948, and it called for the return of all Palestinian refugees to their lands. It was never adopted by the U.N. Security Council, and so it was never enforced. But Palestinians have not forgotten.
“I am a refugee from Huliqat village that was ethnically cleansed in 1948 by the hands of the Haganah [the Zionist paramilitary organization] and I have the right to go back,” said Zaheyya. “This is our day to show Israel that the old will die, but the young will never forget… Yes, I will join my people and shout with all my strength, move on people, go back to your homeland, the land is waiting for you.”
It was inspiring, but then Zaheyya started shouting something else. “Tear gas, gas, gas! Run people, run!”
Tear gas cans began rolling between us and the crowds. Everyone ran from the area, while Israeli snipers on top of the hills and watchtowers started shooting randomly at the people protesting. At one point, I lost sight of my mom. I could not see her, because there was dark smoke everywhere. Do you know what that feels like? To not know if your mother is okay as snipers are shooting at you and everyone around you?
It took me half an hour to find her again — when the air cleared out from the tear gas bombs. After we did, my mom, as always, hugged me. “Calm down. I am okay,” she said. We started laughing and cursing the snipers.
Monday was hard, and it was heartbreaking. After a long day, I found out that my brother Mustafa, who is 29 years old, was shot. He was lucky, the bullet that penetrated his leg was not explosive.
At least 62 people were killed that day, and nearly 3,200 wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza. Those injured included journalists, medics, and dozens of women.
Since then, all of the victims have been painted in the international media as martyrs for Hamas. All the protesters – me, my family, Zaheyya, thousands of others like us – have had our demands warped and our voices silenced by others for political purposes.
So let me be clear with you. Gaza is the biggest open-air prison on earth. Nearly two million people are denied the basic freedom of movement. Ninety-seven percent of the water here is undrinkable. The unemployment rate is 44 percent.
We have said over and over again that the right of return is the solution to all of our miserable problems. That is why we protested on Monday. That is why we have been protesting since March 30. Two-thirds of Palestinians in Gaza are refugees from lands stolen by Israel in 1948.
The Great Return March is the first time in my life that I have seen a huge number of people uniting and calling for right of return. It is the decision of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza, and it is the call for everyone who is concerned about humanity. There is only one flag that has been rising up in the marches, carried by kids, the elderly, journalists, nurses, doctors, and teachers. It is Palestine’s.
Issam, a 15 year-old boy from Khan-Younis, was injured with a tear gas canister that was dropped on his head on Monday. He rejoined the march the next day, while his head was still bandaged.
Asked whether he is already healed or still in pain he replied, “I am in pain, but I cannot leave my friends alone today, and we will fly our kites. We spent last night preparing it. We wrote on it: ‘Palestine, we are coming back.’” These are the kites that children fly near the buffer zone, the ones that have been deemed strategic threats by Israel and used as excuses to shoot children.
FBI agents have raided the home, office and Park Avenue hotel room of President Trump’s longtime personal lawyer Michael Cohen. During the Monday morning raid, the FBI seized a slew of business records, emails and documents. The Washington Post reports Cohen is under investigation for bank fraud, wire fraud and campaign finance violations. Agents also reportedly seized documents related to a $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels. Cohen has admitted to personally paying Clifford to keep her quiet about an alleged 2007 affair she had with Donald Trump. The payment, only days before the 2016 election, may violate federal election law. The raid was carried out by the U.S. attorney of New York, Geoffrey Berman, who was handpicked by President Trump after Trump fired Preet Bharara. Berman is a former law partner of New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Monday’s raid came after a referral by special counsel Robert Mueller. President Trump reacted angrily to news of the raid Monday. For more, we speak with Marcy Wheeler, an investigative journalist who runs the website EmptyWheel.net [ https://www.emptywheel.net/ ]. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/trump_slams_fbi_ag_jeff_sessions[with embedded video, and transcript]
“A Very Dangerous Moment”: Trump Threatens to Strike Syria as Warmonger John Bolton Joins Cabinet
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by Democracy Now!
President Trump has threatened a forceful response to this weekend’s alleged chemical gas attack in Syria that killed at least 40 people and injured as many 1,000 in the rebel-held town of Douma. During a meeting with military officials Monday, Trump vowed to take action. Washington and its chief allies at the United Nations have blamed the Assad government for the chemical attack, but Russia claims there is no evidence an attack even took place. Meanwhile, Iran has acknowledged seven Iranians died in an Israeli airstrike on a Syrian base early on Monday. For more, we speak with Phyllis Bennis, a fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies, author of several books, including, most recently, “Understanding ISIS and the New Global War on Terror [ https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-ISIS-New-Global-Terror/dp/1566560942 ].” Her latest piece for In These Times is headlined “It’s John Bolton’s First Day in the White House. We Must Stop Him from Escalating War in Syria [ http://inthesetimes.com/article/21050/John-bolton-donald-trump-war-syria-russia-iran-chemical-weapons ].” https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/a_very_dangerous_moment_trump_threatens[with embedded video, and transcript]
Is “Sorry” Enough? Facebook Built Empire on Harvesting Personal Information with Little Oversight
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by Democracy Now!
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to testify today on Capitol Hill amid the burgeoning scandal about how the voter-profiling company Cambridge Analytica harvested the data of more than 87 million Facebook users, without their permission, in efforts to sway voters to support President Donald Trump. In prepared remarks ahead of his testimony today, he writes, “We didn’t take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake. … It was my mistake, and I’m sorry. I started Facebook, I run it, and I’m responsible for what happens here.” The company has also unveiled new privacy tools ahead of Zuckerberg’s testimony today. For more, we speak with David Dayen, a contributor to The Intercept and columnist for The New Republic. His recent pieces include “Ban Targeted Advertising [ https://newrepublic.com/article/147887/ban-targeted-advertising-facebook-google ]” and “The U.S. Government Is Finally Scrambling to Regulate Facebook [ https://theintercept.com/2018/03/29/the-u-s-government-is-finally-scrambling-to-regulate-facebook/ ].” https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/is_sorry_enough_facebook_built_empire[with embedded video, and transcript]
Denver Post Revolts Against Its “Vulture” Hedge-Fund Owner & Demands 126-Year-Old Newspaper Be Saved
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by Democracy Now!
The Denver Post has launched a revolt against its owner: New York-based hedge fund Alden Global Capital. On Sunday, The Denver Post’s editorial board published a lead editorial headlined “As vultures circle, The Denver Post must be saved.” Alden Global Capital is the parent company of Digital First Media, one of the country’s largest newspaper chains. Since 2010, Digital First Media has slashed budgets and staff at newspapers across the country, including the Oakland Tribune, The San Jose Mercury News and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Alden Global Capital is backed by founder and chief of investments Randall Smith and president Heath Freeman. Both are known on Wall Street as vulture capitalists who make their money investing in distressed businesses and selling them off. For more, we speak with Ricardo Baca, the former cannabis editor at The Denver Post, who wrote one of the op-eds, titled “When a hedge fund tries to kill the newspapers it owns, journalists must fight back [ https://www.denverpost.com/2018/04/06/when-a-hedge-fund-tries-to-kill-the-newspapers-it-owns-journalists-must-fight-back/ ].” Baca worked at the Post for 16 years and is now the CEO and founder of Grasslands. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/denver_post_revolts_against_its_vulture[with embedded video, and transcript]
Sudanese-American Musician Sinkane in Conversation & Performance
Published on Apr 12, 2018 by Democracy Now!
Musician Ahmed Gallab, aka Sinkane, recently stopped by the Democracy Now! studios to perform and talk about making music as a Sudanese-American artist in the age of Trump. The influential music site Pitchfork described Gallab’s music, saying, “If any artist deserves to swerve around a borderless Earth with a real World Passport, it’s the London-born, Sudanese artist Ahmed Gallab. Listen to his catalog under the Sinkane moniker and you’ll hear fragments of sub-Saharan pop, shoegaze, afro-rock, electronica, krautrock, and everything in between—all melded into his own funky blend.” Ahmed Gallab also heads the Atomic Bomb! Band, which pays tribute to the legendary Nigerian funk musician William Onyeabor. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/4/10/sudanese_american_musician_sinkane_in_conversation[with embedded video, and transcript]
President Donald J. Trump Announces Twelfth Wave of Judicial Nominees, Twelfth Wave of United States Attorneys, and Sixth Wave of United States Marshals
Issued on: April 10, 2018
Today President Donald J. Trump announced his intent to nominate a twelfth wave of judicial nominees, twelfth wave of United States Attorneys, and sixth wave of United States Marshals as follows:
If confirmed, Britt C. Grant of Georgia will serve as a Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Britt Grant currently serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as the Solicitor General of Georgia and, before that, as counsel for legal policy to the Attorney General of Georgia. Earlier in her career, Justice Grant practiced in the Washington, D.C., office of Kirkland & Ellis, where she focused on complex commercial litigation. Upon graduation from law school, Justice Grant served as a law clerk to Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She earned her J.D., with distinction, from Stanford Law School, where she served as managing editor of the Stanford Journal of International Law and as senior articles editor of the Stanford Law and Policy Review. Before enrolling in law school, Justice Grant served in The White House as Deputy Associate Director of the Office of Cabinet Affairs and earlier as Assistant to the Director in the Domestic Policy Council and USA Freedom Corps. She also served as Legislative Correspondent and Communications Director to Georgia Congressman Nathan Deal. Justice Grant earned her B.A., summa cum laude, from Wake Forest University, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
If confirmed, Paul B. Matey of New Jersey will serve as a Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Paul Matey currently serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, overseeing all legal and regulatory matters for a regional academic medical center. Before joining the hospital’s executive leadership, Mr. Matey served as Senior Counsel and then as Deputy Chief Counsel to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, supervising the development of legal advice, legislation, and executive orders. Immediately before joining the Governor’s senior legal staff, Mr. Matey served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, where he prosecuted matters including complex white-collar crimes and child protection actions, and received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance from the United States Department of Justice. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Matey spent two years as a litigation associate at the Washington, D.C., law firm Kellogg, Huber, Hansen, Todd, Evans & Figel, P.L.L.C. Earlier in his career, Mr. Matey served as a law clerk to Judge Robert E. Cowen of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and as a law clerk to Judge John C. Lifland of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Mr. Matey earned his B.A. from the University of Scranton, and his J.D., summa cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Seton Hall Law Review.
If confirmed, David J. Porter of Pennsylvania will serve as a Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Dave Porter is a shareholder with the Pittsburgh office of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, where for the last 23 years his practice has focused on complex commercial and constitutional litigation, and regulatory matters. Prior to joining Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Mr. Porter spent two years as a law clerk to current Chief Judge D. Brooks Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, while Chief Judge Smith was serving as a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Mr. Porter is involved in numerous professional service organizations. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute, has chaired the Federal Court and Civil Litigation Sections of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and has served on the Pennsylvania State Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He also serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of Grove City College. Mr. Porter earned his B.A. from Grove City College and his J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, where he was a member and notes editor of the George Mason University Law Review. Mr. Porter’s nomination is supported by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (Pittsburgh Chapter), Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local No. 1, the Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1, the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 6 (affiliated with Building Trades Dep’t. AFL-CIO), Wesley Family Services, and the President of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If confirmed, Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach of Puerto Rico will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Raúl Arias-Marxuach currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Litigation Practice Group at McConnell Valdés LLC. Mr. Arias-Marxuach is maintains a diverse commercial litigation practice and has focused on contracts, products liability, personal injury, antitrust and maritime disputes. During his two decades at McConnell Valdés, Mr. Arias-Marxuach has accumulated substantial jury trial and appellate experience in complex matters. Prior to joining McConnell Valdés, Mr. Arias-Marxuach served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Antonio S. Negrón-García of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. Mr. Arias-Marxuach has earned degrees from Harvard Law School, the University of Puerto Rico Law School, and Boston College.
If confirmed, Pamela A. Barker of Ohio will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. Pamela Barker is a Judge in the General Division on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, where she has served for the last seven years. For the eleven years preceding her election to the Court of Common Pleas, she served as a Mayor’s Court Magistrate and Juvenile Diversion Magistrate for the City of Brecksville, Ohio. Prior to ascending to the bench, Judge Barker spent twenty-nine years representing individuals, small businesses, and corporations, with a particular emphasis on insurance litigation. Judge Barker earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Kenyon College, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. from the Ohio State University College of Law.
If confirmed, Kenneth D. Bell of North Carolina will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Ken Bell is a partner in the Charlotte office of McGuireWoods LLP, where he represents clients on a variety of matters involving white collar crimes and business-related investigations. For the past five and a half years, he has served as the Federal court-appointed receiver over the largest Ponzi scheme in history as measured by number of victims (more than 800,000). Prior to joining McGuireWoods, Mr. Bell was a partner at Hunton & Williams LLP and Mayer Brown LLP. Previously, he served for ten years as first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, and for eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In 2003, Mr. Bell received the Attorney General’s John Marshall Award for Trial of Litigation after securing the first conviction for material support to a terrorist organization against the leader of a Hezbollah cell operating in Charlotte. Mr. Bell earned his B.A. from Wake Forest University and his J.D. from the Wake Forest University School of Law.
If confirmed, Wendy Williams Berger of Florida will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Wendy Berger serves as a District Judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal, where she has served since her appointment by the Governor in 2012. Prior to her elevation to the Court of Appeal, Judge Berger served for seven years as a Circuit Court Judge on the Seventh Judicial Circuit, where she handled the full range of civil, criminal, and death penalty cases. Before ascending to the bench, Judge Berger served for four years as Assistant General Counsel in the Executive Office of the Governor. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Judge Berger spent seven years prosecuting criminal cases as an Assistant State Attorney. Judge Berger earned her B.S., cum laude, from Florida State University and her J.D. from the Florida State University College of Law, where she was a member of the Florida State University Law Review.
If confirmed, Holly A. Brady of Indiana will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. Holly Brady is a partner in the Ft. Wayne law firm of Haller & Colvin, PC, where she focuses her practice on civil, employment, and labor litigation. Prior to joining the firm in 2007, she served as a partner at Theisen, Bowers, & Brady, LLC, as an associate in the labor and employment litigation section at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, and as an associate in the labor law firm of Gallucci, Hopkins & Theisen, PC. Each year since 2013, Ms. Brady has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for labor and employment law. She is involved in numerous community organizations and has served on the Northern District of Indiana Federal Community Defenders Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Ft Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center. Ms. Brady earned her B.A. from Indiana University at Bloomington and her J.D. from the Valparaiso University School of Law.
If confirmed, Andrew L. Brasher will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama. Andrew Brasher serves as the Solicitor General of the State of Alabama. In this capacity, he has argued in the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Alabama Supreme Court, tried cases in Federal and State courts, and won two “Best Brief Awards” from the National Association of Attorneys General. Before his appointment as Solicitor General in 2014, he served for several years as the Deputy Solicitor General. Before joining the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Brasher practiced in the litigation and white collar criminal defense practice groups in the Birmingham office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Brasher served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Mr. Brasher earned his B.A., with honors and summa cum laude, from Samford University, where he presently serves on the Board of Overseers, and his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School, where he was a member of the Harvard Law Review and winner of the Victor Brudney Prize.
If confirmed, Stephen R. Clark, Sr., of Missouri will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Steve Clark is the founder and managing partner of St. Louis-based Runnymede Law Group, where his practice focuses on complex trial and appellate litigation. Mr. Clark has tried numerous civil and commercial matters in Federal and State courts throughout the country. Mr. Clark has also argued appeals in several Federal and State appellate courts, including the Eighth and Tenth Circuits and the Supreme Court of Missouri. Earlier in his practice, Mr. Clark served as a municipal prosecutor, trying over 200 cases. Throughout his career, Mr. Clark has represented clients pro bono and volunteered for numerous civic and charitable organizations. Prior to founding Runnymede in 2008, Mr. Clark was an equity partner at Husch Blackwell LLP, an equity shareholder at Polsinelli PC, and an officer at Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. Mr. Clark earned his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and his J.D. from the St. Louis University School of Law, where he was a member of the National Moot Court Team.
If confirmed, J.P. Hanlon of Indiana will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. J.P. Hanlon is a partner in the Indianapolis office of Faegre Baker Daniels LLP where he serves as co-chair of the firm’s white collar defense and investigations practice. Before Faegre Baker Daniels was formed through the merger of Baker & Daniels LLP and Faegre & Benson LLP in 2012, Mr. Hanlon had been a partner with Baker & Daniels LLP since 2006. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Hanlon served for five years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. During that period, he tried twelve jury and two bench trials to successful resolution on behalf of the Government, and argued multiple cases on appeal before the Seventh Circuit. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Hanlon practiced for three years as an associate in the labor and employment practice group at Seyfarth Shaw LLP. Shortly after graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk to Judge Robert L. Miller, Jr., of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. Mr. Hanlon has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law where he taught courses on white collar crime. Mr. Hanlon earned his B.A. from DePauw University and his J.D., magna cum laude, from the Valparaiso University School of Law, where he served as an articles editor of the Valparaiso University Law Review.
If confirmed, Jonathan W. Katchen of Alaska will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. Jon Katchen is currently of counsel in the Anchorage office of Holland & Hart, where his practice focuses on commercial and natural resources litigation, including oil and gas law. Prior to joining Holland & Hart in 2017, Mr. Katchen practiced for five years in the Anchorage office of Crowell & Moring LLP. From 2010 through 2012, he served as the Intergovernmental Coordinator for the State of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources, where he managed the agency’s administrative appeals and litigation, and provided counsel to the Commissioner. He also served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General of Alaska, as an Assistant Attorney General in the Oil, Gas & Mining Section, and as a litigation associate in private practice. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Katchen served as a law clerk to Judge Maryanne Trump Barry on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Mr. Katchen earned his B.A., cum laude, and his M.A., from Boston College, and his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
If confirmed, Mary E. McElroy of Rhode Island will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Mary McElroy serves as the Public Defender for the State of Rhode Island. Prior to assuming this post in 2012, she served for six years as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the District of Rhode Island. Before joining the Rhode Island Federal Public Defender’s Office, Ms. McElroy served for twelve years as an Assistant Public Defender for the State of Rhode Island. Upon graduation from law school, Ms. McElroy served as a law clerk to Justice Donald F. Shea of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Ms. McElroy earned her B.A. from Providence College and her J.D., cum laude, from the Suffolk University School of Law.
If confirmed, David S. Morales of Texas will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. David Morales currently is a partner at Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP, where his practice focuses on complex litigation, administrative law, as well as public and higher education law. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Morales served as Deputy General Counsel to the University of Texas System Board of Regents, and as General Counsel to the Governor of Texas. As General Counsel to the Governor, Mr. Morales advised the Governor on all civil and criminal issues pending before the Office of the Governor, under both state and federal law. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Morales joined the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, where he served for over seventeen years, ultimately rising to the rank of Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation and Deputy First Assistant Attorney General. As Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation, Mr. Morales supervised all trial and most appellate matters for the State of Texas, managing over 300 civil litigation attorneys and over 15,000 litigation matters. From 2012-2014, Mr. Morales served as an Ex Officio Member of the Texas Access to Justice Commission. Mr. Morales earned his B.B.A. from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, and his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas.
If confirmed, Sarah Daggett Morrison of Ohio will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Sarah Morrison serves as the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, where she oversees the investment of $25 billion and an agency staff of 1,800. Prior to her appointment, she served for four years as the General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer of that agency. Before entering State service, Ms. Morrison was a partner in the Columbus office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP, where she practiced complex civil and commercial litigation. Shortly after graduation from law school, Ms. Morrison served as a law clerk to Judge John D. Holschuh of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Ms. Morrison earned her B.A. from the Ohio State University and her J.D., magna cum laude, from the Capital University School of Law, where she was inducted into the Order of the Curia and served as an associate editor of the Capital University Law Review.
If confirmed, John M. O’Connor of Oklahoma will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma. John O’Connor is a shareholder of Hall Estill, a Tulsa-based regional full service law firm. He has concentrated his practice in the areas of corporate and business law and litigation. Mr. O’Connor is regularly listed as one of Tulsa’s Top Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Super Lawyers, as has been honored by Super Lawyers Business Edition national publication. By the appointment of Governor Fallin, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Oklahoma State University—Tulsa. Mr. O’Connor is also active in the Tulsa community. He is a past-President of the Rotary Club of Tulsa and served two terms as President and a Director of Tulsa’s Ronald McDonald House. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Dillon International, Inc., an international country adoption agency, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association. Mr. O’Connor earned his B.A. from Oklahoma State University, where he served as Student Body President, and his J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he served as President of the Student Bar Association.
If confirmed, Emin Toro of Virginia will serve as a Judge on the U.S. Tax Court. Emin Toro is a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Covington & Burling LLP, where he represents and counsels multinational companies in tax controversies. Mr. Toro’s tax controversy experience includes audits, administrative appeals, litigation, as well as advance pricing agreement and competent authority proceedings. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Toro served as a law clerk to Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and to Justice Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Toro earned his B.A., summa cum laude, from Palm Beach Atlantic University and his J.D., with highest honors, from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as an articles editor of the North Carolina Law Review.
If confirmed, Lance E. Walker of Maine will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine. Lance Walker serves as a Justice of the Maine Superior Court, where he presides over complex criminal and civil cases, including jury trials. Prior to his appointment to the Superior Court in 2015, he served for a year as a Judge on the Maine District Court. Before ascending to the bench, Justice Walker spent thirteen years handling a broad range of complex civil matters at trial and on appeal at the Portland firm of Norman Hanson & DeTroy, LLC. Upon graduation from law school, Justice Walker served as a law clerk to Justices Atwood, Marden, and Studstrup of the Maine Superior Court. Justice Walker earned his B.A. from the University of Maine and his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Maine School of Law.
If confirmed, Allen C. Winsor of Florida will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Allen Winsor serves as a Judge on the First District Court of Appeal. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Mr. Winsor served for nearly three years as the Solicitor General of the State of Florida, where he represented Florida’s interests in State and Federal courts and argued two cases in the Supreme Court of the United States. Before joining the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Winsor was a partner in the Tallahassee office of GrayRobinson, P.A., where he practiced civil, constitutional, and appellate litigation. Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Winsor served as a law clerk to Judge Ed Carnes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. Mr. Winsor earned his B.S.B.A. from Auburn University and his J.D., with high honors, from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif and served as editor-in-chief of the Florida Law Review.
If confirmed, Patrick Wyrick of Oklahoma will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Patrick Wyrick serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. Before being appointed to the Court, Justice Wyrick served for six years as the Solicitor General of Oklahoma. As the chief appellate lawyer for the State of Oklahoma, he supervised all appellate litigation on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General. As Solicitor General, Justice Wyrick served as a top legal advisor to the executive branch and advised agency lawyers and State officials on complex constitutional and other legal matters. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Justice Wyrick practiced general commercial litigation in the Oklahoma City office of GableGotwals. Upon graduation from law school, Justice Wyrick served as a law clerk to Judge James H. Payne of the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Northern Districts of Oklahoma. Justice Wyrick graduated from the University of Oklahoma and from the University of Oklahoma School of Law with distinction.
Wendy Williams Berger, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, vice John E. Steele, retired.
Holly A. Brady, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana, vice Joseph S. Van Bokkelen, retired.
Andrew Lynn Brasher, of Alabama, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama, vice Mark E. Fuller, resigned.
Britt Cagle Grant, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, vice Julie E. Carnes, retiring.
Justin George Muzinich, of New York, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, vice Sarah Bloom Raskin.
John M. O’Connor, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma, vice James H. Payne, retired.
Emin Toro, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years, vice Joseph Robert Goeke, term expiring.
Lance E. Walker, of Maine, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maine, vice John A. Woodcock Jr., retired.
Allen Cothrel Winsor, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Florida, vice Robert L. Hinkle, retired.
Patrick R. Wyrick, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma, vice David L. Russell, retired.
Comedy Central Ultimate FAIL! Chuck E. Cheese The Rat Interviews Alex Jones
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by The Alex Jones Channel
Kodi Libii of Comedy Central's The Opposition tried to ambush Alex Jones outside the National Press Club in Washington DC. He no doubt hoped to catch Alex in an embarrassing situation, a plan that back-fired spectacularly.
Statement by the Press Secretary Regarding the Presidential Proclamation to Lift Entry Restrictions for Nationals of the Republic of Chad
Issued on: April 10, 2018
Based on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) assessment, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation today announcing that the Republic of Chad has improved its identity-management and information sharing practices sufficiently to meet the baseline security standard of the United States. Chad nationals will therefore again be able to receive visas for travel to the United States.
Today’s decision is based on DHS’s required 180-day review of entry restrictions imposed by Proclamation 9645 on nationals of eight countries. The review was based on the enhanced global security measures that DHS and the Department of State established, the first ever set of minimum requirements for international cooperation in support of our visa and immigration vetting and adjudications. Presidential Proclamation 9645 directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to recommend whether the entry restrictions should be continued, modified, terminated, or supplemented, based on a review that accounts for whether countries have improved their identity-management and information-sharing protocols and procedures.
The President’s first priority is the safety and security of the American people. The tailored travel restrictions imposed by Proclamation 9645, and reaffirmed by today’s proclamation the President today, will keep our country safe and encourage countries to meet our baseline requirements. These travel restrictions help prevent potential terrorists and criminals from reaching our shores and encourage foreign governments to live up to their obligations to enhance security and share essential information with the United States. By lifting travel restrictions on nationals of Chad, the United States is demonstrating that the criteria set forth in Proclamation 9645 can and do work to enhance the security of the United States.
Executive Order Reducing Poverty in America by Promoting Opportunity and Economic Mobility
Issued on: April 10, 2018
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to promote economic mobility, strong social networks, and accountability to American taxpayers, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Purpose. The United States and its Constitution were founded on the principles of freedom and equal opportunity for all. To ensure that all Americans would be able to realize the benefits of those principles, especially during hard times, the Government established programs to help families with basic unmet needs. Unfortunately, many of the programs designed to help families have instead delayed economic independence, perpetuated poverty, and weakened family bonds. While bipartisan welfare reform enacted in 1996 was a step toward eliminating the economic stagnation and social harm that can result from long-term Government dependence, the welfare system still traps many recipients, especially children, in poverty and is in need of further reform and modernization in order to increase self-sufficiency, well-being, and economic mobility.
Sec. 2. Policy. (a) In 2017, the Federal Government spent more than $700 billion on low-income assistance. Since its inception, the welfare system has grown into a large bureaucracy that might be susceptible to measuring success by how many people are enrolled in a program rather than by how many have moved from poverty into financial independence. This is not the type of system that was envisioned when welfare programs were instituted in this country. The Federal Government’s role is to clear paths to self-sufficiency, reserving public assistance programs for those who are truly in need. The Federal Government should do everything within its authority to empower individuals by providing opportunities for work, including by investing in Federal programs that are effective at moving people into the workforce and out of poverty. It must examine Federal policies and programs to ensure that they are consistent with principles that are central to the American spirit — work, free enterprise, and safeguarding human and economic resources. For those policies or programs that are not succeeding in those respects, it is our duty to either improve or eliminate them.
(b) It shall be the policy of the Federal Government to reform the welfare system of the United States so that it empowers people in a manner that is consistent with applicable law and the following principles, which shall be known as the Principles of Economic Mobility:
(i) Improve employment outcomes and economic independence (including by strengthening existing work requirements for work-capable people and introducing new work requirements when legally permissible);
(ii) Promote strong social networks as a way of sustainably escaping poverty (including through work and marriage);
(iii) Address the challenges of populations that may particularly struggle to find and maintain employment (including single parents, formerly incarcerated individuals, the homeless, substance abusers, individuals with disabilities, and disconnected youth);
(iv) Balance flexibility and accountability both to ensure that State, local, and tribal governments, and other institutions, may tailor their public assistance programs to the unique needs of their communities and to ensure that welfare services and administering agencies can be held accountable for achieving outcomes (including by designing and tracking measures that assess whether programs help people escape poverty);
(v) Reduce the size of bureaucracy and streamline services to promote the effective use of resources;
(vi) Reserve benefits for people with low incomes and limited assets;
(vii) Reduce wasteful spending by consolidating or eliminating Federal programs that are duplicative or ineffective;
(viii) Create a system by which the Federal Government remains updated on State, local, and tribal successes and failures, and facilitates access to that information so that other States and localities can benefit from it; and
(ix) Empower the private sector, as well as local communities, to develop and apply locally based solutions to poverty.
(c) As part of our pledge to increase opportunities for those in need, the Federal Government must first enforce work requirements that are required by law. It must also strengthen requirements that promote obtaining and maintaining employment in order to move people to independence. To support this focus on employment, the Federal Government should:
(i) review current federally funded workforce development programs. If more than one executive department or agency (agency) administers programs that are similar in scope or population served, they should be consolidated, to the extent permitted by law, into the agency that is best equipped to fulfill the expectations of the programs, while ineffective programs should be eliminated; and
(ii) invest in effective workforce development programs and encourage, to the greatest extent possible, entities that have demonstrated success in equipping participants with skills necessary to obtain employment that enables them to financially support themselves and their families in today’s economy.
(d) It is imperative to empower State, local, and tribal governments and private-sector entities to effectively administer and manage public assistance programs. Federal policies should allow local entities to develop and implement programs and strategies that are best for their respective communities. Specifically, policies should allow the private sector, including community and faith-based organizations, to create solutions that alleviate the need for welfare assistance, promote personal responsibility, and reduce reliance on government intervention and resources.
(i) To promote the proper scope and functioning of government, the Federal Government must afford State, local, and tribal governments the freedom to design and implement programs that better allocate limited resources to meet different community needs.
(ii) States and localities can use such flexibility to devise and evaluate innovative programs that serve diverse populations and families. States and localities can also model their own initiatives on the successful programs of others. To achieve the right balance, Federal leaders must continue to discuss opportunities to improve public assistance programs with State and local leaders, including our Nation’s governors.
(e) The Federal Government owes it to Americans to use taxpayer dollars for their intended purposes. Relevant agencies should establish clear metrics that measure outcomes so that agencies administering public assistance programs can be held accountable. These metrics should include assessments of whether programs help individuals and families find employment, increase earnings, escape poverty, and avoid long-term dependence. Whenever possible, agencies should harmonize their metrics to facilitate easier cross-programmatic comparisons and to encourage further integration of service delivery at the local level. Agencies should also adopt policies to ensure that only eligible persons receive benefits and enforce all relevant laws providing that aliens who are not otherwise qualified and eligible may not receive benefits.
(i) All entities that receive funds should be required to guarantee the integrity of the programs they administer. Technology and innovation should drive initiatives that increase program integrity and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in the current system.
(ii) The Federal Government must support State, local, and tribal partners by investing in tools to combat payment errors and verify eligibility for program participants. It must also work alongside public and private partners to assist recipients of welfare assistance to maximize access to services and benefits that support paths to self-sufficiency.
Sec. 3. Review of Regulations and Guidance Documents. (a) The Secretaries of the Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education (Secretaries) shall:
(i) review all regulations and guidance documents of their respective agencies relating to waivers, exemptions, or exceptions for public assistance program eligibility requirements to determine whether such documents are, to the extent permitted by law, consistent with the principles outlined in this order;
(ii) review any public assistance programs of their respective agencies that do not currently require work for receipt of benefits or services, and determine whether enforcement of a work requirement would be consistent with Federal law and the principles outlined in this order;
(iii) review any public assistance programs of their respective agencies that do currently require work for receipt of benefits or services, and determine whether the enforcement of such work requirements is consistent with Federal law and the principles outlined in this order;
(iv) within 90 days of the date of this order, and based on the reviews required by this section, submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy a list of recommended regulatory and policy changes and other actions to accomplish the principles outlined in this order; and
(v) not later than 90 days after submission of the recommendations required by section 3(a)(iv) of this order, and in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, take steps to implement the recommended administrative actions.
(b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretaries shall each submit a report to the President, through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, that:
(i) states how their respective agencies are complying with 8 U.S.C. 1611(a), which provides that an alien who is not a “qualified alien” as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1641 is, subject to certain statutorily defined exceptions, not eligible for any Federal public benefit as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1611(c);
(ii) provides a list of Federal benefit programs that their respective agencies administer that are restricted pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1611; and
(iii) provides a list of Federal benefit programs that their respective agencies administer that are not restricted pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1611.
Sec. 4. Definitions. For the purposes of this order:
(a) the terms “individuals,” “families,” and “persons” mean any United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other lawfully present alien who is qualified to or otherwise may receive public benefits;
(b) the terms “work” and “workforce” include unsubsidized employment, subsidized employment, job training, apprenticeships, career and technical education training, job searches, basic education, education directly related to current or future employment, and workfare; and(c) the terms “welfare” and “public assistance” include any program that provides means-tested assistance, or other assistance that provides benefits to people, households, or families that have low incomes (i.e., those making less than twice the Federal poverty level), the unemployed, or those out of the labor force.
Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
Readout Of President Donald J. Trump’s Meeting With Amir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani
Issued on: April 10, 2018
President Donald J. Trump welcomed Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar to the White House today. The President and the Amir discussed ways to strengthen security and economic ties between the United States and Qatar. The leaders discussed joint efforts to finalize new commercial deals that would create more than 50,000 American jobs. The President and the Amir discussed ways to further strengthen American-Qatari coordination on counterterrorism and counter-extremism. The President and the Amir discussed regional issues, including Syria, Yemen, and Iran. On Syria, the Amir thanked the President for his leadership galvanizing international condemnation in response to the Assad regime’s latest atrocities against the Syrian people. The President and the Amir discussed Iranian and Russian malign influence, including the role Iran and Russia play to enable the Assad regime’s atrocities; the threat Iran and Russia pose to regional stability; and ways to increase cooperation between the United States and Qatar on these issues. The leaders discussed obstacles to restoring unity in the Gulf Cooperation Council. They agreed on the importance of Gulf unity to mitigate security threats and to ensure the prosperity of the people in the region.
Statement from Vice President Mike Pence’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director Jarrod Agen
Issued on: April 10, 2018
The Vice President is honored to represent the United States at the 8th Summit of the Americas at President Trump’s request. He looks forward to promoting policy that will lead to an even stronger U.S. economy and working with our close allies in Latin America to collectively hold undemocratic actors in the region accountable for their actions.
Last year, the Vice President traveled to the region to meet with the presidents of Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Panama to increase the pressure against the Maduro regime and negotiate better trade deals that benefit American workers. While there, the Vice President met with a number of Venezuelan dissidents. Vice President Pence also hosted the Northern Triangle Conference on Prosperity and Security in Central America as well. Next month, the Vice President will continue to advance U.S. policies and commitment to the region when he travels to Brazil.
Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with Prime Minister Theresa May of The United Kingdom
Issued on: April 10, 2018
President Donald J. Trump spoke today with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom. Both leaders condemned Syrian President Assad’s vicious disregard for human life. The President and Prime Minister agreed not to allow the use of chemical weapons to continue.
Tuesday, April 10th 2018[, with an appearance by Syrian Girl]: Mueller Coup Goes Live - The FBI raids the office of President Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen, a throwback to how Ken Starr’s initial probe of Whitewater snowballed into former President Bill Clinton's impeachment, according to Matt Drudge. Meanwhile, the president cancels a trip to South America in order to "oversee the American response to Syria." And Alex Jones speaks at the National Press Club in Washington DC to address several fraudulent lawsuits launched against Infowars.
In 2015, Greece found itself on the frontline of the biggest refugee crisis since World War II and caught unprepared to receive record numbers of people. The EU shut its border to Greece in 2016 to prevent refugees from moving further up the continent, leaving 50,000 people trapped there. Among them are up to 3,000 unaccompanied children aged 12 to 17 who have traveled alone from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Pakistan. With insufficient accommodation, almost half of the young unaccompanied refugees in Greece have fallen outside of the system, many ending up on the streets where they are exposed to all sorts of dangers, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
We meet two boys, aged 15 and 16 who were coerced into prostitution in exchange for food and a few euros. We also speak the Mayor of Athens, Giorgos Kaminis, who is outspoken about the horrors facing young refugees in his city, and investigate whether his attempts to put pressure on the police have been effective.
Joel Osteen is one of the most famous televangelists in the world. A Houston based pastor, Joel is famous for his arena sized congregations, his globally broadcast sermons, and more recently, his refusal to open his church after Hurricane Harvey. Even Oprah is a fan. In this episode of Fame-ish, Vice meets Michael Klimkowski, a struggling comedian in LA with an uncanny likeness to the famous pastor.
After successfully crashing a sold out Joel Osteen event in 2017 in character as Joel Osteen, Michael has gained notoriety as the only Joel Osteen Pastor in the year. Will he ride this title to fame?
Seth Andrews marked the occasion of his (upcoming) birthday from the main stage at the 2018 American Atheists National Convention. This is the video of the show.
Live coverage and analysis of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees. Read more:
During Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's first day of hearings, some senators made it abundantly clear they didn't understand how the internet works. See for yourself.
Statement from the Press Secretary Supporting the Goals of the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018
Issued on: April 10, 2018
Tomorrow, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs is scheduled to hold a hearing entitled “Financing Overseas Development: The Administration’s Proposal.”
The Administration strongly supports the goals of H.R. 5105/S.2463, the ‘‘Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018,’’ to consolidate the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and certain aid programs into a reformed international Development Finance Institution (DFI) that catalyzes market-based private sector development and economic growth in less developed countries to advance the national interests of the United States. Current U.S. development finance tools are outdated and fragmented across multiple Federal agencies, and often are not well coordinated. This has hampered our ability to achieve key U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and resulted in inefficient use of taxpayer dollars. Reform will catalyze market-based solutions as a clear alternative to state-led financing initiatives that undermine state sovereignty. Reform will also help the United States compete more effectively in this new era of strategic competition.
The legislation is broadly consistent with President Trump’s statement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in November 2017 that committed the United States to reforming its development finance institutions to better incentivize private sector investment in developing countries. The goals of the legislation are also consistent with the President’s National Security Strategy and the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request, which proposed the creation of a consolidated, reformed DFI with strong institutional linkages to the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to enhance America’s global competitiveness and help drive economic growth in the developing world.
The Administration looks forward to continuing to work with Congress on H.R.5105/S.2463 as the bills progress through the legislative process. In particular, we believe the bills need to be strengthened to further ensure that the important work of this institution aligns with U.S. national interests and has strong institutional links to the programming of USAID and other development agencies. The bills must also include a revised funding structure for the institution and reforms to better manage risk to the U.S. taxpayer and avoid displacing private sector resources.
Full Show - Mark Zuckerberg Testimony Huge Distraction From Mueller Going Rogue - 04/10/2018
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by Ron Gibson
While Alex Jones is in D.C. addressing the attacks on Infowars and lawsuits against free speech, Mark Zuckerberg is testifying, not under oath, to a Senate Committee on the alleged abuses of data gathering and sales taking place at Facebook. We also take a look at the latest false flag attack in Syria that could launch World War III.
[from Alex Jones and his merry band of batshit bullshitters]
The network effect is Facebook’s biggest selling point, and the root of many of its problems.
What happened with Cambridge Analytica highlights this perfectly.
Before many people join a network, it may not be so useful. But the more people join, the more useful it becomes. That’s the network effect. Facebook is a step beyond that — it’s the network effect on steroids.
This is what makes facebook so great — it knows everything about you! — and what makes facebook so awful — IT KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU. And while its network of 2.13 billion monthly users doesn’t pay any money to use the core service, Facebook makes plenty of money — millions daily — *buy providing advertisers access to that user data*. And everyone on the site agreed to this when they signed up.
Melber: Why the FBI raid on Michael Cohen poses new danger for Trump
The Beat with Ari Melber 4/10/18
Trump blasted the FBI raid on his personal lawyer Michael Cohen as ‘disgraceful’. In a Special Report Ari Melber breaks down how the raid was an aggressive move led by a Republican Trump appointee and approved by an independent judge.
The White House claims Trump has the power to fire Special Counsel Mueller, despite the fact that DOJ rules forbid it. Former White House Counsel Jack Quinn tells Ari Melber, “it’s just weird” that Trump is more concerned about the FBI raid on Michael Cohen than “anything that’s come out about Russia”. Watergate Prosecutor Nick Akerman, President, CEO of Center for American Progress Neera Tanden and President of the American Constitution Society, Caroline Fredrickson also join The Beat.
Billy Eichner: Trump is "somehow worse than I thought" he would be
The Beat with Ari Melber 4/10/18
Comedian Billy Eichner joins Ari Melber to discuss how he’s “glamming up” the midterms with a new initiative to register voters and fight Trump. Eichner tells Ari Melber, he was “hopeful” that Trump would “step up to the plate” once elected, but now realizes this was “naïve”.
This is what it’s really like to be a kid in prison.
VICE on HBO returns for its sixth season with “Raised in the System,” an extended special season premiere featuring Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kenneth Williams as he embarks on a personal journey to expose the root of the American mass incarceration crisis: the juvenile justice system.
“Raised in the System” offers a frank and unflinching look at people caught up in the system, exploring why the country’s mass incarceration problem cannot be fixed without first addressing the juvenile justice problem, and investigates community efforts that are resulting in drastic drops in crime and incarceration.
Meet The 23 Year-Old Woman Clearing Out Corpses In Mosul By Hand | Rebuilding Mosul (Bonus)
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by VICE News
Corpses still litter the streets of West Mosul, where the fight against ISIS ended nine months ago. Parts of the city are starting to recover, but before life can return to normal, the streets need to be cleared of human remains.
The task of body-collecting has been left to the likes of Sroor al-Hosayni, a 23-year-old Mosul native and former nurse. She leads a crew of volunteers, many of whom have no formal medical training, in an effort to clean up the neighborhoods.
Hosayni started her work after her sister was killed in an airstrike targeting an ISIS sniper, who had positioned himself on the roof of her family’s home.
Since space was limited in Mosul’s cemeteries, Hosayni cut a deal with security forces in order to make sure her sister received a proper burial.
“We took my sister’s body, it was the first body to be buried in a cemetery in East Mosul. The agreement was that if we got my sister buried there, I would work for the security forces,” Hosayni said.
Since she began, Hosayni’s team has pulled more than 350 bodies off the streets of Mosul, and they are continuing to to respond to calls.
“Keeping yourself busy with work can help keep bad thoughts away,” she says. “I’m glad I was able to take revenge on ISIS, doing humanitarian work.”
Kudlow learns a tough lesson about working for Trump
All In with Chris Hayes 4/10/18
It’s a tough lesson that everyone in Trump’s orbit has to learn eventually – the president doesn’t care if his decisions leave his own people looking like fools.
Scott Pruitt's scandals somehow just keep getting worse
All In with Chris Hayes 4/10/18
As his justifications for lavish travel and security evaporate, the embattled EPA chief gets caught in an apparent lie - but Trump is still standing by him.
Exclusive: Letter shows Mueller asked for Boente interview
The Rachel Maddow Show 4/10/18
Rachel Maddow offers an exclusive look at newly obtained documents, one of which appears to be a letter from former acting attorney general Dana Boente informing the Department of Justice that he has been asked to testify for Robert Mueller's investigation.
Exclusive: Handwritten notes appear to back Comey claims on Trump
The Rachel Maddow Show 4/10/18
Rachel Maddow shares exclusive details from what are believed to be former acting assistant attorney general Dana Boente's handwritten notes taken contemporaneously with talks with James Comey, corroborating Comey's testimony about what Donald Trump said to him.
Exclusive documents show underpinnings of Trump obstruction case
The Rachel Maddow Show 4/10/18
Jed Shugerman, Fordham University law professor, talks with Rachel Maddow about what conclusions can be drawn from exclusive documents obtained by TRMS, including what are believed to be the handwritten notes of Dana Boente on his conversation with James Comey on Comey's interactions with Donald Trump.
Obstruction seen in reports of Trump desire to fire Mueller
The Rachel Maddow Show 4/10/18
Rep. Adam Schiff, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committe, talks with Rachel Maddow about new reports about Donald Trump's desire to fire his way out of the Russia investigation, and the significance of new TRMS reporting that Dana Boente has been summoned to speak to Robert Mueller's investigators.
Breaking down Maddow's exclusive Dana Boente handwritten notes
The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell 4/10/18
Rachel Maddow joins Lawrence O'Donnell on her major scoop — handwritten notes from former acting Deputy Atty. General Dana Boente, likely the first contemporaneous evidence backing fired FBI Director Comey’s story of conversations with Trump.
The New York Times is reporting that President Donald Trump tried to get the special counsel fired in December as new details about the FBI raid of the President’s lawyer’s office are revealed. Fmr. Justice Dept. official Harry Litman, Ben Wittes and David Corn join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Vanity Fair's Emily Jane Fox tells Lawrence O'Donnell what Michael Cohen told her in a phone call Tuesday night. David Cay Johnston explains Michael Cohen's business dealings especially with coveted New York City taxi cab licenses.
NYT: Trump tried to fire Robert Mueller in December 2017
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 4/11/18
The New York Times reports that Trump tried to fire Robert Mueller in December of 2017, the second time he's reportedly said to have attempted to get rid of the Russia Special Counsel. Michael Schmidt who broke the story has more.
White House: We've been advised that Trump can fire Mueller
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 4/11/18
Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the White House has been advised that Trump has the power to fire Robert Mueller. This as The New York Times breaks the news Trump sought to fire Mueller in December. Our panel reacts.
Can Trump really fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller?
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 4/11/18
Does the president really have the authority to fire Russia Special Counsel Robert Mueller as the White House says he does? Our expert panel breaks it all down.
Stormy Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti: Trump's lawyers are weak
The 11th Hour with Brian Williams 4/11/18
As news comes that porn star Stormy Daniels is cooperating with the feds after the FBI raided Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen, her attorney Michael Avenatti joins the program and blasts the quality of Trump's legal team.
Why don’t we take a step back and contemplate what Americans, and the world, are witnessing?
Early Monday morning, F.B.I. agents raided the New York office, home and hotel room of the personal lawyer for the president of the United States. They seized evidence of possible federal crimes — including bank fraud, wire fraud and campaign finance violations related to payoffs made to women, including a porn actress, who say they had affairs with the president before he took office and were paid off and intimidated into silence.
I got up early 'cause I know you're already up and watching "FOX and Friends" (how do they look so fresh and alive this time of the morning?!). I know you and I have had our differences, but I want to talk to you this morning, if not as friends, then as fellow Americans who oppose any abuse of our great constitution.
Mr. President, it's now been nearly 24 hours since the renegade prosecutor Robert Mueller illegally raided the offices of your PERSONAL lawyer, Michael Cohen -- the PERSONAL LAWYER of the President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief, the Leader of the Free World! -- and you have just sat by and done nothing. Nothing! I can't believe it. I am sitting here in stunned disbelief that you are letting them get away with this!
"Very Fine People on Both Sides" vs. Crisis Actors Conspiracy: The Bracket of Bullshit Championship
Published on Apr 10, 2018 by The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
After 64 teams, six rounds and 2 million votes, the Bracket of Bullshit comes down to "Very Fine People on Both Sides" vs. the Parkland Crisis Actors Conspiracy, and Michael Kosta and Roy Wood Jr. unveil the champion.
Published on Apr 11, 2018 by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
On the same night the President of the United States' personal attorney was raided by the FBI, Fox News' Tucker Carlson had a segment on pandas. Even worse, it's been done.
Seth takes a closer look at one of the most extraordinary moments of Donald Trump’s presidency: when the FBI raided the offices of his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.
Stormy Daniels cooperating with federal prosecutors investigating Trump lawyer Michael Cohen: NBC News Porn actress Stormy Daniels is cooperating with federal authorities investigating a $130,000 hush-money payment she received from President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. Daniels has said the money was paid in exchange for her keeping quiet about an affair with Trump. FBI agents raided Cohen's office and residence on Monday, and seized evidence related to Daniels. https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/stormy-daniels-cooperating-with-federal-prosecutors-investigating-trump-lawyer-michael-cohen-nbc-news.html
Trump cancels South America trip to 'oversee the American response to Syria' President Trump will not travel to South America this week, the White House says. Vice President Mike Pence will make the trip in Trump's stead. The White House says Trump will stay in the U.S. in order to "oversee the American response to Syria and to monitor developments around the world." https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/trump-cancels-south-america-trip-to-oversee-the-american-response-to-syria.html
Federal probe into Trump’s lawyer seeks records about two women who alleged affairs with the president Federal prosecutors investigating President Trump’s personal attorney, Michael D. Cohen, are seeking records related to two women who received payments in 2016 after alleging affairs with Trump years before — adult-film star Stormy Daniels and ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal — according to two people familiar with the matter. The interest in Daniels and McDougal indicates that federal investigators are trying to determine whether there was a broader pattern or strategy among Trump’s associates to buy the silence of women whose accounts could have harmed his electoral chances and whether any crimes were committed in doing so, one of those people said. Investigators are also seeking all communications about Daniels and McDougal among Cohen, David Pecker — a friend of Trump and the chief executive of American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer — and Dylan Howard, the chief content officer for American Media and a reporter there. Daniels is cooperating with federal prosecutors, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Her cooperation was first reported by NBC News. [...] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/federal-probe-into-trumps-lawyer-seeks-records-about-two-women-who-alleged-affairs-with-the-president/2018/04/10/624104a2-3cda-11e8-a7d1-e4efec6389f0_story.html
FBI raids cast spotlight on Michael Cohen, Trump’s fixer [...] Stressing his loyalty, Cohen has steadfastly denied wrongdoing and defended Trump. But he has confided in associates in recent weeks that he is fearful of being a fall guy, according to a person familiar with his thinking but not authorized to speak publicly about private discussions. [...] https://www.apnews.com/6eabfea051c7470eaedaddab31e4c38d/FBI-raids-cast-spotlight-on-Michael-Cohen,-Trump's-fixer
Reddit banned nearly a thousand accounts linked to the same Russian troll farm accused of election meddling on Facebook Reddit CEO Steve Huffman announced Tuesday that the site discovered and banned 944 accounts linked to the same Russian troll farm that has been accused of attempting to meddle with the 2016 election on Facebook. The vast majority of the banned accounts had little or no Reddit "karma," indicating low engagement with other users. The announcement came during Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's testimony before a Senate committee in reaction to the recent scandal involving Cambridge Analytica and the use of user data in targeted advertising. http://www.businessinsider.com/reddit-banned-nearly-thousand-accounts-linked-to-internet-research-agency-2018-4
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