What were you expecting...?!
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Monday, January 30, 2017
Surprise! Trump doing what he said he would
In his first frantic week at the White House, Donald Trump is doing almost exactly what he promised to do during his campaign, stunning those who thought he'd adapt his style as president.
Trump has signed an executive order to begin building a wall on the Mexican border and doubled down on his promises to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and repeal ObamaCare.
Actions to temporarily suspend visas for people coming to the United States from a number of Muslim nations are expected to come soon.
Trump hasn't stopped tweeting either, nor has he quit his habit of launching into new fights seemingly on a whim. Much of his first week in office has been dominated by his claims, without any evidence, that massive voter fraud cost him a popular vote victory to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
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Trump has signed an executive order to begin building a wall on the Mexican border and doubled down on his promises to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and repeal ObamaCare.
Actions to temporarily suspend visas for people coming to the United States from a number of Muslim nations are expected to come soon.
Trump hasn't stopped tweeting either, nor has he quit his habit of launching into new fights seemingly on a whim. Much of his first week in office has been dominated by his claims, without any evidence, that massive voter fraud cost him a popular vote victory to Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.
More
BREAKING NEWS: President Trump Fires Acting Attny. Gen. Sally Yates For Refusing To Enforce Exec. Order
Statement on the Appointment of Dana Boente as Acting Attorney General
The acting Attorney General, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States. This order was approved as to form and legality by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel.
Ms. Yates is an Obama Administration appointee who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration.
It is time to get serious about protecting our country. Calling for tougher vetting for individuals travelling from seven dangerous places is not extreme. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country.
Tonight, President Trump relieved Ms. Yates of her duties and subsequently named Dana Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to serve as Acting Attorney General until Senator Jeff Sessions is finally confirmed by the Senate, where he is being wrongly held up by Democrat senators for strictly political reasons.
“I am honored to serve President Trump in this role until Senator Sessions is confirmed. I will defend and enforce the laws of our country to ensure that our people and our nation are protected,” said Dana Boente, Acting Attorney General.
The acting Attorney General, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States. This order was approved as to form and legality by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel.
Ms. Yates is an Obama Administration appointee who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration.
It is time to get serious about protecting our country. Calling for tougher vetting for individuals travelling from seven dangerous places is not extreme. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country.
Tonight, President Trump relieved Ms. Yates of her duties and subsequently named Dana Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, to serve as Acting Attorney General until Senator Jeff Sessions is finally confirmed by the Senate, where he is being wrongly held up by Democrat senators for strictly political reasons.
“I am honored to serve President Trump in this role until Senator Sessions is confirmed. I will defend and enforce the laws of our country to ensure that our people and our nation are protected,” said Dana Boente, Acting Attorney General.
Just How Much Voting Fraud Does Exist?
Early this week Donald Trump leveled the claim that three to five million illegal votes were cast during this past election, and he has called for an investigation into voter fraud. That stunning accusation — stunning only for the high numbers claimed — predictably brought howls of outrage from the Leftmedia, which lambasted Trump for yet more fake news and baseless claims. Hypocritically, the Leftmedia offered no evidence to prove that Trump’s accusation was “baseless.”
And it’s not as if there are no facts supporting at least the need for a greater investigation into voter fraud..
More here
Plastic container taken off Md. deer nicknamed ‘Jughead’
Paul Peditto, the director of the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service, tweeted photos and video of the rescue mission, showing the deer as it was tranquilized during the plastic jug removal process.
After residents spotted the deer over a week ago with the oversized, clear plastic snack container on its head, they took to social media to garner attention for the trapped animal.
It was upsetting to see the deer unable to free itself of the container, said Chris Beauchamp, a resident of the Glenwood Country Club Park neighborhood.
“It can’t eat, it can’t drink, and now going over a week since he was first spotted — and who knows how long before that — he’s been without food and water,” Beauchamp told WTOP.'
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Ellison Fighting Proof of Citizenship to Vote
Ellison Concerned Trump’s Voter Fraud Investigation Could Tighten Voting Requirements
Washington D.C. – Rep. Keith Ellison is pushing back on President Trump’s call for an investigation into voter fraud, concerned the investigation would lead to tighter voting requirements.
President Trump announced this week that he is going to launch a major investigation into voter fraud. He claims he would have won the popular vote against Hillary Clinton if “millions” of illegals hadn’t been able to vote.
Rep. Ellison, one of the candidates for DNC chair, took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the issue. He claims the pending investigation is just a push for voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote.
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Washington D.C. – Rep. Keith Ellison is pushing back on President Trump’s call for an investigation into voter fraud, concerned the investigation would lead to tighter voting requirements.
President Trump announced this week that he is going to launch a major investigation into voter fraud. He claims he would have won the popular vote against Hillary Clinton if “millions” of illegals hadn’t been able to vote.
Rep. Ellison, one of the candidates for DNC chair, took to Twitter to voice his opinion on the issue. He claims the pending investigation is just a push for voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote.
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JUST IN: Justice head tells staff not to defend Trump refugee order
Her directive was likely to be temporary, given that Sen. Jeff Sessions, Trump’s pick for attorney general, will likely move to uphold the president’s policy. Sessions is awaiting Senate confirmation.
Still, Yates’ abrupt decision deepened the chaos surrounding Trump’s order. At least three top national security officials — Defense Secretary James Mattis, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and Rex Tillerson, who is awaiting confirmation to lead the State Department — have told associates they were not aware of details of directive until around the time Trump signed it. Leading intelligence officials were also left largely in the dark, according to U.S. officials.
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Detectives Arrest Suspect from August Bank Robbery
OCEAN CITY, MD – (January 30, 2017): Detectives of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) have arrested and charged the suspect believed to have committed the August 2016 bank robbery that took place at a Bank of Ocean City location.On August 24, 2016, Ocean City police responded to the Bank of Ocean City, located at 12109 Coastal Highway which has since closed, for a report of an armed robbery. Detectives of the OCPD Criminal Investigation Division Major Crimes Unit also responded to investigate the incident. Through investigation, detectives learned that the suspect stole an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency from the bank before fleeing.
Crime Scene Technicians processed the scene and submitted evidence to the Maryland State Police Crime Lab. On January 23, 2017, detectives received word from the crime lab that the DNA profile of Tyrone D. Pierce (also known as Tyrone S. Sabr), 59, of Ocean City, MD, was located on scene. Pierce’s DNA sample was collected in 2001 after he was convicted of a bank robbery in Wicomico County, MD.
On January 26, 2017, detectives located Pierce at his residence in the 10300 block of Coastal Highway and he was arrested without incident. Ocean City detectives have charged Pierce with armed robbery, theft of less than $10,000, illegal possession of a firearm, and use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. He was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to the Worcester County Jail where he is being held without bond.
TRUMP SETS TOUGHER RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING BY OFFICIALS
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump acted Saturday to fulfill a key portion of his pledge to "drain the swamp" in Washington, banning administration officials from ever lobbying the U.S. on behalf of a foreign government and imposing a separate five-year ban on other lobbying.
Trump has said individuals who want to aid him in his quest to "Make America Great Again" should focus on the jobs they will be doing to help the American people, not thinking ahead to the future income they could rake in by peddling their influence after serving in government.
"Most of the people standing behind me will not be able to go to work," Trump joked, referring to an array of White House officials who lined up behind him as he sat at his Oval Office desk. The officials included Vice President Mike Pence, chief of staff Reince Priebus, senior strategist Steve Bannon and counselor Kellyanne Conway. "So you have one last chance to get out."
Trump said he talked about the ban a lot during the campaign and "we're now putting it into effect."
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Trump has said individuals who want to aid him in his quest to "Make America Great Again" should focus on the jobs they will be doing to help the American people, not thinking ahead to the future income they could rake in by peddling their influence after serving in government.
"Most of the people standing behind me will not be able to go to work," Trump joked, referring to an array of White House officials who lined up behind him as he sat at his Oval Office desk. The officials included Vice President Mike Pence, chief of staff Reince Priebus, senior strategist Steve Bannon and counselor Kellyanne Conway. "So you have one last chance to get out."
Trump said he talked about the ban a lot during the campaign and "we're now putting it into effect."
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Trump Wants To Enlist Local Police In Immigration Crackdown
The program received scant attention during a week in which Trump announced plans to build a border wall, hire thousands more federal agents and impose restrictions on refugees from Middle Eastern countries.
But the program could end up having a significant impact on immigration enforcement around the country, despite falling out of favor in recent years amid complaints that it promotes racial profiling.
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Illegal Aliens Really Do Vote – a Lot
A warm, sunny Saturday a decade ago, there was a Hispanic festival in our small town, a bedroom community for illegal aliens seeking day labor jobs in the nearby wealthy suburbs. It was a sanctuary city at the time. No problem with the festival itself. The music was lively and the food tasty. And don't the Irish have St. Patrick's Day, and the Italians Columbus Day?
While wandering around the festivities, I noticed a table with three nice ladies in front of a "Register To Vote" sign. Curious about its presence at a festival where the bulk of the crowd was either illegal alien day laborers or legal non-citizens, I went over to inquire. Before I spoke, one of those nice ladies asked me if I was registered to vote. Wanting to see where this would go, I said no, and asked how to sign up. A voter registration form was thrust in my hands. The very first item on these forms, in Virginia and the rest of America, was "I am a citizen of the United States of America," with YES and NO blocks to check.
"Don't I need to show you some proof of citizenship?" I asked. She replied "no." I asked her how she could verify that I wasn’t lying. Sensing she might be on a slippery slope, she called over a supervisor from the Registrar's Office and told the woman of my concern. The official told me they never checked citizenship status because I would be penalized if I lied. Really? So I asked her how she would verify my truthfulness, or those of the dozens of new voters being registered that day. Defensively, she replied that they checked all registrations for accuracy at the Registrar's Office when they were turned in.
More
While wandering around the festivities, I noticed a table with three nice ladies in front of a "Register To Vote" sign. Curious about its presence at a festival where the bulk of the crowd was either illegal alien day laborers or legal non-citizens, I went over to inquire. Before I spoke, one of those nice ladies asked me if I was registered to vote. Wanting to see where this would go, I said no, and asked how to sign up. A voter registration form was thrust in my hands. The very first item on these forms, in Virginia and the rest of America, was "I am a citizen of the United States of America," with YES and NO blocks to check.
"Don't I need to show you some proof of citizenship?" I asked. She replied "no." I asked her how she could verify that I wasn’t lying. Sensing she might be on a slippery slope, she called over a supervisor from the Registrar's Office and told the woman of my concern. The official told me they never checked citizenship status because I would be penalized if I lied. Really? So I asked her how she would verify my truthfulness, or those of the dozens of new voters being registered that day. Defensively, she replied that they checked all registrations for accuracy at the Registrar's Office when they were turned in.
More
Police Seek Suspect Who Set Woman’s Hair On Fire At Inauguration
Police say the incident happened at 2 p.m., in the 700 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, on Friday, January 20.
The woman pictured went up to another woman, and set her hair on fire, according to police.
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Click 'READ MORE' to see video (language warning)
Mother Charged with Child Abuse of Four-Year-Old Daughter
On Thursday, January 26 at approximately 12:28 p.m., the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call from Hernandez Rivas who requested medical assistance for her unresponsive four-year-old daughter. Sixth District officers, officers from the Gaithersburg City Police Department, and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the apartment.
Hernandez Rivas told responding officers that her daughter had entered the bathroom at approximately 11:15 a.m. and started the shower. After approximately 15 to 20 minutes had passed, Hernandez Rivas heard a noise from the bathroom which prompted her to check on her child. When Hernandez Rivas entered the bathroom, she stated that she observed her daughter face down in the bathtub. Hernandez Rivas said she waited approximately one hour before calling 9-1-1.
Fire and Rescue personnel transported the victim to Adventist Healthcare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville in serious condition. Major Crimes detectives responded to the hospital where medical staff informed them that the victim had multiple bruises on her body and was suffering from head trauma that may have been from the result of physical abuse. The victim was flown by helicopter to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where she remains in critical condition.
On January 27, investigators from the Major Crimes Division spoke with Hernandez Rivas. She stated that at approximately 10:30 a.m. on the previous morning, she had kicked the victim in the abdomen after becoming angry at the victim for not brushing her teeth. Hernandez Rivas stated that as a result of being kicked, the victim fell backwards and struck her head on the living room wall. Hernandez Rivas reported that her daughter fell to the ground and appeared lethargic. The daughter then went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Hernandez Rivas said that she went to check on the victim and found her face down in the bath tub. Hernandez Rivas also told detectives that the bruises on multiple areas of the victim’s body were due to Hernandez Rivas striking her daughter with a belt several days prior.
Hernandez Rivas was arrested on January 28 and charged with one count of first-degree child abuse and one count of first-degree assault. Hernandez Rivas is currently being held without bond.
Know the signs, spot the symptoms, and save a life.
Do You Know Someone Suffering From Trump Unacceptance & Resistance Disorder (TURD)?
Know the signs, spot the symptoms, and save a life.
TURD is a pattern of pathologically dissociative and psychotic behavior, first observed in the late hours of November 8th 2016, and increasing in severity with passing time.
Sufferers of TURD often exhibit pronounced cognitive dissonance, sudden bouts of rage, rioting, and uncontrollable crying.
People with TURD are characterized by a persistent unwillingness to accept that Donald Trump is going to Make America Great Again.
TURD Is caused by the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America. For many, both in America and worldwide, this was a shocking and unexpected outcome; their preferred news sources having failed to inform them that the alternative candidate was a criminal parasite in such ill health she got chucked into the back of a van like a kidnap victim.
Research is ongoing, but TURD appears to correlate closely with the following environmental and behavioral factors:
Membership in the Democratic Party
Identifying as a Feminist
Currently enrolled in college, and/or Possession of a Liberal Arts college degree
Living in a densely populated metropolitan area
Massive student debt
Spotty or non-existent work history
Patients with TURD are very resistant to treatment, and dangerous in large groups. Any possibility of treatment requires that they be separated from their hive-mind support apparatus; they cannot begin the process of accepting reality in the presence of encouragement towards delusion and irrationality. Separation may require the assistance of law enforcement.
If you have a friend or loved one suffering from TURD, urge them to seek treatment. Together we can beat this scourge, and Make America Great Again.
Know the signs, spot the symptoms, and save a life.
TURD is a pattern of pathologically dissociative and psychotic behavior, first observed in the late hours of November 8th 2016, and increasing in severity with passing time.
Sufferers of TURD often exhibit pronounced cognitive dissonance, sudden bouts of rage, rioting, and uncontrollable crying.
People with TURD are characterized by a persistent unwillingness to accept that Donald Trump is going to Make America Great Again.
TURD Is caused by the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America. For many, both in America and worldwide, this was a shocking and unexpected outcome; their preferred news sources having failed to inform them that the alternative candidate was a criminal parasite in such ill health she got chucked into the back of a van like a kidnap victim.
Research is ongoing, but TURD appears to correlate closely with the following environmental and behavioral factors:
Membership in the Democratic Party
Identifying as a Feminist
Currently enrolled in college, and/or Possession of a Liberal Arts college degree
Living in a densely populated metropolitan area
Massive student debt
Spotty or non-existent work history
Patients with TURD are very resistant to treatment, and dangerous in large groups. Any possibility of treatment requires that they be separated from their hive-mind support apparatus; they cannot begin the process of accepting reality in the presence of encouragement towards delusion and irrationality. Separation may require the assistance of law enforcement.
If you have a friend or loved one suffering from TURD, urge them to seek treatment. Together we can beat this scourge, and Make America Great Again.
3 New Presidential Actions: Lobbying Ban, Defeat ISIS Plan, National Security Council Reorganization
From the Oval Office, President Trump signed the documents while surrounded by reporters, advisers, and his Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.
Regarding the lobbying ban, Trump said:
So this is a five year lobbying ban, and this is all of the people — most of the people standing behind me will not be able to go to work.More
It’s a two year ban now and it’s got full of loopholes and this is a five year ban. So you have one last chance to get out. Good, I had a feeling you were going to say that.
Left-leaning Pew Trusts Confirms Voter Registration Problems
February 14, 2012 — Approximately 24 million active voter registrations in the United States are no longer valid or have significant inaccuracies, according to the Pew Center on the States. Research in Pew's report, Inaccurate, Costly, and Inefficient, underscores the need for registration systems that better maintain voter records, save money, and streamline processes. This is an effort that eight states are spearheading with Pew’s support.
The report highlights the challenges nationwide:
More than 1.8 million deceased individuals are listed as ACTIVE voters.
Approximately 2.75 million people have active registrations in more than one state.
Since 2010, election officials from several states have been working with Pew on plans to upgrade their voter registration systems using advanced technology. This new approach consists of three elements:
Comparing registration lists with other data sources, such as motor vehicle and National Change of Address records.
Implementing proven techniques and security protocols that use those data sources to better track and identify both inaccurate records.
Minimizing manual data entry by establishing ways voters can submit information online.
More here
[ See also: The Foundations behind the Left ]
The report highlights the challenges nationwide:
More than 1.8 million deceased individuals are listed as ACTIVE voters.
Approximately 2.75 million people have active registrations in more than one state.
Since 2010, election officials from several states have been working with Pew on plans to upgrade their voter registration systems using advanced technology. This new approach consists of three elements:
Comparing registration lists with other data sources, such as motor vehicle and National Change of Address records.
Implementing proven techniques and security protocols that use those data sources to better track and identify both inaccurate records.
Minimizing manual data entry by establishing ways voters can submit information online.
More here
[ See also: The Foundations behind the Left ]
Judge Ordering Stay on Immigration Ban Has Ties to Clinton & Obama
The stay was issued one day after President Trump signed an executive order halting the immigration of nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
It just so happens, Donnelly, who was appointed by then-President Barack Obama in 2015, had repeatedly donated to both Obama’s and Bill Clinton’s respective presidential campaigns.
In 2008, Donnelly reportedly donated a sum no less than $250 to Obama’s presidential campaign and donated at least $500 in 1992 to Clinton’s campaign.
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Value of the Peso Plummets After Mexico’s President Nixes Trump Meeting
The value of the peso took a sharp downturn Thursday after Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announced he had canceled a meeting with President Trump scheduled for next week.
The peso was down by 1.2 percent at 21.3175 per dollar shortly before noon,Business Insider reported. It had been up by as much as 0.8 percent at 20.9358 per dollar around 8:50 a.m. ET.
Peña Nieto had said via Twitter Thursday morning that he would not be going to the White House to meet with Trump next week
“This morning we have informed the White House that I will not attend the meeting scheduled for next Tuesday with the @POTUS,” he wrote.
Trump had criticized the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship earlier in the day with a tweet and said his Mexican counterpart should cancel their planned meeting if he is not willing to pay for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
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The peso was down by 1.2 percent at 21.3175 per dollar shortly before noon,Business Insider reported. It had been up by as much as 0.8 percent at 20.9358 per dollar around 8:50 a.m. ET.
Peña Nieto had said via Twitter Thursday morning that he would not be going to the White House to meet with Trump next week
“This morning we have informed the White House that I will not attend the meeting scheduled for next Tuesday with the @POTUS,” he wrote.
Trump had criticized the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship earlier in the day with a tweet and said his Mexican counterpart should cancel their planned meeting if he is not willing to pay for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
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250 years later, care for Mason-Dixon markers in question
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Many of the centuries-old stone markers are weathered and difficult to decipher, but their importance to American history holds strong today just like the boundary line they represent.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the completion of the famed Mason-Dixon Line, established as the remedy to a contentious boundary dispute between several British colonies in the 1760s.
The line still exists in the same form it did when it was completed in 1767 by surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, creating the borders of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and, eventually, West Virginia.
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This year marks the 250th anniversary of the completion of the famed Mason-Dixon Line, established as the remedy to a contentious boundary dispute between several British colonies in the 1760s.
The line still exists in the same form it did when it was completed in 1767 by surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, creating the borders of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and, eventually, West Virginia.
More
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
On Monday 1-30-17 at about 1014 Hrs. Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Rt. 113 Southbound just south of Lambertson Rd. for a fatal motor vehicle collision.
A pickup truck operated by James C. Drewry 74 of Chesapeake Va. Was south on Rt. 113 south of Lambertson Rd. the vehicle left the roadway and entered the shoulder. The vehicle struck a tree and a telephone pole and overturned. Mr. Drewry was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passenger, Cora Drewry, was transported to P.R.M.C. with non-life threatening injuries.
The Worcester County Crash reconstruction unit is currently investigating the crash. If anyone has information regarding the crash please call the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1112
A pickup truck operated by James C. Drewry 74 of Chesapeake Va. Was south on Rt. 113 south of Lambertson Rd. the vehicle left the roadway and entered the shoulder. The vehicle struck a tree and a telephone pole and overturned. Mr. Drewry was pronounced deceased at the scene. His passenger, Cora Drewry, was transported to P.R.M.C. with non-life threatening injuries.
The Worcester County Crash reconstruction unit is currently investigating the crash. If anyone has information regarding the crash please call the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1112
The Democrats Retreat From Reality
Column: Liberals cash in while the left takes control
“Retreat” is an appropriate description of what took place in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, this week. Senate Democrats took a break from not confirming President Trump’s cabinet to visit this historic city in a state the president won by 40 points. According to Politico the assembled were scheduled to hear from associates of the Clinton family and to “hold lessons on how to talk to real people.” Oh to be a fly on the wall.
I like to imagine Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer nodding sagely as Joe Manchin, the only Democratic senator with a modicum of common sense, asks a group of Trump voters to explain why calling people drug-addled unemployable racist misogynistic fascists is not, in fact, the best way to earn their votes. It’s moments like these when Barbara Boxer’s absence from the Democratic caucus would be most felt, I think. Faced with Trump supporters, the former California senator likely would respond with a hysterical and barely coherent monologue involving climate change, immigration, abortion rights, and gun control, all the while oblivious to the fact that these were the very issues that brought Trump to office. At least Boxer has pizzazz. These days the role of the clueless liberal proclaiming her moral supremacy over the déclassé is left to the nondescript, soporific, Dolores Umbridge-like Patty Murray. Here is yet another example of national decline.
More
“Retreat” is an appropriate description of what took place in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, this week. Senate Democrats took a break from not confirming President Trump’s cabinet to visit this historic city in a state the president won by 40 points. According to Politico the assembled were scheduled to hear from associates of the Clinton family and to “hold lessons on how to talk to real people.” Oh to be a fly on the wall.
I like to imagine Elizabeth Warren and Chuck Schumer nodding sagely as Joe Manchin, the only Democratic senator with a modicum of common sense, asks a group of Trump voters to explain why calling people drug-addled unemployable racist misogynistic fascists is not, in fact, the best way to earn their votes. It’s moments like these when Barbara Boxer’s absence from the Democratic caucus would be most felt, I think. Faced with Trump supporters, the former California senator likely would respond with a hysterical and barely coherent monologue involving climate change, immigration, abortion rights, and gun control, all the while oblivious to the fact that these were the very issues that brought Trump to office. At least Boxer has pizzazz. These days the role of the clueless liberal proclaiming her moral supremacy over the déclassé is left to the nondescript, soporific, Dolores Umbridge-like Patty Murray. Here is yet another example of national decline.
More
It's Snowing Again In Ocean City
What's Happening? 1-30-17
Tancredo: Over 300 Sanctuary Cities Are Costing State and Local Taxpayers over $7,000,000,000 Annually
President Trump this week signed an executive order declaring war on so-called sanctuary cities. Agencies within the United States Government will begin withholding federal grant funds from those cities, and additional actions to enforce federal immigration law will be taken soon.
Unlike Obama, President Trump is not trying to making new laws by executive decree. In his Executive Order, the president is only reminding mayors and governors of existing federal law dating to 1996:
U.S. Code › Title 8 › Chapter 12 › Subchapter II › Part IX › § 1373
8 U.S. Code § 1373 – Communication between government agencies and the Immigration and Naturalization Service:
More
Unlike Obama, President Trump is not trying to making new laws by executive decree. In his Executive Order, the president is only reminding mayors and governors of existing federal law dating to 1996:
U.S. Code › Title 8 › Chapter 12 › Subchapter II › Part IX › § 1373
8 U.S. Code § 1373 – Communication between government agencies and the Immigration and Naturalization Service:
More
Dr. Harris Issues Statement on Executive Order Increasing Vetting of Certain Immigration Applicants
“I support the President’s Executive Order to increase the vetting of refugees and immigrants entering the United States from countries where ISIS has a significant presence. The Executive Order temporarily suspends visas issued to individuals from seven specific countries prone to terrorism – similar to President Obama’s temporary ban on visas for refugees from Iraq in 2011 for the same reason. The vetting of individuals seeking to immigrate into the United States from countries where ISIS has a significant presence must be increased to better protect Americans’ safety and our national security. As President Trump noted, the seven countries are the same countries previously identified by the Obama Administration as sources of terror. I also applaud the decision to prioritize entry of those refugees who are religious minorities fleeing religious persecution, whether those minorities are Muslims, Yazidis, Zoroastrians, or Christians.
The United States should resume issuing visas to all these countries only after a review of these policies is completed, and only if the countries comply with supplying the information necessary to allow complete vetting.”
2 Malcolm X descendants accused of truck theft, dog abuse
Malcolm X's daughter and granddaughter have been charged with theft and animal cruelty after seven severely injured pit bulls were found in the back of a stolen rental truck.
Malikah Shabazz, 51, and her daughter Bettih Shabazz, 19, were arrested on Wednesday night in a Wal-Mart parking lot in La Plata, Maryland.
Police found the pit pull terriers, some with severe injuries, in the back of the truck stacked in crates in 'inhumane conditions'.
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Malikah Shabazz, 51, and her daughter Bettih Shabazz, 19, were arrested on Wednesday night in a Wal-Mart parking lot in La Plata, Maryland.
Police found the pit pull terriers, some with severe injuries, in the back of the truck stacked in crates in 'inhumane conditions'.
More
Associated Press 'Hit Piece' on TrueTheVote
The AP has published a story on Gregg Phillips and the TrueTheVote organization who have documented voter roll irregularities in a number of states. TrueTheVote is still seeking access to voter rolls in more states to verify voter eligibility.
The article cited below clearly shows the desperation of the left (and their media minions) to discredit and derail such an effort:
Trump Cites Man's Dubious Voter Fraud Claims
President Donald Trump has pressed his widely debunked claims of massive voter fraud by encouraging the work of a Texas man who has offered no evidence to support his claim that millions of people illegally voted in the 2016 election.
Trump tweeted on Friday: "Look forward to seeing the final results of VoteStand. Gregg Phillips and crew say at least 3,000,000 votes were illegal. We must do better!"
Phillips tweeted that a Houston-based group, True the Vote, "will lead the analysis" of widespread voter fraud. But the founder of that group said Friday it has not confirmed that millions voted illegally.
Here's more about the man Trump is cheering on, and about True the Vote.
WHO IS PHILLIPS?
The article cited below clearly shows the desperation of the left (and their media minions) to discredit and derail such an effort:
Trump Cites Man's Dubious Voter Fraud Claims
President Donald Trump has pressed his widely debunked claims of massive voter fraud by encouraging the work of a Texas man who has offered no evidence to support his claim that millions of people illegally voted in the 2016 election.
Trump tweeted on Friday: "Look forward to seeing the final results of VoteStand. Gregg Phillips and crew say at least 3,000,000 votes were illegal. We must do better!"
Phillips tweeted that a Houston-based group, True the Vote, "will lead the analysis" of widespread voter fraud. But the founder of that group said Friday it has not confirmed that millions voted illegally.
Here's more about the man Trump is cheering on, and about True the Vote.
WHO IS PHILLIPS?
Why Muslims back Trump on radical Islam
One week into his new administration President Trump has shown the American people that while he lacks the silver tongue of a statesman, he more than makes up for it with the decisiveness of a businessman.
This week, President Trump signed executive orders on building the border wall in a sweeping move that also targets sanctuary cities. Another executive order aims to stop the flow of immigration from seven red-flag states including Syria, which will curtail the acceptance of Syrian refugees. Some would argue that the order doesn’t go far enough to include terror-manufacturing states like the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. However, it does strategically target the greatest security gap: infiltration through the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. A program directed by emotion in the past, the initiative fails to look at two key elements:
First, does this type of immigration benefit America?
And second, does it consider the big picture?
The big picture is that refugee plight is a vehicle for radical Islamic terrorists who easily infiltrate the stream of hard-to-vet victims of war.
Immigration, until President Trump's executive order, was arguably the largest security blind spot for America to date.
President Trump’s security-driven agenda in the first week is a move welcomed by Muslims both domestically and abroad, many of whom have the same security concerns against growing Islamic extremism as Americans.
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This week, President Trump signed executive orders on building the border wall in a sweeping move that also targets sanctuary cities. Another executive order aims to stop the flow of immigration from seven red-flag states including Syria, which will curtail the acceptance of Syrian refugees. Some would argue that the order doesn’t go far enough to include terror-manufacturing states like the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. However, it does strategically target the greatest security gap: infiltration through the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. A program directed by emotion in the past, the initiative fails to look at two key elements:
First, does this type of immigration benefit America?
And second, does it consider the big picture?
The big picture is that refugee plight is a vehicle for radical Islamic terrorists who easily infiltrate the stream of hard-to-vet victims of war.
Immigration, until President Trump's executive order, was arguably the largest security blind spot for America to date.
President Trump’s security-driven agenda in the first week is a move welcomed by Muslims both domestically and abroad, many of whom have the same security concerns against growing Islamic extremism as Americans.
More
The Trap Is Set: "Both Sides Are Utterly Unprepared For What's Coming"
If there’s one thing that should be absolutely clear in the current political environment in America, it’s that there exists a deep division between the people of this nation. Both of sides of the aisle argue vehemently about what’s best going forward, sometimes to the point of physical violence. And though the election of President Donald Trump speaks volumes about the sentiment of Americans, the following video report from Storm Clouds Gathering warns that both sides are utterly unprepared for what’s coming.
Is Trump going to usher in a new era of prosperity and innovation?
Or is he going to be the one standing in the center ring when the circus tent comes down?
Some voted for Trump as a political Molotov cocktail… Trump is a business man, you say… He’s going to make things happen… cut taxes…cut regulation… invest a trillion dollar in infrastructure… punish companies that move factories overseas… rebuild the military… restore relations with Russia… start a trade war with China… and a new arms race would create jobs… there’s a lot to unpack there… and those debates are worth having.
However, much of this hinges on a variable that Trump doesn’t control… The Federal Reserve.
…Word is, the Fed is leaning towards increasing interest rates aggressively in 2017 and may engage in anti-inflationary measures to offset Trump’s infrastructure plans… that means the flow of money and credit is about to be tightened…
It also means the Fed is setting itself up for a showdown.
More/Video
Is Trump going to usher in a new era of prosperity and innovation?
Or is he going to be the one standing in the center ring when the circus tent comes down?
Some voted for Trump as a political Molotov cocktail… Trump is a business man, you say… He’s going to make things happen… cut taxes…cut regulation… invest a trillion dollar in infrastructure… punish companies that move factories overseas… rebuild the military… restore relations with Russia… start a trade war with China… and a new arms race would create jobs… there’s a lot to unpack there… and those debates are worth having.
However, much of this hinges on a variable that Trump doesn’t control… The Federal Reserve.
…Word is, the Fed is leaning towards increasing interest rates aggressively in 2017 and may engage in anti-inflationary measures to offset Trump’s infrastructure plans… that means the flow of money and credit is about to be tightened…
It also means the Fed is setting itself up for a showdown.
More/Video
The One Chart That America's Corporate Elite Don't Want You To See
The message from America's ruling elite is, as always - "do as I say, not as I do" - and nowhere is that more evident in the following chart. Simply put, follow the money!
As we detailed last week, as US financial stocks have soared in the post-election Trumphoria, so bankers have been dumping over $100 million in personal stock holdings...
As we detailed last week, as US financial stocks have soared in the post-election Trumphoria, so bankers have been dumping over $100 million in personal stock holdings...
NAACP Vows to Oppose Trump’s Voter Fraud Investigation
The head of the NCAAP has come out in stark opposition to President Donald J. Trump’s coming investigation into voter fraud, claiming it is “racist.”
In an interview on CNN, Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the NAACP, insisted that his organization would “resist” the president’s investigation into fraud during the 2016 election.
“The President has claimed millions of fraudulent ballots were cast. The only place you will find millions of fraudulent ballots are right beside that fake birth certificate for Barack Obama, inside the imagination of President Trump. They don’t exist,” Brooks said on Thursday.
Instead of vote fraud, Brooks insisted that there was “unrelenting voter suppression” of the minority vote in 2016.
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In an interview on CNN, Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the NAACP, insisted that his organization would “resist” the president’s investigation into fraud during the 2016 election.
“The President has claimed millions of fraudulent ballots were cast. The only place you will find millions of fraudulent ballots are right beside that fake birth certificate for Barack Obama, inside the imagination of President Trump. They don’t exist,” Brooks said on Thursday.
Instead of vote fraud, Brooks insisted that there was “unrelenting voter suppression” of the minority vote in 2016.
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EPA Employees Given ‘Dealing with Change’ Counseling Post-Trump Win
Bureaucrats have been in tears since Hillary Clinton's loss
Amidst employees in tears following the election of Donald Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency is offering counseling sessions on “dealing with change.”
Axios obtained slides from one of the 45-minute seminars, entitled, “Feeling pressured? Worried about change at EPA?”
Topics included “How to deal with change,” “How do you keep your composure and make better decisions under pressure?” “How can you spend your energy more wisely—and have more as a result?” and “How do you recognize and eliminate harmful habits that cause you stress?”
EPA employees are still coming to work in tears more than two months after Trump’s victory.
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Amidst employees in tears following the election of Donald Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency is offering counseling sessions on “dealing with change.”
Axios obtained slides from one of the 45-minute seminars, entitled, “Feeling pressured? Worried about change at EPA?”
Topics included “How to deal with change,” “How do you keep your composure and make better decisions under pressure?” “How can you spend your energy more wisely—and have more as a result?” and “How do you recognize and eliminate harmful habits that cause you stress?”
EPA employees are still coming to work in tears more than two months after Trump’s victory.
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Did Iran Just Break Nuclear Deal (Again) With Ballistic Missile Test-Launch?
The Islamic Republic of Iran conducted a nuclear ballistic missile test on Sunday, US officials told Fox News. This would appear to beyet another apparent violation of a United Nations resolution and President Obama's much-heralded nuclear deal.
As Fox reports, the launch occurred at a well-known test site outside Semnan, about 140 miles east of Tehran.
The missile was a Khorramshahr medium range ballistic missile and traveled 600 miles before exploding, in a failed test of a reentry vehicle, officials said.
U.N. resolution 2231 -- put in place days after the Iran nuclear deal was signed -- calls on the Islamic Republic not to conduct such tests, however, this is at least Iran's second such test since July. The resolution bars Iran from conducting ballistic missile tests for eight years and went into effect July 20, 2015.
Iran is "called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology," according to the text of the resolution.
The landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers does not include provisions preventing Iran from conducting ballistic missile tests.
Iran claims its ballistic missile tests are legitimate because they are not designed to carry a nuclear warhead.
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As Fox reports, the launch occurred at a well-known test site outside Semnan, about 140 miles east of Tehran.
The missile was a Khorramshahr medium range ballistic missile and traveled 600 miles before exploding, in a failed test of a reentry vehicle, officials said.
U.N. resolution 2231 -- put in place days after the Iran nuclear deal was signed -- calls on the Islamic Republic not to conduct such tests, however, this is at least Iran's second such test since July. The resolution bars Iran from conducting ballistic missile tests for eight years and went into effect July 20, 2015.
Iran is "called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology," according to the text of the resolution.
The landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers does not include provisions preventing Iran from conducting ballistic missile tests.
Iran claims its ballistic missile tests are legitimate because they are not designed to carry a nuclear warhead.
More/Video
OBAMA’S ADMINISTRATION MADE THE “MUSLIM BAN” POSSIBLE AND THE MEDIA WON’T TELL YOU
I was outraged by the ban on refugees from war-torn countries in the Middle East. I’ve covered refugees fleeing war in Iraq and Syria over the last two years, meeting families on the road in Greece, Serbia and Macedonia, speaking to poor people in Turkey and Jordan and discussing the hopes and fears of people displaced in Iraq. If you want to ban “terrorists,” these are the last people to hit with a refugee ban. Instead the government should be using the best intelligence possible to find people being radicalized, some of whom have lived in the US their whole lives or who come from countries not affected by the ban, such as Saudi Arabia or Pakistan.
So I was outraged, and then I read the executive order. There are many full texts of the order online, such as at CNN, the NYT, the WSJ or Independent. According to most reports Trump was banning “nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for at least the next 90 days.” This bars people from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. US Senator Elizabeth Warren said “Let’s be clear: A Muslim ban by any other name is still a Muslim ban,” and Senator Chris Murphy claimed “Trump has now handed ISIS a path to rebirth.” Media, such as Vox and the Independent, compared the ban to banning Jews from entry during the Holocaust and bashed Trump for singing the order on Holocaust memorial day. World leaders are “condemning Trump’s Muslim ban,” according to headlines.
I had to see for myself, so I read the executive order. The order does seek “to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States.” It says that it seeks “Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern.” It also says “I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order.” And it targets Syrians specifically. “I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.”
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So I was outraged, and then I read the executive order. There are many full texts of the order online, such as at CNN, the NYT, the WSJ or Independent. According to most reports Trump was banning “nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for at least the next 90 days.” This bars people from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. US Senator Elizabeth Warren said “Let’s be clear: A Muslim ban by any other name is still a Muslim ban,” and Senator Chris Murphy claimed “Trump has now handed ISIS a path to rebirth.” Media, such as Vox and the Independent, compared the ban to banning Jews from entry during the Holocaust and bashed Trump for singing the order on Holocaust memorial day. World leaders are “condemning Trump’s Muslim ban,” according to headlines.
I had to see for myself, so I read the executive order. The order does seek “to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States.” It says that it seeks “Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern.” It also says “I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order.” And it targets Syrians specifically. “I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.”
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Trump Signs Executive Order On Regulation: "For Every New Regulation, Two Regulations Must Be Revoked"
President Trump has signed an executive action to revoke two regulations for every one enacted, or as officials told AP, that they are naming the new directive a “one in, two out” plan. Federal agencies will need to revoke two regulations for every new regulation they request, and the White House will review the proposal, according to administration officials.
The order sets a budget of $0 for new regulations in 2017 and the administration will set a regulation budget each year, the official said on customary condition of anonymity. Military and national security regulations are exempt.
"This will be the biggest such act that our country has ever seen. There will be regulation, there will be control, but it will be normalized control," Trump said as he signed the order in the Oval Office, surrounded by a group of small business owners.
Trump's latest executive action will prepare a process for the White House to set an annual cap on the cost of new regulations, a senior official told reporters ahead of the signing. For the rest of fiscal 2017, that cap on new regulations would be $0, the official said on customary condition of anonymity.
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The order sets a budget of $0 for new regulations in 2017 and the administration will set a regulation budget each year, the official said on customary condition of anonymity. Military and national security regulations are exempt.
"This will be the biggest such act that our country has ever seen. There will be regulation, there will be control, but it will be normalized control," Trump said as he signed the order in the Oval Office, surrounded by a group of small business owners.
Trump's latest executive action will prepare a process for the White House to set an annual cap on the cost of new regulations, a senior official told reporters ahead of the signing. For the rest of fiscal 2017, that cap on new regulations would be $0, the official said on customary condition of anonymity.
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Soros Bankrolling Effort to Stop Trump’s Temporary Refugee Halt Order
The flurry of anguished news stories and protests surrounding President Trump’s executive action temporarily suspending “immigrants and non-immigrants” from "countries of particular concern” appears to be part of a coordinated PR effort financed by left-wing billionaire George Soros.
Rather than a complete "Muslim ban" as promised during the campaign, Trump's executive order contains moderate refugee restrictions, similar to those that have been implemented by President Obama. If reports are true that restrictions are being applied even to green-card holders, that is an unfortunate misapplication of the law that will likely soon be corrected.
Protesters quickly materialized Saturday at JFK Airport, where some refugees were being temporarily detained.
According to Breitbart's Aaron Klein, the signatories to the lawsuit filed Saturday to block Trump’s executive order included immigration lawyers from groups financed by Soros.
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Rather than a complete "Muslim ban" as promised during the campaign, Trump's executive order contains moderate refugee restrictions, similar to those that have been implemented by President Obama. If reports are true that restrictions are being applied even to green-card holders, that is an unfortunate misapplication of the law that will likely soon be corrected.
Protesters quickly materialized Saturday at JFK Airport, where some refugees were being temporarily detained.
According to Breitbart's Aaron Klein, the signatories to the lawsuit filed Saturday to block Trump’s executive order included immigration lawyers from groups financed by Soros.
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Homeland Security: Trump orders on ‘extreme vetting’ still in effect
The Trump administration said Sunday it will continue to enforce the president’s new “extreme vetting” executive order, showing a defiant stance in the face of a federal judge’s order forbidding the government from kicking out anyone who manages to reach U.S. soil.
“It is the right and duty of the president to do everything in his legal and constitutional power to protect the American people,” the White House said in a statement. “Saturday’s ruling does not undercut the president’s executive order. All stopped visas will remain stopped. All halted admissions will remain halted. All restricted travel will remain prohibited.”
Homeland Security issued its own statement early Sunday saying it’s following through on the executive order, which President Trump signed Friday afternoon, and which halts admissions from seven countries with a history of terrorism and pauses refugee admissions.
U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly in New York, in an emergency ruling late Saturday, issued a stay of removal, ruling that nobody who got to the U.S. with a valid visa issued by the government could be denied admission based on Mr. Trump’s order. She said the Trump policy likely violated the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Constitution.
Lawyers flocked to airports to defend those arriving on flights, using signs in English and Arabic to try to alert families in the waiting area to complain if their relatives didn’t get through the customs and passport screening.
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“It is the right and duty of the president to do everything in his legal and constitutional power to protect the American people,” the White House said in a statement. “Saturday’s ruling does not undercut the president’s executive order. All stopped visas will remain stopped. All halted admissions will remain halted. All restricted travel will remain prohibited.”
Homeland Security issued its own statement early Sunday saying it’s following through on the executive order, which President Trump signed Friday afternoon, and which halts admissions from seven countries with a history of terrorism and pauses refugee admissions.
U.S. District Judge Ann M. Donnelly in New York, in an emergency ruling late Saturday, issued a stay of removal, ruling that nobody who got to the U.S. with a valid visa issued by the government could be denied admission based on Mr. Trump’s order. She said the Trump policy likely violated the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Constitution.
Lawyers flocked to airports to defend those arriving on flights, using signs in English and Arabic to try to alert families in the waiting area to complain if their relatives didn’t get through the customs and passport screening.
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Trump May Designate Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization
According to Reuters, a “factional” debate is under way within the Trump administration over adding the Muslim Brotherhood to the State Department and Treasury lists of foreign terrorist organizations.
This is a measure often called for by such critics of the Brotherhood as Center for Security Policy President Frank Gaffney, who once again recommended an official terrorist designation on Wednesday’s edition of Breitbart News Daily.
A source in the Trump transition team told Reuters the effort to so designate the Muslim Brotherhood is led by National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. The source was personally in agreement with Flynn.
In Congress, a bill to add the Muslim Brotherhood to the official terrorist list was introduced this month by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson denounced the MB as an “agent of radical Islam” during his confirmation hearings, but he has not made public statements regarding adding them to the foreign terrorist organization list.
However, other Trump advisers, and members of the intelligence and law-enforcement communities, argue the Brotherhood has “evolved peacefully in some countries,” Reuters claims.
They also expressed the pragmatic concern that going hard on the Muslim Brotherhood could complicate diplomatic relations with nations such as Turkey.
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This is a measure often called for by such critics of the Brotherhood as Center for Security Policy President Frank Gaffney, who once again recommended an official terrorist designation on Wednesday’s edition of Breitbart News Daily.
A source in the Trump transition team told Reuters the effort to so designate the Muslim Brotherhood is led by National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. The source was personally in agreement with Flynn.
In Congress, a bill to add the Muslim Brotherhood to the official terrorist list was introduced this month by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson denounced the MB as an “agent of radical Islam” during his confirmation hearings, but he has not made public statements regarding adding them to the foreign terrorist organization list.
However, other Trump advisers, and members of the intelligence and law-enforcement communities, argue the Brotherhood has “evolved peacefully in some countries,” Reuters claims.
They also expressed the pragmatic concern that going hard on the Muslim Brotherhood could complicate diplomatic relations with nations such as Turkey.
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O’Malley now supports non-partisan commissions to draw congressional districts he admits gerrymandering
“We must, on a state by state basis, push for an end to gerrymandered Congressional districts,” he told an audience Tuesday at the Boston College law school, where he is a distinguished visiting professor.
O’Malley’s remarks were first reported in the BC student newspaper The Heights. The ex-governor sent out a full transcript of his remarks Friday morning.
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The student debt crisis is worsening at the hands of loan servicers
Every 28 seconds, another American borrower defaults on a federal student loan.
Today, nearly 20 percent of the 44 million people burdened by $1.4 trillion in student debt are in default.
One problem is that loan servicers, which collect and process payments, are incentivized to guide borrowers into more costly payback schemes, according to consumer advocates.
Earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau slapped the nation’s largest student-loan servicer, Navient — formerly part of Sallie Mae — with a lawsuit alleging the company incorrectly processed payments, and steered troubled borrowers toward expensive repayment plans.
Navient, which services roughly $300 billion in loans taken out by 12 million borrowers, disputes the allegations.
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Today, nearly 20 percent of the 44 million people burdened by $1.4 trillion in student debt are in default.
One problem is that loan servicers, which collect and process payments, are incentivized to guide borrowers into more costly payback schemes, according to consumer advocates.
Earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau slapped the nation’s largest student-loan servicer, Navient — formerly part of Sallie Mae — with a lawsuit alleging the company incorrectly processed payments, and steered troubled borrowers toward expensive repayment plans.
Navient, which services roughly $300 billion in loans taken out by 12 million borrowers, disputes the allegations.
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One Killed In Howard Co. Crash After Speeding Vehicle Fled Attempted Traffic Stop
(JESSUP, MD) — One person was killed early this morning after the vehicle he was driving was struck by a car that minutes earlier had fled from a trooper who attempted to stop it for speeding in Howard County.
The deceased is identified as Biik Chong, 26, of Halethorpe, Md. He was pronounced dead after being transported to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Chong was driving a 2007 Dodge Charger.
The passenger in Chong’s vehicle is identified as Lian M. Kung, 44, of Halethorpe, Md. She is being treated for injuries at the UMD R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
The driver of the vehicle that struck Chong’s car is identified as Natalia Diaz-Valle, 18, of Jessup, Md. She was driving a 2007 Honda Accord. A passenger in her car is identified as Phillip L. Dorsey, 21, of Jessup, Md.
The deceased is identified as Biik Chong, 26, of Halethorpe, Md. He was pronounced dead after being transported to the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. Chong was driving a 2007 Dodge Charger.
The passenger in Chong’s vehicle is identified as Lian M. Kung, 44, of Halethorpe, Md. She is being treated for injuries at the UMD R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center.
The driver of the vehicle that struck Chong’s car is identified as Natalia Diaz-Valle, 18, of Jessup, Md. She was driving a 2007 Honda Accord. A passenger in her car is identified as Phillip L. Dorsey, 21, of Jessup, Md.
Trump Slams McCain, Graham: "Stop Trying To Start World War III"
Shortly after Senators McCain and Graham issued their "joint statement on President Trump's Executive Order on immigration"...
U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released the following statement today on the President’s executive order on immigration:
“Our government has a responsibility to defend our borders, but we must do so in a way that makes us safer and upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation.
“It is clear from the confusion at our airports across the nation that President Trump’s executive order was not properly vetted. We are particularly concerned by reports that this order went into effect with little to no consultation with the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.
“Such a hasty process risks harmful results. We should not stop green-card holders from returning to the country they call home. We should not stop those who have served as interpreters for our military and diplomats from seeking refuge in the country they risked their lives to help. And we should not turn our backs on those refugees who have been shown through extensive vetting to pose no demonstrable threat to our nation, and who have suffered unspeakable horrors, most of them women and children.
“Ultimately, we fear this executive order will become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism. At this very moment, American troops are fighting side-by-side with our Iraqi partners to defeat ISIL. But this executive order bans Iraqi pilots from coming to military bases in Arizona to fight our common enemies. Our most important allies in the fight against ISIL are the vast majority of Muslims who reject its apocalyptic ideology of hatred. This executive order sends a signal, intended or not, that America does not want Muslims coming into our country. That is why we fear this executive order may do more to help terrorist recruitment than improve our security.”
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U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released the following statement today on the President’s executive order on immigration:
“Our government has a responsibility to defend our borders, but we must do so in a way that makes us safer and upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation.
“It is clear from the confusion at our airports across the nation that President Trump’s executive order was not properly vetted. We are particularly concerned by reports that this order went into effect with little to no consultation with the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.
“Such a hasty process risks harmful results. We should not stop green-card holders from returning to the country they call home. We should not stop those who have served as interpreters for our military and diplomats from seeking refuge in the country they risked their lives to help. And we should not turn our backs on those refugees who have been shown through extensive vetting to pose no demonstrable threat to our nation, and who have suffered unspeakable horrors, most of them women and children.
“Ultimately, we fear this executive order will become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism. At this very moment, American troops are fighting side-by-side with our Iraqi partners to defeat ISIL. But this executive order bans Iraqi pilots from coming to military bases in Arizona to fight our common enemies. Our most important allies in the fight against ISIL are the vast majority of Muslims who reject its apocalyptic ideology of hatred. This executive order sends a signal, intended or not, that America does not want Muslims coming into our country. That is why we fear this executive order may do more to help terrorist recruitment than improve our security.”
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Terror-Tied Group CAIR Causing Chaos as Trump Protects Nation
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, aka CAIR, has helped launch a series of protests across the country and plans lawsuits related to President Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration.
The orders are designed to keep Americans safer from terrorism by temporarily barring visitors from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan from entering the U.S. without “extreme vetting” and banning refugees from these countries for at least 30 days.
CAIR has been declared a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates and was named by federal prosecutors as an unindicted co-conspirator in a Hamas-funding operation.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is also increasingly a part of America’s institutional left infrastructure and was one of the partners behind the recent Women’s March in Washington that drew hundreds of thousands, along with feminist groups like Planned Parenthood.
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The orders are designed to keep Americans safer from terrorism by temporarily barring visitors from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan from entering the U.S. without “extreme vetting” and banning refugees from these countries for at least 30 days.
CAIR has been declared a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates and was named by federal prosecutors as an unindicted co-conspirator in a Hamas-funding operation.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is also increasingly a part of America’s institutional left infrastructure and was one of the partners behind the recent Women’s March in Washington that drew hundreds of thousands, along with feminist groups like Planned Parenthood.
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Woman impersonated lawmaker's wife, snuck into GOP retreat
A woman impersonated the wife of a GOP lawmaker and snuck into the congressional Republican retreat in Philadelphia Thursday, the same day President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence appeared, retreat organizers told lawmakers late Saturday.
The revelation came as the nonprofit Congressional Institute that organizes the retreat investigates how audio of the gathering leaked. In an email to GOP lawmakers, institute president Mark Strand did not directly say that the impersonator was the same person who leaked the audio, but that was the implication.
"The Congressional Institute is continuing to investigate this breach in order to fully understand how it happened and to ensure it does not happen again," said Strand's email, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
The audio was leaked to several news outlets and first reported by The Washington Post. It reveals lawmakers airing concerns about the practical difficulties and political risks of repealing and replacing President Barack Obama's health care law, among other things.
There is also audio of a question-and-answer session with Pence, indicating that the intruder was in the same room as the vice president, which raises security concerns.
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The revelation came as the nonprofit Congressional Institute that organizes the retreat investigates how audio of the gathering leaked. In an email to GOP lawmakers, institute president Mark Strand did not directly say that the impersonator was the same person who leaked the audio, but that was the implication.
"The Congressional Institute is continuing to investigate this breach in order to fully understand how it happened and to ensure it does not happen again," said Strand's email, which was obtained by The Associated Press.
The audio was leaked to several news outlets and first reported by The Washington Post. It reveals lawmakers airing concerns about the practical difficulties and political risks of repealing and replacing President Barack Obama's health care law, among other things.
There is also audio of a question-and-answer session with Pence, indicating that the intruder was in the same room as the vice president, which raises security concerns.
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German Official: We Regret Open Borders
Says growing Muslim population a challenge for open-minded society
Berlin made mistakes with its “open-door” refugee policy, which “went off course” and saw hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers entering the country over the past two years, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble admits.
The German government is currently trying “to improve what went off course in 2015,” Schaeuble told Die Welt’s Sunday edition in an interview. “We politicians are human beings and we also make mistakes, but one can at least learn from them,” he maintained.
On Friday, Handelsblatt cited a Finance Ministry report that shows Germany spent €21.7 billion ($23.3 billion) on tackling the refugee crisis in 2016. Most of the money went to German states and municipalities, which received €9.3 billion last year, while measures to integrate refugees received €2.1 billion in funding.
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Berlin made mistakes with its “open-door” refugee policy, which “went off course” and saw hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers entering the country over the past two years, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble admits.
The German government is currently trying “to improve what went off course in 2015,” Schaeuble told Die Welt’s Sunday edition in an interview. “We politicians are human beings and we also make mistakes, but one can at least learn from them,” he maintained.
On Friday, Handelsblatt cited a Finance Ministry report that shows Germany spent €21.7 billion ($23.3 billion) on tackling the refugee crisis in 2016. Most of the money went to German states and municipalities, which received €9.3 billion last year, while measures to integrate refugees received €2.1 billion in funding.
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Maryland Democrats press Hogan on Trump’s travel ban
Hogan, who is widely popular in Maryland even though Democrats out number Republicans in the state more than 2 to 1, was sharply critical of Trump during the presidential campaign and did not vote for the Republican candidate.
But he has been silent on the travel ban Trump signed Friday, even as a growing chorus of Republican have condemned it.
Over the weekend, the state’s leading Democrats took to Twitter and other social media to denounce Trump’s newly imposed ban on refugees and travelers from seven majority-Muslim nations, calling the executive order hateful and un-American. Their messages demanded to know whether Hogan would say the same.
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Times Journo Calls for Assassination of President Trump
Times columnist and author India Knight has called for the assassination of U.S. President, Donald J. Trump.
During a days-long invective against the newly inaugurated President, on Twitter in which Knight called Mr Trump a “moron”, “mad”, “needy”, and an “arse”, among other things, before telling him to “shut up”, she mused “the assassination is taking such a long time.”
Knight’s attitude is directly in-line with the British media class, many of whom she has cheered on via Twitter over the last few days.
Farage: Trump Elected to Protect America From ISIS
Trump executing will of We the People - as promised
In an interview on BBC, Nigel Farage praised President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily halt the flow of incomers from nations known to be hotbeds of jihad and terrorism.
“Trump was elected to protect America from ISIS terrorists. He is doing exactly that,” wrote Farage in his commentary on the video.
When asked if Farage agreed with the executive action, he replied, “I do, because I think that if you just look at what is happening in France and Germany – if you just look at Mrs. Merkel’s policy on this, which was to allow anybody in, virtually from anywhere, look what it has led to.”
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In an interview on BBC, Nigel Farage praised President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily halt the flow of incomers from nations known to be hotbeds of jihad and terrorism.
“Trump was elected to protect America from ISIS terrorists. He is doing exactly that,” wrote Farage in his commentary on the video.
When asked if Farage agreed with the executive action, he replied, “I do, because I think that if you just look at what is happening in France and Germany – if you just look at Mrs. Merkel’s policy on this, which was to allow anybody in, virtually from anywhere, look what it has led to.”
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KATIE HOPKINS: Trump's immigration crackdown sends message
Have you noticed? There has been more outrage from the left over Trump’s so-called Muslim ban, than over terror itself.
More gnashing of gums and loud wailing, more placards decrying the plight of a few tourists and travellers, than over the bodies blown apart by Islamic extremists at Brussels airport in March last year.
So much collective outrage, in fact, I wonder how on earth a ban imposed by 16 countries on Israeli citizens has remained in place for quite so long with such quiet acceptance.
Curious, isn't it? What liberals will and won't accept.
What is also strange that when I speak to Muslims and ask why they feel the need to flee persecution or seek refuge, I am told it is because Islam is suffering and is incredibly divided. Because the tensions between Sunni and Shia are simply overwhelming.
What stumps me is why non-Muslim countries are expected to welcome such a divided religion with open arms. And if we think about the problems facing Syrian, Iran, Somalia and Yemen and the rest in the context of the US president’s inaugural address, why would America want to keep allowing such division to its shores?
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More gnashing of gums and loud wailing, more placards decrying the plight of a few tourists and travellers, than over the bodies blown apart by Islamic extremists at Brussels airport in March last year.
So much collective outrage, in fact, I wonder how on earth a ban imposed by 16 countries on Israeli citizens has remained in place for quite so long with such quiet acceptance.
Curious, isn't it? What liberals will and won't accept.
What is also strange that when I speak to Muslims and ask why they feel the need to flee persecution or seek refuge, I am told it is because Islam is suffering and is incredibly divided. Because the tensions between Sunni and Shia are simply overwhelming.
What stumps me is why non-Muslim countries are expected to welcome such a divided religion with open arms. And if we think about the problems facing Syrian, Iran, Somalia and Yemen and the rest in the context of the US president’s inaugural address, why would America want to keep allowing such division to its shores?
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Police arrest two students over Quebec mosque killings
Two students including one of 'Moroccan origin' have been arrested for the slaughter of six people at a Quebec mosque on Sunday which came a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned Donald Trump's Muslim travel ban.
Gunmen opened fire on worshipers as they prayed at Quebec City Islamic Cultural Center at around 8pm last night in a terrorist attack that has since been branded 'cowardly' and 'barbaric'.
Witnesses claimed the masked killers shouted 'Allahu Akbar' in what sounded like Quebecois accents as they went on the rampage, killing six and leaving eight injured.
Five people remain in a critical condition in intensive care at Quebec's Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus. Another 39 escaped unharmed.
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Gunmen opened fire on worshipers as they prayed at Quebec City Islamic Cultural Center at around 8pm last night in a terrorist attack that has since been branded 'cowardly' and 'barbaric'.
Witnesses claimed the masked killers shouted 'Allahu Akbar' in what sounded like Quebecois accents as they went on the rampage, killing six and leaving eight injured.
Five people remain in a critical condition in intensive care at Quebec's Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus. Another 39 escaped unharmed.
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A guide to Trump's first 17 executive orders
From reauthorizing the construction of contentious pipeline projects to halting the progression of former President Obama's pending regulations, some of President Trump's executive actions have sparked immediate action in the federal government.
Others, such as his memorandum to the Department of Commerce asking for a review about how to require the use of U.S. steel when building pipelines, merely paved the way for potential future actions.
"The whole point of an executive order is that it can be implemented immediately," said Tommy Binion, director of policy outreach at the Heritage Foundation. "There are broader policies that some of the executive orders indicate are coming, but as far as what's actually contained in the executive orders themselves, we should expect that to be immediate."
While Trump's sweeping policy changes are consistent with his campaign promises, they won't all lead to immediate shifts and they don't all carry the same significance.
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Others, such as his memorandum to the Department of Commerce asking for a review about how to require the use of U.S. steel when building pipelines, merely paved the way for potential future actions.
"The whole point of an executive order is that it can be implemented immediately," said Tommy Binion, director of policy outreach at the Heritage Foundation. "There are broader policies that some of the executive orders indicate are coming, but as far as what's actually contained in the executive orders themselves, we should expect that to be immediate."
While Trump's sweeping policy changes are consistent with his campaign promises, they won't all lead to immediate shifts and they don't all carry the same significance.
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'Too big to fail' is making a comeback
Too big to fail is returning with a vengeance. The same risk that major Wall Street banks posed in the 2008 crisis when they were too complex, too big and too risky to the global economy to be allowed to fail is alive and well.
According to a recent Bloombergreport the hedge fund industry has officially gone over $3.02 trillion in global assets under its management .
To put that into perspective, that figure is nearly six times the amount that it took for Lehman Brothers to crash and throw the world into financial calamity in 2008.
Not only have big banks morphed into a too big to fail ponzi, but now hedge fund managers are pushing global asset numbers into the same stratosphere. The risk to the global economy is alarming. The threat is real.
Jim Rickards sends the alert saying, “Right now investors are skittish, numerous shocks are waiting to happen and the system is highly unstable due to overleverage and nontransparency.”
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According to a recent Bloombergreport the hedge fund industry has officially gone over $3.02 trillion in global assets under its management .
To put that into perspective, that figure is nearly six times the amount that it took for Lehman Brothers to crash and throw the world into financial calamity in 2008.
Not only have big banks morphed into a too big to fail ponzi, but now hedge fund managers are pushing global asset numbers into the same stratosphere. The risk to the global economy is alarming. The threat is real.
Jim Rickards sends the alert saying, “Right now investors are skittish, numerous shocks are waiting to happen and the system is highly unstable due to overleverage and nontransparency.”
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President Obama Agreed To Ban Refugees In 2011
With the shooting that occurred in Orlando this past Sunday, and the discussion of placing a temporary ban on Muslims resurfacing, I thought it would be fitting to remind (or inform) everyone that this would not be the first time something like this occurred. And no, I’m not discussing when former President Carter placed a ban on Iranians.
An investigative report from 2013 published by ABC News found that the Obama-Clinton State Department took a six-month hiatus from processing Iraqi refugee requests in 2011, a move not widely publicized by the media at the time.
Yeah, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama were okay with a temporary ban on Muslims. That actually happened.
That doesn’t seem to match up with the rhetoric, especially President Obama’s, on not taking in refugees and temporarily banning Muslims, now does it?
An investigative report from 2013 published by ABC News found that the Obama-Clinton State Department took a six-month hiatus from processing Iraqi refugee requests in 2011, a move not widely publicized by the media at the time.
Yeah, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama were okay with a temporary ban on Muslims. That actually happened.
That doesn’t seem to match up with the rhetoric, especially President Obama’s, on not taking in refugees and temporarily banning Muslims, now does it?
