Update: FBI INVESTIGATED SCHOOL SHOOTING THREAT MADE ON YOUTUBE LAST YEAR BUT COULD NOT IDENTIFY PERSON BEHIND IT - FBI AGENT IN CHARGE OF FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING PROBE
Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old orphan with a troubled past, a fascination with weapons and resistance groups, and an AR-15 rifle, was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder Thursday morning after being questioned for hours by state and federal authorities following the deadliest school shooting in the U.S. in five years.
Fourteen wounded survivors were hospitalized as bodies were recovered from inside and around Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the AP reports.
Nikolas Cruz, still wearing a hospital gown after being treated for labored breathing, and weighing in at 5-foot-7 and 131 pounds, was ordered held without bond and booked into jail.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Friday, February 16, 2018
GOING BEYOND THE TRAFFIC VIOLATION
This article seeks to motivate peace officers to look beyond the traffic stop by providing a list of indicators and detection approaches associated with criminal activity. The benefits for looking beyond the initial traffic or equipment violation when conducting a traffic stop are many: reduction of traffic crashes as a result of other drivers viewing the traffic stop and modifying/improving their driving style, even if short-term; social media postings across numerous smart phone applications alerting motorists to proactive traffic enforcement activities; reduction of other roadway-linked crimes such as car thefts, entering autos, motor vehicle hijackings, transportation of stolen goods and burglaries as criminals see the aggressive enforcement; and a reduction of unregistered, unsafe and uninsured vehicles and unlicensed/suspended drivers on the roadways.
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Boy They Are Busy! U.S. Customs and Border Protection Newsroom Update
TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations is advising travelers Port of Nogales, DeConcini crossing, will undergo canopy construction February 19 through February 22. Courtesy of U.S. Customs and BorderProtection“...
02/15/2018 08:13 PM EST
TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Sonoita Station recently identified a convicted felon among the three male illegal aliens apprehended Feb. 13 near the immigration checkpoint on State Route 83. Courtesy of U.S....
02/15/2018 08:07 PM EST
TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brian A. Terry Station arrested a convicted sex offender Wednesday morning after he illegally re-entered the U.S. near Naco, Arizona. Courtesy of U.S. Customs andBorder...
02/15/2018 07:02 PM EST
TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Douglas Station provided emergency medical aid to a 25-year-old Mexican woman found late Sunday after she was abandoned by smugglers due to injuries she sustained while crossing the...
02/15/2018 06:51 PM EST
TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested two teenaged females Wednesday in connection to separate failed smuggling attempts at Arizona’s Port of San Luis. Officers working the pedestrian lane referred a 16-year-old girl...
02/15/2018 05:22 PM EST
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Comstock Station found a deceased individual on a local ranch, Feb. 14. Del Rio Sector BORSTAR agentsrecover a deceased subject from acanyon on a local ranch.“Attempting to circumnavigate...
'None of This Is a Coincidence': Voting Lines Are Shorter -- But Mostly for Whites
On the day of Arizona’s 2016 presidential primary, the line outside the Maryvale Church of the Nazarene, the Maricopa County polling place for 213,000 mostly Latino, low-income people, extended through the parking lot, down busy North 51st Avenue, and into a neighborhood lined with palm and eucalyptus trees on the western edge of Phoenix.
Some voters waited for four hours or more in the 80-degree heat to cast their ballots, according to Martin Quezada, a Democrat who represents the area in the Arizona Senate. Quezada said the long wait time was more than an inconvenience.
Latino voters don’t trust the system, Quezada said. “If they don’t have a good experience on Election Day when they are casting their ballot, their likelihood of participating in a system they don’t trust again in the future becomes that much harder.”
Across the country, elections officials are marshaling data on registered voters, historic turnout, parking spaces and other information to reduce wait times at polling places. Also helping to decrease wait times is voting by mail, which is available in 22 states, and early voting, which is now offered in 37 states — though a couple of states have rolled back their early voting.
But white voters are benefiting far more from such innovations than Hispanic or black voters are. As the nation gears up for what is shaping up to be a high-energy midterm election this November, the disparity is likely to loom large.
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Some voters waited for four hours or more in the 80-degree heat to cast their ballots, according to Martin Quezada, a Democrat who represents the area in the Arizona Senate. Quezada said the long wait time was more than an inconvenience.
Latino voters don’t trust the system, Quezada said. “If they don’t have a good experience on Election Day when they are casting their ballot, their likelihood of participating in a system they don’t trust again in the future becomes that much harder.”
Across the country, elections officials are marshaling data on registered voters, historic turnout, parking spaces and other information to reduce wait times at polling places. Also helping to decrease wait times is voting by mail, which is available in 22 states, and early voting, which is now offered in 37 states — though a couple of states have rolled back their early voting.
But white voters are benefiting far more from such innovations than Hispanic or black voters are. As the nation gears up for what is shaping up to be a high-energy midterm election this November, the disparity is likely to loom large.
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Despite Legal Uncertainty, Blue Cross Takes Idaho's Offer to Skirt Obamacare
That didn’t take long.
It’s barely been two weeks since Idaho regulators said they would allow the sale of health insurance that does not meet all of the Affordable Care Act’s requirements — a controversial step some experts said would likely draw legal scrutiny and, potentially, federal fines for any insurer that jumped in.
On Wednesday, Blue Cross of Idaho unveiled a menu of new health plans that break with federal health law rules in several ways, including setting premiums based on applicants’ health.
“We’re trying to offer a choice that allows the middle class to get back into insurance coverage,” said Dave Jeppesen, the insurer’s executive vice president for consumer health care.
The firm filed five plans to the state for approval and hopes to start selling them as soon as next month.
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It’s barely been two weeks since Idaho regulators said they would allow the sale of health insurance that does not meet all of the Affordable Care Act’s requirements — a controversial step some experts said would likely draw legal scrutiny and, potentially, federal fines for any insurer that jumped in.
On Wednesday, Blue Cross of Idaho unveiled a menu of new health plans that break with federal health law rules in several ways, including setting premiums based on applicants’ health.
“We’re trying to offer a choice that allows the middle class to get back into insurance coverage,” said Dave Jeppesen, the insurer’s executive vice president for consumer health care.
The firm filed five plans to the state for approval and hopes to start selling them as soon as next month.
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Teachers Rejoice as Court Reinstates San Francisco's Ban on School-Year Evictions
A state appeals court upheld a San Francisco ordinance Wednesday that protects teachers, other school staff and child care center employees from evictions during the school year, reversing a judge's ruling that struck down the law.
The measure, approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, took effect in April 2016. It prohibited most no-fault evictions against school employees during the academic year, requiring landlords to wait until summer. It also barred such evictions of families with children under 18, who were already protected by an ordinance passed in 2010.
Supporters of the law said most teachers and other school employees could no longer afford to live in the city.
in 2016 found that a teacher with an income of $65,240 a year, the school district average, would have to pay nearly two-thirds of his or her income for a one-bedroom apartment in the city at the median rent of $3,500 a month.
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The measure, approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, took effect in April 2016. It prohibited most no-fault evictions against school employees during the academic year, requiring landlords to wait until summer. It also barred such evictions of families with children under 18, who were already protected by an ordinance passed in 2010.
Supporters of the law said most teachers and other school employees could no longer afford to live in the city.
in 2016 found that a teacher with an income of $65,240 a year, the school district average, would have to pay nearly two-thirds of his or her income for a one-bedroom apartment in the city at the median rent of $3,500 a month.
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Concussions Can Be Detected With New Blood Test Approved by F.D.A.
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved a long-awaited blood test to detect concussions in people and more quickly identify those with possible brain injuries.
The test, called the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator, is also expected to reduce the number of people exposed to radiation through CT scans, or computed tomography scans, that detect brain tissue damage or intracranial lesions. If the blood test is adopted widely, it could eliminate the need for CT scans in at least a third of those with suspected brain injuries, the agency predicted.
Concussion-related brain damage has become a particularly worrisome public health issue in many sports, especially football, affecting the ranks of professional athletes on down to the young children in Pop Warner leagues. Those concerns have escalated so far that it has led to a decline in children participating in tackle sports.
“This is going to change the testing paradigm for suspected cases of concussion,” said Tara Rabin, a spokeswoman for the F.D.A. She noted that the agency had worked closely on the application with the Defense Department, which has wanted a diagnostic tool to evaluate wounded soldiers in combat zones. The Pentagon financed a 2,000-person clinical trial that led to the test’s approval.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 2.8 million visits to emergency rooms for traumatic brain injury-related conditions in 2013, the most recent year for which the numbers were available. Of these, nearly 50,000 people died. Most patients with suspected traumatic brain injury are evaluated using a neurological exam, followed by a CT scan.
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The test, called the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator, is also expected to reduce the number of people exposed to radiation through CT scans, or computed tomography scans, that detect brain tissue damage or intracranial lesions. If the blood test is adopted widely, it could eliminate the need for CT scans in at least a third of those with suspected brain injuries, the agency predicted.
Concussion-related brain damage has become a particularly worrisome public health issue in many sports, especially football, affecting the ranks of professional athletes on down to the young children in Pop Warner leagues. Those concerns have escalated so far that it has led to a decline in children participating in tackle sports.
“This is going to change the testing paradigm for suspected cases of concussion,” said Tara Rabin, a spokeswoman for the F.D.A. She noted that the agency had worked closely on the application with the Defense Department, which has wanted a diagnostic tool to evaluate wounded soldiers in combat zones. The Pentagon financed a 2,000-person clinical trial that led to the test’s approval.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 2.8 million visits to emergency rooms for traumatic brain injury-related conditions in 2013, the most recent year for which the numbers were available. Of these, nearly 50,000 people died. Most patients with suspected traumatic brain injury are evaluated using a neurological exam, followed by a CT scan.
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Alleged Shooter “On Meds”: Why SSRIs Are Suicide Murder Pills
Once again, a school shooter is on anti-depressants
Mainstream media will never talk about THIS aspect of virtually every shooting because Big Pharma is their sponsor.
Buried in a local report on the background of the alleged Parkland shooter is a family member saying he was on meds for his emotional/mental issues.
A caller, Liz, explains how SSRIs radically altered her daughter & nearly destroyed her life when a colleague gave her the drugs without her knowledge or approval and another caller, Anne, explains how SSRIs work & how they’ve been involved in shootings.
More/Video
Mainstream media will never talk about THIS aspect of virtually every shooting because Big Pharma is their sponsor.
Buried in a local report on the background of the alleged Parkland shooter is a family member saying he was on meds for his emotional/mental issues.
A caller, Liz, explains how SSRIs radically altered her daughter & nearly destroyed her life when a colleague gave her the drugs without her knowledge or approval and another caller, Anne, explains how SSRIs work & how they’ve been involved in shootings.
More/Video
Alex Azar says HHS will be 'laser focused' on mental health following shooting
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar vowed that his agency would be "laser focused" on addressing untreated serious mental illness in response to a mass shooting this week in which a former student killed 17 people at a high school in Florida.
"The Department of Health and Human Services will be laser focused on this issue in the days, weeks and months to come," Azar said. "And it has already been a priority under this administration."
Officials in Parkland, Fla., haven't announced if they have determined the cause behind the mass shooting by the 19-year-old gunman, Nikolas Cruz, who entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High with an AR-15 Wednesday. Cruz was captured by the authorities and has admitted to the killings.
In remarks delivered earlier in the day, President Trump addressed the shooting through the lens of mental health as well. He did not call for restrictions on gun access or call for medical research on gun violence, as some medical groups have urged.
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"The Department of Health and Human Services will be laser focused on this issue in the days, weeks and months to come," Azar said. "And it has already been a priority under this administration."
Officials in Parkland, Fla., haven't announced if they have determined the cause behind the mass shooting by the 19-year-old gunman, Nikolas Cruz, who entered Marjory Stoneman Douglas High with an AR-15 Wednesday. Cruz was captured by the authorities and has admitted to the killings.
In remarks delivered earlier in the day, President Trump addressed the shooting through the lens of mental health as well. He did not call for restrictions on gun access or call for medical research on gun violence, as some medical groups have urged.
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Maryland Insurance Administration Helps Consumers Recover More Than $11.7 Million in Claims Settlements and Disputes in 2017
Agency Responded to Over 12,000 Consumer Inquiries, Complaints, Appeals and Grievances
BALTIMORE – As part of its consumer protection mission, the Maryland Insurance Administration (“MIA”) responded to 12,188 consumer complaints and inquiries in 2017. The agency also facilitated claims settlements and refunds totaling $11,766,213 for Maryland consumers. While the Insurance Administration cannot actually settle the claims, agency employees explain the claims process and investigate and help correct improprieties which can lead to a favorable resolution for the consumer.
In addition to helping consumers recover monies through the complaint investigation and fraud processes, the Insurance Administration also conducts examinations of insurance companies to ensure compliance with Maryland insurance laws. If the agency finds that an insurer failed to pay claims properly, the MIA can order restitution payments, including interest. In 2017, Insurance Administration exams resulted in $7,085,445 in consumer restitution and an additional $2,110,499 in administrative penalties on insurers, which were remitted to the State’s General Fund.
“The Maryland Insurance Administration is the state agency you can turn to if you have a question or a problem that relates to insurance. Ordering restitution is just one of the many tools in our toolbox we use to help protect and recover Maryland residents' hard-earned money every day," said Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. “We are here for Maryland citizens when they need help resolving issues with carriers or understanding how the insurance markets operate.”
Consumers can file complaints with the Insurance Administration about any type of insurance, but most complaints relate to automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, and health insurance. The Insurance Administration helps consumers by:
Providing information about different types of insurance coverages;
Suggesting actions or procedures that consumers may take which may help resolve insurance issues with carriers;
Obtaining information or explanations on a consumer’s behalf from the insurance company;
Investigating a company’s action(s) to determine compliance with state law and regulations;
Ordering a company to take corrective action for violations of state insurance laws and, regulations.
BALTIMORE – As part of its consumer protection mission, the Maryland Insurance Administration (“MIA”) responded to 12,188 consumer complaints and inquiries in 2017. The agency also facilitated claims settlements and refunds totaling $11,766,213 for Maryland consumers. While the Insurance Administration cannot actually settle the claims, agency employees explain the claims process and investigate and help correct improprieties which can lead to a favorable resolution for the consumer.
In addition to helping consumers recover monies through the complaint investigation and fraud processes, the Insurance Administration also conducts examinations of insurance companies to ensure compliance with Maryland insurance laws. If the agency finds that an insurer failed to pay claims properly, the MIA can order restitution payments, including interest. In 2017, Insurance Administration exams resulted in $7,085,445 in consumer restitution and an additional $2,110,499 in administrative penalties on insurers, which were remitted to the State’s General Fund.
“The Maryland Insurance Administration is the state agency you can turn to if you have a question or a problem that relates to insurance. Ordering restitution is just one of the many tools in our toolbox we use to help protect and recover Maryland residents' hard-earned money every day," said Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. “We are here for Maryland citizens when they need help resolving issues with carriers or understanding how the insurance markets operate.”
Consumers can file complaints with the Insurance Administration about any type of insurance, but most complaints relate to automobile insurance, homeowners insurance, and health insurance. The Insurance Administration helps consumers by:
Providing information about different types of insurance coverages;
Suggesting actions or procedures that consumers may take which may help resolve insurance issues with carriers;
Obtaining information or explanations on a consumer’s behalf from the insurance company;
Investigating a company’s action(s) to determine compliance with state law and regulations;
Ordering a company to take corrective action for violations of state insurance laws and, regulations.
DPI Applauds CERCLA Legislation
Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. (DPI) applaudsthe 20 United States senators who introduced a bill negating the need for a pending federal court requirement that farmers raising chickens must calculate and report to federal emergency response authorities the natural emission of ammonia from their poultry houses. Chicken growers are concerned about how to measure the emissions, how to report them to the federal government, and the usefulness of the information that is to be reported.
Introduced by Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons of Delaware, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, and 17 other senators, the FARM Act, “The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act,” restores the on-farm exemption for emissions from manure produced in animal agriculture. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires entities releasing certain substances to notify the federal government. When the law was enacted, the Environmental Protection Agency did not believe that the release of low levels of ammonia from animal agriculture was included in the intent of the law. However, a lawsuit was filed by several environmental groups saying animal agriculture should not be excluded, and in April 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of that interpretation of Congress’s legislative intent. The legislation now introduced makes it clear Congress intends to exempt animal agriculture from emissions reporting regulations that are more appropriate for factories and ships.
Senators have been quick to respond in the face of an upcoming May 1 federal court deadline that would impose the reporting mandate on farmers.
“Passing this bill would provide much-needed clarity for chicken growers, who have been struggling to keep up with changing deadlines and uncertain guidance about their CERCLA compliance requirements,” said Bill Satterfield, DPI’s executive director. “We are hopeful that its Senate passage, and the introduction and passage of companion legislation in the House of Representatives, will lead to legislation delivered to the White House before May 1.”
The National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and United Egg Producers also praised the Senate legislation, calling it “breakthrough legislation restoring CERCLA reporting to its intended purpose and a united legislative effort that has been nearly 15 years in the making.”
Introduced by Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons of Delaware, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, and 17 other senators, the FARM Act, “The Fair Agricultural Reporting Method Act,” restores the on-farm exemption for emissions from manure produced in animal agriculture. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires entities releasing certain substances to notify the federal government. When the law was enacted, the Environmental Protection Agency did not believe that the release of low levels of ammonia from animal agriculture was included in the intent of the law. However, a lawsuit was filed by several environmental groups saying animal agriculture should not be excluded, and in April 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of that interpretation of Congress’s legislative intent. The legislation now introduced makes it clear Congress intends to exempt animal agriculture from emissions reporting regulations that are more appropriate for factories and ships.
Senators have been quick to respond in the face of an upcoming May 1 federal court deadline that would impose the reporting mandate on farmers.
“Passing this bill would provide much-needed clarity for chicken growers, who have been struggling to keep up with changing deadlines and uncertain guidance about their CERCLA compliance requirements,” said Bill Satterfield, DPI’s executive director. “We are hopeful that its Senate passage, and the introduction and passage of companion legislation in the House of Representatives, will lead to legislation delivered to the White House before May 1.”
The National Turkey Federation, National Chicken Council, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, and United Egg Producers also praised the Senate legislation, calling it “breakthrough legislation restoring CERCLA reporting to its intended purpose and a united legislative effort that has been nearly 15 years in the making.”
CONVENIENCE CENTERS, LANDFILL, BRUSH PILE, FERRIES PRESIDENT’S DAY HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Salisbury, MD… On Monday, February 19, 2018, the Newland Park Landfill, all external Convenience Centers, the Whitehaven Ferry & Upper Ferry will be closed. The Convenience Center located at the Newland Park Landfill will be open normal hours, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, however, the brush pile will be closed.
For more information, please contact the Newland Park Landfill at 410-548-4935.
For more information, please contact the Newland Park Landfill at 410-548-4935.
DNC Fundraises Off Florida Shooting
The Democratic National Committee is using Wednesday’s mass shooting that left 17 people dead to ask for campaign donations.
The DNC on Thursday sent out an emotional email, signed by DNC chair Tom Perez, asking supporters to sign a petition telling Congress that “it’s past time to take action to address our country’s gun violence epidemic.”
Anyone who signs the petition, which requires giving the DNC your email address and zip code, is re-directed to a donation page asking for money to “help Democrats take on the gun lobby.”
“Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC),” a line above the donation box reads.
Perez’s email relies on heavy, emotional language to draw in supporters. “Yesterday afternoon, a 19-year-old with a weapon of war walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and opened fire, killing 17 people and injuring many others,” Perez writes.
“We have seen this happen too many times. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. This is not inevitable. It’s long past time for our leaders to stop pretending we are helpless in the face of such tragedy.”
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The DNC on Thursday sent out an emotional email, signed by DNC chair Tom Perez, asking supporters to sign a petition telling Congress that “it’s past time to take action to address our country’s gun violence epidemic.”
Anyone who signs the petition, which requires giving the DNC your email address and zip code, is re-directed to a donation page asking for money to “help Democrats take on the gun lobby.”
“Your contribution will benefit Democratic National Committee (DNC),” a line above the donation box reads.
Perez’s email relies on heavy, emotional language to draw in supporters. “Yesterday afternoon, a 19-year-old with a weapon of war walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida and opened fire, killing 17 people and injuring many others,” Perez writes.
“We have seen this happen too many times. This is not normal. This is not acceptable. This is not inevitable. It’s long past time for our leaders to stop pretending we are helpless in the face of such tragedy.”
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Breaking News: The special counsel filed the first charges for 2016 election meddling, accusing 13 Russians of using social media to influence U.S. voters
The indictment charges that the foreigners falsely posed as American citizens, stole identities and otherwise engaged in fraud and deceit in an effort to influence the U.S. political process, including the 2016 presidential race.
Troopers Arrest Suspect for Threat Made to High School
On Thursday, February 15, 2018, the Delaware State Police Youth Aid Unit was made aware that a student from James H. Groves Adult High School located at 823 Walnut Shade Road, had overheard another student make a threatening comment. Members of the Troop 3 Youth Aid Unit immediately responded to the school and investigated the allegation. Further investigation revealed that an adult student, identified as 19-year-oldChanning Fisher of Dover made a threatening statement, indicating he would do harm to the school.
Fisher was taken into custody without incident and transported back to Troop 3 where he was charged with Terroristic Threatening (Felony). Mr. Fisher and his residence were searched and no weapons were found. He was arraigned out of the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on $2000.00 unsecured bond with a condition of the bond that he turn in any and all weapons and have no contact with any schools.
Gas Tax Threatens to Erase 60 Percent of Tax Cut Benefit
Raising the federal tax on gasoline would help erase 60 percent of the benefit from the tax breaks President Donald Trump signed into law late last year, according to a new report from Daniel Clifton, Strategas Research’s head of policy research.
President Trump reportedly endorsed the idea of raising the gas tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon, by 25 cents. Gary Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs executive who is now one of Trump’s top economic advisers, has reportedly raised the idea with lawmakers.
The government already expects gasoline prices to rise by 20 cents per gallon, according to Clifton.
“The proposed gasoline tax increase adds another $0.25 per gallon. The combined $0.45 increase in gasoline prices eats away $71.6 billion from the $120 billion in individual tax cuts, or 60 percent of the net tax savings for consumers,” Clifton wrote in a research note. The Strategas analysis was first reported by CNBC’s Patti Domm.
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President Trump reportedly endorsed the idea of raising the gas tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon, by 25 cents. Gary Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs executive who is now one of Trump’s top economic advisers, has reportedly raised the idea with lawmakers.
The government already expects gasoline prices to rise by 20 cents per gallon, according to Clifton.
“The proposed gasoline tax increase adds another $0.25 per gallon. The combined $0.45 increase in gasoline prices eats away $71.6 billion from the $120 billion in individual tax cuts, or 60 percent of the net tax savings for consumers,” Clifton wrote in a research note. The Strategas analysis was first reported by CNBC’s Patti Domm.
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FBI was warned about Florida's Nikolas Cruz in September
The FBI missed at least one warning and countless warning signs in the months before Nikolas Cruz opened fire on Wednesday and killed 17 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in just minutes.
The first came back in September when they were alerted to comment made by YouTube user 'Nikolas Cruz' proclaiming his desire to be a 'professional school shooter.'
At the same time he was posting photos to his public social media account which showed off an arsenal of weapons, including multiple semi-automatic guns.
And he had not only joined the white nationalist group Republic of Florida but also begun participating in paramilitary training exercises with the organization.
All this, along with the fact that he had know mental health struggles and three school expulsions, was not enough to land Cruz on the FBI's radar.
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The first came back in September when they were alerted to comment made by YouTube user 'Nikolas Cruz' proclaiming his desire to be a 'professional school shooter.'
At the same time he was posting photos to his public social media account which showed off an arsenal of weapons, including multiple semi-automatic guns.
And he had not only joined the white nationalist group Republic of Florida but also begun participating in paramilitary training exercises with the organization.
All this, along with the fact that he had know mental health struggles and three school expulsions, was not enough to land Cruz on the FBI's radar.
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Maryland Is Doing its Best to Destroy its Craft Beer Industry For Good This Month
Why did this happen? Well, in a single sentence: It happened because state legislators were more interested in courting big business than serving their local breweries. Specifically, it happened to make Maryland the most attractive possible home for Diageo’s destination Guinness brewery,despite the fact that Diageo as a company has largely sided with the craft brewers against the state of Maryland. That’s right: Even though Diageo isn’t asking Maryland legislators to screw over the state’s craft brewers on their behalf, they’ve elected to do so anyway, while crafting legislation that exempts the Guinness brewery (and no one else) from additional regulation.
Enter, HB 518 and HB 1052—dueling house bills that will determine the future of the state’s brewing industry, both of which will be heard by Maryland’s House Economic Matters Committee on Feb. 23. One (HB 518) is supported by the state’s craft brewers (and apparently Diageo as well), and is aimed at loosening restrictions on beer sales, and modernizing the state’s beer laws to be similar to other states that have made craft beer into a major tourism driver. The other bill, HB 1052, is supported by the state’s most powerful alcohol distributorships, and the lobbying/campaign contribution power they wield. This is perhaps a relevant time to point out a few of the corruption scandals that have wracked Maryland’s legislative body in the last few years.
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Planned Parenthood Ramps Up Efforts to Expand Abortion Access
Leaders of Planned Parenthood announced Tuesday that they are working with local lawmakers in a dozen states on bills to increase access to abortion, or to roll back measures that impose limitations on it.
"We’re trying to work in every state — even in the toughest places to expand access… by the end of this year, we will take this offensive fight to all 50 states," said Dawn Laguens, the group’s executive vice president, The Washington Post reported.
The efforts of the chain of women’s "reproductive health" centers includes a bill to repeal Missouri’s 72-hour waiting period before a woman can get an abortion and a bill that restores family planning funding in New Jersey that Republican former Gov. Chris Christie had removed from the budget, the report said.
Other legislation that Planned Parenthood supports includes a Maine bill to allow nurse practitioners to prescribe abortion pills, The Post reported.
Planned Parenthood also is pushing measures in California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island, where Democrats lead the legislatures.
Other efforts are in states with Republican-led legislatures—Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Republicans lead over a quarter of state governments, the report said.
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"We’re trying to work in every state — even in the toughest places to expand access… by the end of this year, we will take this offensive fight to all 50 states," said Dawn Laguens, the group’s executive vice president, The Washington Post reported.
The efforts of the chain of women’s "reproductive health" centers includes a bill to repeal Missouri’s 72-hour waiting period before a woman can get an abortion and a bill that restores family planning funding in New Jersey that Republican former Gov. Chris Christie had removed from the budget, the report said.
Other legislation that Planned Parenthood supports includes a Maine bill to allow nurse practitioners to prescribe abortion pills, The Post reported.
Planned Parenthood also is pushing measures in California, Hawaii, and Rhode Island, where Democrats lead the legislatures.
Other efforts are in states with Republican-led legislatures—Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Republicans lead over a quarter of state governments, the report said.
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CITIZENS REQUEST INJUNCTION OR MANDAMUS TO STOP ILLEGAL GROUNDWATER WITHDRAWAL BY OPERATING, PROPOSED OF PLANNED POULTRY HOUSES IN ACCOMACK COUNTY
(Pungoteague, Virginia) 2/15/2018; In a February 15, 2018 letter to David Paylor, director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (“DEQ”), a loosely formed coalition of five citizens from the Eastern Shore of Virginia counties of Accomack and Northampton urged the department to consider placing an injunction on the 83 poultry Care and Feeding Operations (CAFO's) because they failed to get groundwater withdrawal permits.
Over the last several years, approximately 250-270 large broiler houses, some having the capacity to house 48,000 birds every 43 days, have been constructed or are under construction or in the planning stages in Accomack County.
The Eastern Shore of Virginia draws the majority of its drinking water from the Yorktown aquifer...the same source that is being used or proposed to be used by the CAFOs. Any prospective user who intends to withdraw over 300,000 gallons of groundwater per month in a groundwater management area is required BY LAW to first apply for and receive a permit to do so from the State Water Control Board, a citizen panel appointed by the Governor and a political arm of the DEQ.
The citizens respectfully requesting the injunction “or appropriate action” recently discovered that the DEQ failed to require the CAFO's to get a groundwater withdrawal permit as required by Virginia Law 62.1-258, and that failure is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000/day for each and every day water is taken from a protected area without a permit.
“We know the Commonwealth is pro-poultry,” said Carlene Zach who lives next to a 24-house CAFO in Pungoteague. “But the law is the law, and it should not be so cavalierly eviscerated.” The CAFO next to the Zach's is partially completed and the Zach's derive their water from a well in close proximity to the large complex. The review of a groundwater withdrawal permit by the DEQ is designed to determine if the “cone of depression” from the use will impact neighboring wells. “Every time we turn on the tap or water our horses, we wonder if this will be the last time we will be able to rely on our well. It's not right.”
“We know the Commonwealth is pro-poultry,” said Carlene Zach who lives next to a 24-house CAFO in Pungoteague. “But the law is the law, and it should not be so cavalierly eviscerated.” The CAFO next to the Zach's is partially completed and the Zach's derive their water from a well in close proximity to the large complex. The review of a groundwater withdrawal permit by the DEQ is designed to determine if the “cone of depression” from the use will impact neighboring wells. “Every time we turn on the tap or water our horses, we wonder if this will be the last time we will be able to rely on our well. It's not right.”
“It is hard to drive through any town in Accomack County without seeing these large industrial poultry facilities” added Gene Gibson from Wachapreague. “To now learn that they are using our precious groundwater without the citizens really knowing the long term impacts of that use on our sustainable drinking water supplies is egregious, at best, and certainly a clear violation of law.”
“There is a reason why the Eastern Shore of Virginia has been named a “sole source aquifer” by the EPA,” said Ann Violi of Harborton on the Chesapeake Bay. “These CAFO's should be encouraged to use groundwater from the surface aquifer otherwise known as the Columbia, where there are ample supplies and that use does not compete with our limited supplies in the Yorktown.”
“We understand the DEQ, admitting that these CAFOs which will use tens of millions of gallons of our drinking water every month never got a permit to do so, has opened an “amnesty program” and invited the CAFO's to voluntarily apply for a permit retroactively,” Ken Dufty from Exmore said. “That's like jumping off a cliff and then googling “parachute” on the way down. It's ridiculous.”.
The group is also contacting Governor Northam who was born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and therefore is familiar with the sensitive nature of the aquifer underlying that small peninsula.
HUGE: Comey was FORCED to tell Congress about Weiner emails only because George Toscas at DOJ found out about them!
On Wednesday the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee released a majority staff report titled “The Clinton Email Scandal And The FBI’s Investigation Of It.” The committee also releasedthousands of text messages between two agents and lovebirds Peter Strzok and Lisa Page that shed light on the criminal intent of deep state players to avoid prosecution of Hillary Clinton and to block and destroy a Trump presidency.
One text message exchange is making the rounds on the internet today.
Peter Strzok was the Chief of the Counterespionage Section during the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email server. He also hated Donald Trump, as did his lover Lisa Page.
In this exchange posted online Peter Strzok admits the DOJ was forced to tell Congress about the Weiner laptop emails only because George Toscas at the DOJ found out about them.
The FBI sat on this evidence for a month before turning it over to Congress and only because they couldn’t hide it from George Toscas.
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One text message exchange is making the rounds on the internet today.
Peter Strzok was the Chief of the Counterespionage Section during the FBI’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email server. He also hated Donald Trump, as did his lover Lisa Page.
In this exchange posted online Peter Strzok admits the DOJ was forced to tell Congress about the Weiner laptop emails only because George Toscas at the DOJ found out about them.
The FBI sat on this evidence for a month before turning it over to Congress and only because they couldn’t hide it from George Toscas.
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Tax-cheat IRS Employees Still Getting Bonuses
The IRS is still paying bonuses to nearly 2,000 bad employees, including more than two dozen who were actual tax-cheats themselves, the agency’s inspector general said in a new report this week.
The audit suggests the tax agency’s efforts to crack down on bonuses have not fully succeeded, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
IRS screening did stop more than 1,000 employees with tax problems from getting bonuses, but 1,962 employees with discipline problems — and 26 who had been found to have intentionally cheated on their tax returns — were still paid bonuses in 2016 and 2017, topping $1.7 million.
Other employees who weren’t in full compliance but hadn’t been flagged for discipline also snuck through, the inspector general said.
The IRS promised to study the issue.
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The audit suggests the tax agency’s efforts to crack down on bonuses have not fully succeeded, according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
IRS screening did stop more than 1,000 employees with tax problems from getting bonuses, but 1,962 employees with discipline problems — and 26 who had been found to have intentionally cheated on their tax returns — were still paid bonuses in 2016 and 2017, topping $1.7 million.
Other employees who weren’t in full compliance but hadn’t been flagged for discipline also snuck through, the inspector general said.
The IRS promised to study the issue.
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Trump threatens 'reciprocal tax' on imports to balance trade
President Trump on Monday said he plans to introduce a proposal in the coming weeks for a reciprocal tax on imports, fulfilling a promise he made early on in his presidential campaign.
"We cannot continue to be taken advantage of by other countries," the president told attendees during a White House event on infrastructure. "We cannot continue to let people come into our country and rob us blind and charge us tremendous tariffs and taxes and we charge them nothing."
"We're going to be doing very much a reciprocal tax and you'll be hearing about that during the week and during the coming months," he said.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who was also present for the event, endorsed the president's proposal and said the U.S. could benefit from a reciprocal tax because "we really have to claw it back" from other countries.
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"We cannot continue to be taken advantage of by other countries," the president told attendees during a White House event on infrastructure. "We cannot continue to let people come into our country and rob us blind and charge us tremendous tariffs and taxes and we charge them nothing."
"We're going to be doing very much a reciprocal tax and you'll be hearing about that during the week and during the coming months," he said.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who was also present for the event, endorsed the president's proposal and said the U.S. could benefit from a reciprocal tax because "we really have to claw it back" from other countries.
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Sharyl Attkisson Exposes Origins of the 2016 'Fake News' Narrative
In a Tedx Talk at the University of Nevada a couple of weeks ago (watch the video below) investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson revealed the origins of the "fake news" narrative that was aggressively pushed by the liberal media and Democrat politicians during the 2016 election, and how it was later flipped by President Donald Trump.
Attkisson pointed out that "fake news" in the form of tabloid journalism and false media narratives has always been around under different names.
But she noticed that in 2016, there seemed to be a concerted effort by the MSM to focus America's attention on the idea of "fake news" in conservative media. That looked like a propaganda effort to Attkisson, so she did a little digging and traced the new spin to a little non-profit called "First Draft," which, she said, "appears to be the about the first to use 'fake news' in its modern context."
"On September 13, 2016, First Draft announced a partnership to tackle malicious hoaxes and fake news reports," Attkisson explained. "The goal was supposedly to separate wheat from chaff, to prevent unproven conspiracy talk from figuring prominently in internet searches. To relegate today's version of the alien baby story to a special internet oblivion."
She noted that a month later, then-President Obama chimed in.
"What if the whole anti-fake news campaign was an effort on somebody's part to keep us from seeing or believing certain websites and stories by controversializing them or labeling them as fake news?" Attkisson posited.
Digging deeper, she discovered that Google was one of the big donors behind First Draft's "fake news" messaging. Google's parent company, Alphabet, was run by Eric Schmidt, who happened to be a huge Hillary Clinton supporter.
More here
Attkisson pointed out that "fake news" in the form of tabloid journalism and false media narratives has always been around under different names.
But she noticed that in 2016, there seemed to be a concerted effort by the MSM to focus America's attention on the idea of "fake news" in conservative media. That looked like a propaganda effort to Attkisson, so she did a little digging and traced the new spin to a little non-profit called "First Draft," which, she said, "appears to be the about the first to use 'fake news' in its modern context."
"On September 13, 2016, First Draft announced a partnership to tackle malicious hoaxes and fake news reports," Attkisson explained. "The goal was supposedly to separate wheat from chaff, to prevent unproven conspiracy talk from figuring prominently in internet searches. To relegate today's version of the alien baby story to a special internet oblivion."
She noted that a month later, then-President Obama chimed in.
"What if the whole anti-fake news campaign was an effort on somebody's part to keep us from seeing or believing certain websites and stories by controversializing them or labeling them as fake news?" Attkisson posited.
Digging deeper, she discovered that Google was one of the big donors behind First Draft's "fake news" messaging. Google's parent company, Alphabet, was run by Eric Schmidt, who happened to be a huge Hillary Clinton supporter.
More here
Shouldn’t the US Return to Its Constitution?
The Constitution (article VI, clause 3) requires that senators and representatives “be bound by oath or affirmation, to support this Constitution.” Do they?
U.S. law requires that members of Congress be sworn in before they can take their seats. Senators and representatives must “solemnly swear” that they “will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” and that they “will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.” Do they?
Regardless of any issues that libertarians have with the Constitution, it is the supreme law of the land that members of Congress are supposed to support, defend, and bear faith and allegiance to. Do they?
They certainly do not. Americans live in a vast welfare state that is not authorized by the Constitution. American live in a country with tremendous interference by the government in business, society, and the economy. I would even go so far to say that 95 percent of what the U.S. government does is unconstitutional.
Yet, the United States is very concerned about other countries following their constitutions.
In a speech at his alma mater—the University of Texas— on February 1, ahead of a five-nation Latin American tour, U.S. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson declared that many people in Latin America “still live under the oppression of tyranny.” He then singled out the regime in Venezuela:
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U.S. law requires that members of Congress be sworn in before they can take their seats. Senators and representatives must “solemnly swear” that they “will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” and that they “will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.” Do they?
Regardless of any issues that libertarians have with the Constitution, it is the supreme law of the land that members of Congress are supposed to support, defend, and bear faith and allegiance to. Do they?
They certainly do not. Americans live in a vast welfare state that is not authorized by the Constitution. American live in a country with tremendous interference by the government in business, society, and the economy. I would even go so far to say that 95 percent of what the U.S. government does is unconstitutional.
Yet, the United States is very concerned about other countries following their constitutions.
In a speech at his alma mater—the University of Texas— on February 1, ahead of a five-nation Latin American tour, U.S. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson declared that many people in Latin America “still live under the oppression of tyranny.” He then singled out the regime in Venezuela:
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52 Percent of Non-Disabled Parents on Food Stamps Do Not Work
The debate surrounding food stamp recipients focuses on able-bodied adults without children, and a report released Thursday found that more than half of parents without disabilities who receive food stamps do not work.
The report, from the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), found that 52 percent of able-bodied parents on food stamps were not working, even though they had no disabilities precluding them from seeking employment.
FGA’s report, which cited the most recent USDA data from fiscal year 2015, added that more than 12 million able-bodied parents use food stamps—nearly three times the number of people in this group who enrolled in food stamps in the year 2000.
The current federal policy states that able-bodied adults without children can only receive benefits from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—the program in charge of food stamps—for three months during a three-year period without working or participating in state-approved job training, according to the USDA’s website.
However, there are no federal policy work requirements after a certain period for those able-bodied parents receiving SNAP benefits.
After looking at how some states that implemented the work requirements noticed a drop in food stamp enrollment and an increase in employment, the authors of the FGA report came up with another proposal for lawmakers to get more people off of welfare.
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The report, from the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), found that 52 percent of able-bodied parents on food stamps were not working, even though they had no disabilities precluding them from seeking employment.
FGA’s report, which cited the most recent USDA data from fiscal year 2015, added that more than 12 million able-bodied parents use food stamps—nearly three times the number of people in this group who enrolled in food stamps in the year 2000.
The current federal policy states that able-bodied adults without children can only receive benefits from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—the program in charge of food stamps—for three months during a three-year period without working or participating in state-approved job training, according to the USDA’s website.
However, there are no federal policy work requirements after a certain period for those able-bodied parents receiving SNAP benefits.
After looking at how some states that implemented the work requirements noticed a drop in food stamp enrollment and an increase in employment, the authors of the FGA report came up with another proposal for lawmakers to get more people off of welfare.
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BuzzFeed Suing DNC For Proof They Were Hacked
BuzzFeed is suing the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee (DNC) to force them to hand over information related to the "Steele Dossier" that might help the news outlet defend itself against a lawsuit lodged by a Russian businessman who was named in the document.
Three separate lawsuits have been launched against BuzzFeed in connection to the January 11, 2017 publication of the dossier, which states that Russian tech executive Aleksej Gubarev used his web hosting companies to hack into the DNC's computer systems.
The dossier, without substantiation, said Gubarev’s U.S.-based global web-hosting companies, XBT and Webzilla, planted digital bugs, transmitted viruses and conducted altering operations against the Democratic Party leadership.
While one key name in the dossier was blackened out by BuzzFeed, Gubarev’s was not. He alleges that he was never contacted for comment, suffering reputational harm in the process. -Foreign Policy
As part of their defense, BuzzFeed issued a subpoena to the DNC for information which might help them defend against Gubarev's lawsuit by verifying claims in the dossier - including "digital remnants left by the Russian state operatives," as well as a full version of the hacking report prepared by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
Since the DNC wouldn't let the FBI look at the server and instead relied on the report prepared by CrowdStrike (founded by Russian expat Dimitri Alperovitch - who sits on the very Anti-Russian Atlantic Council along with Evelyn "oops!" Farkas. The AC is funded by the US State Department, NATO, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukranian Oligarch Victor Pinchuk, who apparently owns the Ukrainian gas company Joe Biden's son is on the board of).
“As part of the discovery process, BuzzFeed is attempting to verify claims in the dossier that relate to the hacking of the DNC,” said BuzzFeed spokesman Matt Mittenhal in a statement. “We’re asking a federal court to force the DNC to follow the law and allow BuzzFeed to fully defend its First Amendment rights.”
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Three separate lawsuits have been launched against BuzzFeed in connection to the January 11, 2017 publication of the dossier, which states that Russian tech executive Aleksej Gubarev used his web hosting companies to hack into the DNC's computer systems.
The dossier, without substantiation, said Gubarev’s U.S.-based global web-hosting companies, XBT and Webzilla, planted digital bugs, transmitted viruses and conducted altering operations against the Democratic Party leadership.
While one key name in the dossier was blackened out by BuzzFeed, Gubarev’s was not. He alleges that he was never contacted for comment, suffering reputational harm in the process. -Foreign Policy
As part of their defense, BuzzFeed issued a subpoena to the DNC for information which might help them defend against Gubarev's lawsuit by verifying claims in the dossier - including "digital remnants left by the Russian state operatives," as well as a full version of the hacking report prepared by cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike.
Since the DNC wouldn't let the FBI look at the server and instead relied on the report prepared by CrowdStrike (founded by Russian expat Dimitri Alperovitch - who sits on the very Anti-Russian Atlantic Council along with Evelyn "oops!" Farkas. The AC is funded by the US State Department, NATO, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukranian Oligarch Victor Pinchuk, who apparently owns the Ukrainian gas company Joe Biden's son is on the board of).
“As part of the discovery process, BuzzFeed is attempting to verify claims in the dossier that relate to the hacking of the DNC,” said BuzzFeed spokesman Matt Mittenhal in a statement. “We’re asking a federal court to force the DNC to follow the law and allow BuzzFeed to fully defend its First Amendment rights.”
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Dem congressional candidate busted trying to hawk stolen ring
A congressional candidate from Wisconsin was busted by the NYPD in her home state when she tried to hawk a ring she ripped off from a Manhattan jewelry store, police said.
Juliet Germanotta — who in campaign literature vowed to keep the state “fiscally responsible by questioning expenses ” — ordered a $4,800 ring from Mikaelians Jewelry on West 47th Street in Midtown on September 19.
But Germanotta, 36, who describes herself as a “proud transgender woman,” claimed the ring she received was not to her liking, and requested her money back, police said.
Instead of sending the real ring back, she sent the store a bogus bauble — and attempted to sell the original.
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Juliet Germanotta — who in campaign literature vowed to keep the state “fiscally responsible by questioning expenses ” — ordered a $4,800 ring from Mikaelians Jewelry on West 47th Street in Midtown on September 19.
But Germanotta, 36, who describes herself as a “proud transgender woman,” claimed the ring she received was not to her liking, and requested her money back, police said.
Instead of sending the real ring back, she sent the store a bogus bauble — and attempted to sell the original.
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http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2018/02/14/dem-congressional-candidate-busted-trying-to-hawk-stolen-ring.html
Dems: Bill Clinton too toxic to campaign in midterms
One of the party's top surrogates has been effectively sidelined by the #metoo movement.
Democrats are looking to embrace the #MeToo moment and rally women to push back on President Donald Trump in the midterms—and they don’t want Bill Clinton anywhere near it.
In a year when the party is deploying all their other big guns and trying to appeal to precisely the kind of voters Clinton has consistently won over, an array of Democrats told POLITICO they’re keeping him on the bench. They don’t want to be seen anywhere near a man with a history of harassment allegations, as guilty as their party loyalty to him makes them feel about it.
“I think it’s pretty tough,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), vice chair of the House Progressive Caucus and one of the leading voices in Congress demanding changes in Washington’s approach to sexual harassment. His presence “just brings up a lot of issues that will be very tough for Democrats. And I think we all have to be clear about what the #MeToo movement was.”
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Democrats are looking to embrace the #MeToo moment and rally women to push back on President Donald Trump in the midterms—and they don’t want Bill Clinton anywhere near it.
In a year when the party is deploying all their other big guns and trying to appeal to precisely the kind of voters Clinton has consistently won over, an array of Democrats told POLITICO they’re keeping him on the bench. They don’t want to be seen anywhere near a man with a history of harassment allegations, as guilty as their party loyalty to him makes them feel about it.
“I think it’s pretty tough,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), vice chair of the House Progressive Caucus and one of the leading voices in Congress demanding changes in Washington’s approach to sexual harassment. His presence “just brings up a lot of issues that will be very tough for Democrats. And I think we all have to be clear about what the #MeToo movement was.”
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The Federal Reserve broke the American economy
The US economy is broken.
I tried to explain that belief often over the past 10 years. I argued that not only was the American economy weak, but it was damaged — broken — by years of too-low interest rates, excessive federal spending and experimental Federal Reserve policies.
Now you are beginning to see what I meant.
Over the past few months, US economic statistics have shown some signs of life. Even inflation picked up last month.
That’s what you saw happen over the past two weeks when there was a massive drop in stock and bond prices — and a huge jump in interest rates.
The modest improvement in US businesses — with the economy growing at an acceptable, but not robust pace of around 3 to 4 percent a year — is causing overreactions by the financial markets.
And that will probably lead to more tightening of interest rates by the Fed than would have occurred otherwise.
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I tried to explain that belief often over the past 10 years. I argued that not only was the American economy weak, but it was damaged — broken — by years of too-low interest rates, excessive federal spending and experimental Federal Reserve policies.
Now you are beginning to see what I meant.
Over the past few months, US economic statistics have shown some signs of life. Even inflation picked up last month.
That’s what you saw happen over the past two weeks when there was a massive drop in stock and bond prices — and a huge jump in interest rates.
The modest improvement in US businesses — with the economy growing at an acceptable, but not robust pace of around 3 to 4 percent a year — is causing overreactions by the financial markets.
And that will probably lead to more tightening of interest rates by the Fed than would have occurred otherwise.
More
'Dubya' on Immigrant Cotton Pickers
Former President George W. Bush, a man whose tenure as president included some things to be admired, stepped into the immigration debate this week in support of the Democrats’ DACA duplicity and deceit.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi, of all places — the capital of the Kingdom of the United Arab Emirates isn’t exactly famous for its advocacy of human rights — Bush offered this tired and out-of-touch rationale for giving illegal aliens citizenship: “Americans don’t want to pick cotton at 105 degrees, but there are people who want to put food on their family’s tables and are willing to do that. We ought to say thank you and welcome them.”
Seriously, he said that. There may be a grain of truth in that remark, but he should have said “broccoli” instead of “cotton,” because cotton harvesting has been mechanized for more than 80 years.
Tucker Carlson’s assessment of Bush’s remarks hits center mass: “This is the magical world of our elites — people who have never had to worry about how illegal immigrants might affect their kids’ schools, or the crime rates in their gated neighborhoods, or the social cohesion of their communities, because they’re insulated from all of that.
Instead, they repeat ‘diversity is our strength’ three times, like a spell, and assume the best will happen. The rest of us, as the former president noted, can say ‘thank you.’”
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Speaking in Abu Dhabi, of all places — the capital of the Kingdom of the United Arab Emirates isn’t exactly famous for its advocacy of human rights — Bush offered this tired and out-of-touch rationale for giving illegal aliens citizenship: “Americans don’t want to pick cotton at 105 degrees, but there are people who want to put food on their family’s tables and are willing to do that. We ought to say thank you and welcome them.”
Seriously, he said that. There may be a grain of truth in that remark, but he should have said “broccoli” instead of “cotton,” because cotton harvesting has been mechanized for more than 80 years.
Tucker Carlson’s assessment of Bush’s remarks hits center mass: “This is the magical world of our elites — people who have never had to worry about how illegal immigrants might affect their kids’ schools, or the crime rates in their gated neighborhoods, or the social cohesion of their communities, because they’re insulated from all of that.
Instead, they repeat ‘diversity is our strength’ three times, like a spell, and assume the best will happen. The rest of us, as the former president noted, can say ‘thank you.’”
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A Viewer Goes Off On WBOC In Support Of President Trump
Hi Amy - I read your article - but hey - can you really blame President Trump. Look at what Maryland has done to him? First off - the Maryland legislature's Democratic lead ship - front loaded legal funds from the 2017 General Assembly session. That's right - Maryland taxpayer's monies. Then - it authorized the Maryland Attorney General - Frosh - to proceed with litigation (overruling and preempting the Governor's prior authorization). http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-hogan-consumer-protection-trump-lawsuits-20180122-story.html
But it gets better - what does the Maryland's AG do - he files not one suit, not two suits, not three suits, but a whole cadre of lawsuits even personally attacking his family. Just how many times do you think our State should be allowed to physically and mentally 'backslap' our President before he should decide to initiate a defensive 'Counterpunch'. IMHO - don't you feel that Maryland deserves to get what it's got coming to it - (Eye for eye - law of retaliation).
Owe - I could go on and on - like how Hillary Clinton robbed Maryland's electoral college delegate count by being awarded all 10 Delegates - whereby in any other State - Trump would have received and garnered at least 7 - Maryland's 10 Electoral votes.
So in my estimation, Trump is definitely starting to Counterpunch Maryland - and with a strong - strong 'LEFT JAB TO THE JAW' of Senate Majority leader Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael Bush, and AG Frosh.
AND - IMHO - DESERVEDLY SO - AND LONG OVERDUE!!
Terrorist Boasts Rosetta Stone Classes, Strawberries n’ Creme Oreos at Gitmo
The U.S. military’s Guantánamo Bay detention center is continuously rewarding an al-Qaeda jihadist-turned-prosecution witness with a “comfortable cabin-style” life of luxury that allows him to garden, paint, exercise, learn English on a personal laptop, cook meals, and even watch American sitcoms, reports the Miami Herald.
Ahmed al Darbi, 42, told the Herald that he evolved from being “a lying, feces-flinging prisoner with a bad behavior record in the maximum-security” segment of the detention center to a “cooperating witness now cloistered in Camp Echo, an annex of the prison compound across the street.”
The Miami Herald article came soon after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 30 to keep the prison open and use it to house newly captured terrorists, which he vowed to do when campaigning for the presidency post.
According to the newly signed executive order, “The United States may transport additional detainees to U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay when lawful and necessary to protect the Nation.”
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Ahmed al Darbi, 42, told the Herald that he evolved from being “a lying, feces-flinging prisoner with a bad behavior record in the maximum-security” segment of the detention center to a “cooperating witness now cloistered in Camp Echo, an annex of the prison compound across the street.”
The Miami Herald article came soon after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 30 to keep the prison open and use it to house newly captured terrorists, which he vowed to do when campaigning for the presidency post.
According to the newly signed executive order, “The United States may transport additional detainees to U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay when lawful and necessary to protect the Nation.”
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Demon voices to school gunman attack cops called 39 times
According to authorities, the gunman who killed 17 people inside a school in Florida told police he heard voices in his head that gave him instructions for the attack.
The voices were described as 'demons' by law enforcement sources, reports ABC News.
Meanwhile, police were called to Nikolas Cruz family's Parkland home 39 times since 2010, according to police records obtained by CNN.
The sheriff's office received a range of emergency calls that included: 'mentally ill person,' 'child/elderly abuse,' 'domestic disturbance,' 'missing person,' and several others.
Cruz moved in with a friend's family sometime after his adoptive mother passed.
The gunman's adoptive mother, Lynda Cruz, died November 1, 2017.
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The voices were described as 'demons' by law enforcement sources, reports ABC News.
Meanwhile, police were called to Nikolas Cruz family's Parkland home 39 times since 2010, according to police records obtained by CNN.
The sheriff's office received a range of emergency calls that included: 'mentally ill person,' 'child/elderly abuse,' 'domestic disturbance,' 'missing person,' and several others.
Cruz moved in with a friend's family sometime after his adoptive mother passed.
The gunman's adoptive mother, Lynda Cruz, died November 1, 2017.
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Senate Amnesty Bills Get Rushed to a Thursday Vote
The Senate’s supposedly open and lengthy debate on immigration and amnesty will likely come to a quick end on Thursday, leaving both Democratic and GOP groups scrambling to find 60 votes before a Senate recess starts on Friday.
The short period means the outcome will be deeply shaped by Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell’s power over the debate rules and by President Donald Trump’s willingness to Tweet a promised veto of any bill he does not meet his popular goals.
“This is going to be done or not done this week,” Sen. John Cornyn, the second-ranking Republicans in the Senate, said Monday. “People had better get to work because the clock is ticking.”
The Senate goes into recess on Friday for a week, allowing home-state voters to meet their Senators and make clear their support for an amnesty, a compromise or opposition to an amnesty. Those voters have plenty of opportunities to make their views clear via many civic groups and websites, such as NumbersUSA, Stop DACA.org or United We Dream or Mark Zuckerberg’s FWD.us.
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The short period means the outcome will be deeply shaped by Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell’s power over the debate rules and by President Donald Trump’s willingness to Tweet a promised veto of any bill he does not meet his popular goals.
“This is going to be done or not done this week,” Sen. John Cornyn, the second-ranking Republicans in the Senate, said Monday. “People had better get to work because the clock is ticking.”
The Senate goes into recess on Friday for a week, allowing home-state voters to meet their Senators and make clear their support for an amnesty, a compromise or opposition to an amnesty. Those voters have plenty of opportunities to make their views clear via many civic groups and websites, such as NumbersUSA, Stop DACA.org or United We Dream or Mark Zuckerberg’s FWD.us.
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FBI Keeps Missing Mass Shooter Warnings
Revelations that the FBI had been warned about Florida high school shooter Nikolaus Cruz fit an all-too-familiar pattern, in which apparent law enforcement errors have preceded mass murders.
The FBI was warned about Cruz after he posted on YouTube saying he was going to become a “professional school shooter.” The agency said they couldn’t identify the user who made the threat, despite Cruz posting under his own name. Five months later, Cruz pulled the fire alarm at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and began shooting his former classmates with his AR-15.
Other mass shooters and terrorists were similarly on the FBI’s radar — or should have been — before they carried out their deadly attacks.
Dylann Roof, who in 2015 shot nine people at a black church in Charleston, was allowed to purchase his weapon in part because of errors by FBI agentsduring the background check process, the agency said.
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The FBI was warned about Cruz after he posted on YouTube saying he was going to become a “professional school shooter.” The agency said they couldn’t identify the user who made the threat, despite Cruz posting under his own name. Five months later, Cruz pulled the fire alarm at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and began shooting his former classmates with his AR-15.
Other mass shooters and terrorists were similarly on the FBI’s radar — or should have been — before they carried out their deadly attacks.
Dylann Roof, who in 2015 shot nine people at a black church in Charleston, was allowed to purchase his weapon in part because of errors by FBI agentsduring the background check process, the agency said.
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Ortiz: Success of Tax Cuts Exposes Hypocrats
Tax cuts are “Armageddon” and “the worst bill in the history of the United States Congress,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in December. They’re “irresponsible, reckless, unjust, and just plain cruel,” said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
“Republicans will rue the day they passed” tax cuts, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). They’re “highway robbery,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and “a heist” added Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
Whoops. What a difference a couple of months make. The early returns are in and tax cuts are an unqualified success. Hundreds of major American companies, which collectively employ millions of Americans, have directed part of their tax savings to significantly raising worker pay.
Walmart, the nation’s biggest employer with 1.4 million U.S. employees, raised its minimum wage to $11 and gave up to $1,000 bonuses to its employees. It turns out tax cuts have done more for entry-level employees than the “Fight for $15” ever has. Paychecks this month are also bigger due to new IRS tax withholding tables taking effect.
According to the Tax Policy Center, the average earner will receive about $135 more a month, and more if they have kids.
Have Democrats apologized for their misguided tax cuts fear-mongering? No. In fact, they’ve doubled down on it, promising to repeal them, which would raise taxes on millions of ordinary Americans, if they retake Congress this fall.
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“Republicans will rue the day they passed” tax cuts, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). They’re “highway robbery,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and “a heist” added Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
Whoops. What a difference a couple of months make. The early returns are in and tax cuts are an unqualified success. Hundreds of major American companies, which collectively employ millions of Americans, have directed part of their tax savings to significantly raising worker pay.
Walmart, the nation’s biggest employer with 1.4 million U.S. employees, raised its minimum wage to $11 and gave up to $1,000 bonuses to its employees. It turns out tax cuts have done more for entry-level employees than the “Fight for $15” ever has. Paychecks this month are also bigger due to new IRS tax withholding tables taking effect.
According to the Tax Policy Center, the average earner will receive about $135 more a month, and more if they have kids.
Have Democrats apologized for their misguided tax cuts fear-mongering? No. In fact, they’ve doubled down on it, promising to repeal them, which would raise taxes on millions of ordinary Americans, if they retake Congress this fall.
More
Opioid Makers Gave $10M to Advocacy Groups amid Epidemic
Companies selling some of the most lucrative prescription painkillers funneled millions of dollars to advocacy groups that in turn promoted the medications' use, according to a report released Monday by a U.S. senator.
The investigation by Missouri's Sen. Claire McCaskill sheds light on the opioid industry's ability to shape public opinion and raises questions about its role in an overdose epidemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of American lives. Representatives of some of the drug makers named in the report said they did not set conditions on how the money was to be spent or force the groups to advocate for their painkillers.
The report from McCaskill, ranking Democrat on the Senate's homeland security committee, examines advocacy funding by the makers of the top five opioid painkillers by worldwide sales in 2015. Financial information the companies provided to Senate staff shows they spent more than $10 million between 2012 and 2017 to support 14 advocacy groups and affiliated doctors.
While the new report provides only a snapshot of company activities, experts said it gives insight into how industry-funded groups fueled demand for drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin, addictive medications that generated billions in sales despite research showing they are largely ineffective for chronic pain.
"It looks pretty damning when these groups were pushing the message about how wonderful opioids are and they were being heavily funded, in the millions of dollars, by the manufacturers of those drugs," said Lewis Nelson, a Rutgers University doctor and opioid expert.
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The investigation by Missouri's Sen. Claire McCaskill sheds light on the opioid industry's ability to shape public opinion and raises questions about its role in an overdose epidemic that has claimed hundreds of thousands of American lives. Representatives of some of the drug makers named in the report said they did not set conditions on how the money was to be spent or force the groups to advocate for their painkillers.
The report from McCaskill, ranking Democrat on the Senate's homeland security committee, examines advocacy funding by the makers of the top five opioid painkillers by worldwide sales in 2015. Financial information the companies provided to Senate staff shows they spent more than $10 million between 2012 and 2017 to support 14 advocacy groups and affiliated doctors.
While the new report provides only a snapshot of company activities, experts said it gives insight into how industry-funded groups fueled demand for drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin, addictive medications that generated billions in sales despite research showing they are largely ineffective for chronic pain.
"It looks pretty damning when these groups were pushing the message about how wonderful opioids are and they were being heavily funded, in the millions of dollars, by the manufacturers of those drugs," said Lewis Nelson, a Rutgers University doctor and opioid expert.
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A Viewer Writes: Q Anon
Are you following the Q Anon phenomenon on the internet? (rhetorical) Conspiracists, such as myself, have been all over it.
In case you haven’t been following it, the gist is someone very close to Trump with Top Secret “Q” clearance is leaking information pertaining to their effort to overthrow the New World Order. One of the easiest ways to check it out is to go to YouTube and search “Q Anon”.
Internet researchers are reporting over 10,000 sealed indictments are an integral part of this. http://www.ascensionwithearth.com/2018/01/massarrests-sealedindictments-9294.html
Q warns, and I would agree, that the causal internet user is probably not ready to believe the severity of the allegations being made and some of the people (both Republicans and Democrats) that they are being made against. Nevertheless, they contend a slow awaken is needed to prep US citizens and prevail in this epic struggle. I am sure that there is no one better than you to decide how much, or how little, if any at all, your audience is ready for; but wanted to be sure that you were aware of this movement, so you can at least contemplate that question.
Keep up the good work.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Heeds Rep. Harris’ Call to Prioritize Funding for Knapps Narrows
“The people of Talbot County depend on Knapps Narrows for the transportation of goods and both commercial and recreational fishing. The completion of this project is greatly overdue, to the point that the water has shoaled from a depth of 9 feet in 2006 to a current controlling depth of 2.6 feet. I thank the Army Corps of Engineers for working with my office and the office of Delegate Johnny Mautz to prioritize and secure funding for this project, and I look forward to its swift completion.”
Suspicious Van In Delmar
Nicole Bennett
Delmar, DE ·
DELMAR FRIENDS!!!!!! be on the lookout for a suspicious white and tan van.... they have been riding around flashing their lights at kids and opening their doors!!!!!! Delmar PD has been notified of the incident!!
Additional information: the van parked at the end of the road for a good 5 minutes...started flashing lights and opening the door ... then left .... about an hour later the same man came back in a different colored van.....
Delmar, DE ·
DELMAR FRIENDS!!!!!! be on the lookout for a suspicious white and tan van.... they have been riding around flashing their lights at kids and opening their doors!!!!!! Delmar PD has been notified of the incident!!
Additional information: the van parked at the end of the road for a good 5 minutes...started flashing lights and opening the door ... then left .... about an hour later the same man came back in a different colored van.....
Saint Nancy
Last Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. an aide to Nancy Pelosi visited the Bishop of the Catholic Cathedral in D.C. He told the Cardinal that Nancy Pelosi would be attending the next day's Mass, and asked if the Cardinal would kindly point out Pelosi to the congregation and say a few words that would include calling Pelosi a saint.
The Cardinal replied, "No. I don't really like the woman, and there are issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over some of Pelosi's views." Pelosi's aide then said, "Look, I'll write a check here and now for a donation of $100,000 to you if you'll just tell the congregation you see Pelosi as a saint."
The Cardinal thought about it and said, "Well, the Church can use the money, so I'll work your request into tomorrow's sermon." As Pelosi's aide promised, Nancy Pelosi appeared for the Sunday worship and seated herself prominently at the forward left side of the center aisle. As promised, at the start of his sermon, the Cardinal pointed out that Ms. Pelosi was present.
The Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation, "While Ms. Pelosi's presence is probably an honor to some, the woman is not numbered among my personal favorite personages. Some of her most egregious views are contrary to tenets of the Church, and she tends to flip-flop on many other issues. Nancy Pelosi is a petty, self-absorbed hypocrite, a thumb sucker, and a nit-wit. Nancy Pelosi is also a serial liar, a cheat, and a thief. I must say, Nancy Pelosi is the worst example of a Catholic I have ever personally witnessed. She married for money and is using her wealth to lie to the American people. She also has a reputation for shirking her Representative obligations both in Washington and in California
The woman is simply not to be trusted."
The Cardinal concluded. “But, when compared with Hillary Clinton, Ms Pelosi is a saint."
The Cardinal replied, "No. I don't really like the woman, and there are issues of conflict with the Catholic Church over some of Pelosi's views." Pelosi's aide then said, "Look, I'll write a check here and now for a donation of $100,000 to you if you'll just tell the congregation you see Pelosi as a saint."
The Cardinal thought about it and said, "Well, the Church can use the money, so I'll work your request into tomorrow's sermon." As Pelosi's aide promised, Nancy Pelosi appeared for the Sunday worship and seated herself prominently at the forward left side of the center aisle. As promised, at the start of his sermon, the Cardinal pointed out that Ms. Pelosi was present.
The Cardinal went on to explain to the congregation, "While Ms. Pelosi's presence is probably an honor to some, the woman is not numbered among my personal favorite personages. Some of her most egregious views are contrary to tenets of the Church, and she tends to flip-flop on many other issues. Nancy Pelosi is a petty, self-absorbed hypocrite, a thumb sucker, and a nit-wit. Nancy Pelosi is also a serial liar, a cheat, and a thief. I must say, Nancy Pelosi is the worst example of a Catholic I have ever personally witnessed. She married for money and is using her wealth to lie to the American people. She also has a reputation for shirking her Representative obligations both in Washington and in California
The woman is simply not to be trusted."
The Cardinal concluded. “But, when compared with Hillary Clinton, Ms Pelosi is a saint."
FBI Scandal Unraveling: Susan Rice Email From Inauguration Day Is "Disturbing"
As if rational-minded humans needed any other evidence that the “Russian collusion” narrative was fabricated, a disturbing email from Susan Rice has surfaced, adding fuel to that fire. Rice was Barack Obama’s ambassador to the United Nations and is most known for her lying in the aftermath of the Benghazi scandal.
Rice has been neck deep in several scandals, including the “unmasking” ordeal that unfolded shortly after Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Senator Lindsey Graham has now described one of Rice’s newly discovered emails as “disturbing,” flinging her head first into the invented Russian collusion scandal.
The recently revealed Inauguration Day email from Susan Rice detailed former President Barack Obama’s guidance at a high-level meeting about how law enforcement should investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election.
According to Fox News, the email first surfaced Monday, when Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Graham, R-S.C., sent the Obama national security adviser a letter, pressing for answers about the email by next week.
“She’s sending herself an email talking about a conversation on January 5 with the president, reassuring herself, and I guess the president, that this would be done by the book,” Graham said Monday night on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum.
“I think that’s odd and disturbing because we know the investigation regarding the Trump campaign was anything but by the book.”
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Rice has been neck deep in several scandals, including the “unmasking” ordeal that unfolded shortly after Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Senator Lindsey Graham has now described one of Rice’s newly discovered emails as “disturbing,” flinging her head first into the invented Russian collusion scandal.
The recently revealed Inauguration Day email from Susan Rice detailed former President Barack Obama’s guidance at a high-level meeting about how law enforcement should investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election.
According to Fox News, the email first surfaced Monday, when Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Graham, R-S.C., sent the Obama national security adviser a letter, pressing for answers about the email by next week.
“She’s sending herself an email talking about a conversation on January 5 with the president, reassuring herself, and I guess the president, that this would be done by the book,” Graham said Monday night on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum.
“I think that’s odd and disturbing because we know the investigation regarding the Trump campaign was anything but by the book.”
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