NEW THINGS: November 2019

Saturday, November 30, 2019

@6:50, , 11/28/19

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1

Broken Promises and Debt Pile Up as Loan Forgiveness Goes Astray

Erica L. Green and Stacy Cowley at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

A federal loan forgiveness program made a promise to students: Stick with your vital but low-wage professions and your debts will be wiped clean. Then they weren’t.

Loan managers like more money. They cheat.

2

Three Women Accuse Gordon Sondland of Sexual Misconduct, Report Says

Neil Vigdor and Alex Traub at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

The publication of the allegations came a week after Mr. Sondland testified before Congress in the impeachment proceedings.

Gordon Sondland remains a witness.

3

Trump Signs Hong Kong Democracy Legislation, Angering China

Emily Cochrane, Edward Wong and Keith Bradsher at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 11 hours ago

The measure, which could lead to sanctions on Chinese officials for cracking down on the protesters, drew bipartisan support from Congress.

Tump does not do diplomacy.

4

Mexican Leader Draws Line on Trump Terrorist Plan: ‘Interventionism: No’

Kirk Semple and Lara Jakes at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The reaction has been swift and negative in Mexico, where officials say American terrorist designations of drug cartels could challenge the nation’s sovereignty. mexico

Mexico is a sovereign nation.

5

Russia Inquiry Review Is Expected to Undercut Trump Claim of F.B.I. Spying

Adam Goldman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The F.B.I. never tried to place undercover agents or informants inside the Trump campaign, a highly anticipated inspector general’s report is expected to find.

Donald Trump is lying again.

6

Problems Pile Up for Boeing as 737 Max Delays Continue

David Gelles and Natalie Kitroeff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The timing is as precarious as ever. Global regulators still need to approve a software fix.

Business is not a good model for life support engineering.

7

William Ruckelshaus, Who Quit in ‘Saturday Night Massacre,’ Dies at 87

Robert D. McFadden at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

As deputy attorney general he refused Nixon’s order to fire the special prosecutor Archibald Cox in the Watergate scandal. He was earlier the E.P.A.’s first leader.

He did his work.

8

Elizabeth Warren Wants to Revoke Medals of Honor for Wounded Knee Massacre

Reid J. Epstein at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

A new Senate bill would rescind medals from 20 U.S. soldiers who slaughtered hundreds of Native Americans. “The horrifying acts of violence against hundreds of Lakota men, women and children at Wounded Knee should be condemned,” Ms. Warren said.

The withdrawal is late but proper.

9

Trump Lawyers, Skeptical of Engaging on Impeachment, Weigh Hearing Strategy

Michael D. Shear at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The White House is debating whether to accept an invitation by Democrats to be part of an impeachment hearing next week, calling it a “sham partisan process.”

Trump is not that stupid.

10

Giuliani Pursued Business in Ukraine While Pushing for Inquiries for Trump

Ben Protess, William K. Rashbaum and Michael Rothfeld at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The president’s private lawyer explored agreements with Ukrainian officials for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Giuliani is that stupid.

11

Basic Impeachment Facts to Keep Handy for Holiday Discussions

Alicia Parlapiano at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

The things that may be relevant when talking to relatives.

Useful talking points.

12

Julián Castro, in Plan to End Hunger, Warns Against Neglecting the Poor

Jennifer Medina at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

“In our politics today, we’ve forgotten to talk about the poor as intently as we’ve fought for the middle class,” Mr. Castro said, proposing free breakfast and lunch for all public school students.

Charity has been replaced with entitlements.
The Republicans want charity.

13

FEMA’s Hurricane Aid to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Has Stalled

Mark Walker, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Christopher Gregory at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Two years after Hurricanes Maria and Irma, records show the agency’s work on long-term recovery on the islands is crawling compared with some states on the mainland.

Trump wants the money for his wall.

14

Bernie Sanders vs. The Machine

Alexander Burns at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

In 1981, he was elected mayor of Burlington. But the city’s bureaucracy showed him that winning wasn’t everything. So he learned how to fight back.

To be continued.

Machine politics is populist.

15

Trump Keeps Losing in Court. But His Legal Strategy Is Winning Anyway.

Charlie Savage at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

As fights over the president’s stonewalling of Congress play out slowly in courts, he is reducing the prospect that voters learn new damaging facts about him before the 2020 election.

Delay is a win.

16

Melania Trump Is Booed While Addressing Students in Baltimore

Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The first lady, who was speaking at an event for youth opioids awareness, rarely elicits such a visceral crowd reaction on her own.

The students know her name.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWvk_WxYO3o

17

At Florida ‘Homecoming’ Rally, Trump Rails Against Familiar Targets

Emily Cochrane at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The president took on the impeachment inquiry, Democrats and the news media in his first return to the state as a formal resident.

Trump does not think.

18

Giuliani Represented Venezuelan Investor in Discussion With Justice Dept.

Kenneth P. Vogel and Ben Protess at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The president’s lawyer met with the head of the department’s criminal division about a money laundering case involving Alejandro Betancourt López.

Disbar and prosecute.

19

Trump Says U.S. Will Designate Drug Cartels in Mexico as Terrorist Groups

Liam Stack and Kirk Semple at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The comments, made in an interview with the former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly, came three weeks after nine American citizens, including six children, were killed in Mexico.

Mexico is a sovereign nation.

Extradite the guilty.

20

In White House Turkey Ceremony, President’s Impeachment Jokes Hit Close to the Bone

Mark Leibovich and Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

“Democrats are accusing me of being too soft on Turkey,” Mr. Trump said in pardoning two white fowls named Bread and Butter.

These birds are not witnesses.
Trump lies early and often.

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Thursday, November 28, 2019

@2:28, , 11/28/19

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1

Three Women Accuse Gordon Sondland of Sexual Misconduct, Report Says

Neil Vigdor and Alex Traub at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

The publication of the allegations came a week after Mr. Sondland testified before Congress in the impeachment proceedings.

An ugly man can be a witness to the actions of an evil man.

Trump Signs Hong Kong Democracy Legislation, Angering China

Emily Cochrane, Edward Wong and Keith Bradsher at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

The measure, which could lead to sanctions on Chinese officials for cracking down on the protesters, drew bipartisan support from Congress.

China is a sovereign nation.

Modify the U.N. charter to make it super national.

Articles of confederation do not function.

There must be a union of nations in one government in the interests of all nations.

The Financial industry must be brought to heel in the interests of the world and its health.

Mexican Leader Draws Line on Trump Terrorist Plan: ‘Interventionism: No’

Kirk Semple and Lara Jakes at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

The reaction has been swift and negative in Mexico, where officials say American terrorist designations of drug cartels could challenge the nation’s sovereignty.

Mexico is a sovereign nation.

The U.S. must refuse to buy and sell opiates to individuals.

As it will not give them up they must be made free of monetary cost to individuals.

Russia Inquiry Review Is Expected to Undercut Trump Claim of F.B.I. Spying

Adam Goldman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

The F.B.I. never tried to place undercover agents or informants inside the Trump campaign, a highly anticipated inspector general’s report is expected to find.

Speculation from established policies.

It is not yet criminal to be a Republican supporting Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security should carry out that function.

Problems Pile Up for Boeing as 737 Max Delays Continue

David Gelles and Natalie Kitroeff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 11 hours ago

The timing is as precarious as ever. Global regulators still need to approve a software fix.

Maximizing stock holder short term return does not build good aircraft.

The Boeing company went from engineering management to business management.

Business management should not build aircraft or other life support systems.

William Ruckelshaus, Who Quit in ‘Saturday Night Massacre,’ Dies at 87

Robert D. McFadden at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 11 hours ago

As deputy attorney general he refused Nixon’s order to fire the special prosecutor Archibald Cox in the Watergate scandal. He was earlier the E.P.A.’s first leader.

I could have voted for him.

Elizabeth Warren Wants to Revoke Medals of Honor for Wounded Knee Massacre

Reid J. Epstein at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

A good idea though an empty gesture.

I cannot make the theft of more than

two continents legitimate.

Trump Lawyers, Skeptical of Engaging on Impeachment, Weigh Hearing Strategy

Michael D. Shear at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

The White House is debating whether to accept an invitation by Democrats to be part of an impeachment hearing next week, calling it a “sham partisan process.”

A confession will not stop the process.

There is no forgiveness of Trump.

Giuliani Pursued Business in Ukraine While Pushing for Inquiries for Trump

Ben Protess, William K. Rashbaum and Michael Rothfeld at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

The president’s private lawyer explored agreements with Ukrainian officials for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

I suspect Rudolph W. Giuliani of being an agent of an Italian mob.

10

Basic Impeachment Facts to Keep Handy for Holiday Discussions

Alicia Parlapiano at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

The things that may be relevant when talking to relatives.

I have not needed this list as yet.

11

Julián Castro, in Plan to End Hunger, Warns Against Neglecting the Poor

Jennifer Medina at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

“In our politics today, we’ve forgotten to talk about the poor as intently as we’ve fought for the middle class,” Mr. Castro said, proposing free breakfast and lunch for all public school students.

IIt is hard to distinguish what was the middle class from the other poor.

12

FEMA’s Hurricane Aid to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Has Stalled

Mark Walker, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Christopher Gregory at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

Two years after Hurricanes Maria and Irma, records show the agency’s work on long-term recovery on the islands is crawling compared with some states on the mainland.

Trump wants money for his wall.
Republicans want money from colonies.
Spanish should not be spoken by U.S. citizens.

13

Bernie Sanders vs. The Machine

Alexander Burns at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

In 1981, he was elected mayor of Burlington. But the city’s bureaucracy showed him that winning wasn’t everything. So he learned how to fight back.

"“He won fair and square,” said Ms. Niedweske, whose appointment as Mr. Sanders’s secretary was briefly blocked. “He was entitled to do what the people had elected him to do.”"

One should say the same for Obama.

14

Trump Keeps Losing in Court. But His Legal Strategy Is Winning Anyway.

Charlie Savage at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

Melania Trump Is Booed While Addressing Students in Baltimore

Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

16

At Florida ‘Homecoming’ Rally, Trump Rails Against Familiar Targets

Emily Cochrane at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

17

Giuliani Represented Venezuelan Investor in Discussion With Justice Dept.

Kenneth P. Vogel and Ben Protess at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

18

Trump Says U.S. Will Designate Drug Cartels in Mexico as Terrorist Groups

Liam Stack and Kirk Semple at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

In White House Turkey Ceremony, President’s Impeachment Jokes Hit Close to the Bone

Mark Leibovich and Annie Karni at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Trump Knew of Whistle-Blower Complaint When He Released Aid to Ukraine

Michael S. Schmidt, Julian E. Barnes and Maggie Haberman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Conspiracy is a crime.

||

@12:30, , 11/26/19 rec+

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1

Science

Fourth Spy Unearthed in U.S. Atomic Bomb Project

By William J. Broad | Nov 23rd 2019

His Soviet code name was Godsend, and he came to Los Alamos from a family of secret agents.

The Soviet Union is long gone.
The security services are examining their presumptions.
Russia has become a new problem.

2

Real Estate

Three Students, $3,000 and a Dream: An Affordable Brooklyn Apartment. Where Did They Wind Up?

By Joyce Cohen | Nov 21st 2019

Two N.Y.U. seniors and a recent graduate joined forces to look for a Brooklyn home that wasn’t ‘too tiny, too dingy or too sketchy.’ Here’s what they found.

My plan is two separate buildings.
A house to your specification and a studio to mine.
You can be commander of the house.
The studio is my command.

3

New York

How Marla Maples Spends Her Sundays

By Hilary Howard | Nov 22nd 2019

Far from the Trump White House, the actress and entrepreneur is pursuing a more spiritual path in Manhattan.

She has a life.
It is an achievement.
That her divorce is the best thing she has done speaks volumes.

4

Movies

The 10 Most Influential Films of the Decade (and 20 Other Favorites)

By Manohla Dargis and A.O. Scott | Nov 25th 2019

Our co-chief film critics say these were the films of the 2010s that made a difference in the world of entertainment and beyond.

Film has a big footprint.
It is most easily seen in retrospect.

I have not been watching.

5

U.S.

Trump Attacks Impeachment Inquiry and Accuses a Witness of Lying

By Eileen Sullivan | Nov 22nd 2019

Mr. Trump said a career diplomat made up a conversation between him and his ambassador to the European Union, dismissing sworn testimony in the impeachment inquiry.

Response is inappropriate.

6

Smarter Living

How to Have Closer Friendships (and Why You Need Them)

By Emma Pattee | Nov 20th 2019

Even if you find it easy to make friends — and it’s not, for most people — getting truly close to people is still difficult. Here’s how to make it easier.

Working on the problem.

7

Opinion

The Day That Decided the 2020 Election

By Timothy Egan | Nov 22nd 2019

Democrats have a road map for victory.

The winning person is not yet decided.

8

Business

Typing These Two Letters Will Scare Your Young Co-Workers

By Caity Weaver | Nov 21st 2019

Everything was O.K. until you wrote “O.K.”

People labor for what passes as love.
Appreciation is a better descriptor.
The intimacy of love is missing.
The accepting dismissal of OK is a
management failure.
Money is never enough.

Punctuation makes all the difference.

9

Opinion

The Revolt Against Populism

By David Brooks | Nov 22nd 2019

These days, the protesters are fighting for freedom.

David Brooks needs to think more.
I also need to think more.

Populists are without leaders.
A revolt can be against pretenders to populism.

Such pretenders say: I will tell you what you want.

10

Style

Face It, Mom and Dad: I’m Not Special

By Jenny Dolan | Nov 22nd 2019

My parents wanted only the best for me. That was the problem.

Hope persists.
It is personal.

One cannot be charitable for another.

11

Opinion

The Double-Barreled Dream World of Trump and His Enablers

By Glenn R. Simpson and Peter Fritsch | Nov 22nd 2019

They wanted to take down Biden. But they also wanted to absolve Moscow of election meddling.

An opinion is a fact.
This is a problem.

12

Opinion

Can the Supreme Court Save Itself?

By Linda Greenhouse | Nov 21st 2019

Two cases threaten to reinforce its image as a political captive of the Trump administration.

I accept Linda Greenhouse's argument.
I must await the justices decision to rise or fall.
I hope they reject Trump's lawyers arguments as they should.

13

U.S.

The Impeachment Witnesses Not Heard

By Peter Baker | Nov 22nd 2019

With its public hearings over, the House Intelligence Committee plans to move forward without testimony by some of the key players in the Ukraine drama.

The impeachment committees must act quickly or be moot.

14

U.S.

Pete Buttigieg Is Struggling With Black Democrats. Here’s Why.

By Reid J. Epstein | Nov 21st 2019

No Democrat in modern times has won the party’s nomination without claiming majorities of black voters, the most crucial voting bloc in South Carolina and an array of delegate-rich states.

Pete Buttigige is not trusted by the apparently black.

15

Opinion

Donald Trump’s Gordon Problem

By Michelle Goldberg | Nov 21st 2019

Republicans tried to throw Gordon Sondland under the bus. He took Trump with him.

Some people are unexpectedly honest.

16

Opinion

Sondland Has Implicated the President and His Top Men

By The Editorial Board | Nov 21st 2019

Congress now needs to hear from more witnesses before an impeachment vote.

More testimony would be good.
It is not necessary.
More would increase the risk to Trump.

17

Opinion

Gordon Sondland Leaves Us With No Other Option

By Noah Bookbinder | Nov 20th 2019

The case is simple, and the evidence supporting impeachment is now crystal clear.

The Republican party is insane.
It is a danger to itself and to others.

18

Opinion

One Thing Trump Gets Right

By Bret Stephens | Nov 21st 2019

Israel’s settlements are not the principal obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.

Only a one state solution is possible.

Israel does not do genocide.

19

Health

‘I Have a Ph.D. in Not Having Money’

By Emma Goldberg | Nov 25th 2019

Medical school is expensive for everyone. But for low-income students, the hidden costs can be prohibitive.

The military will pay if one can stand it.

20

U.S.

Vindman’s Lawyer Asks Fox News to Retract Espionage Allegation

By Danny Hakim | Nov 20th 2019

A guest on the ‘Ingraham Angle,’ a Fox show, suggested that Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, a key figure in the impeachment hearings, was guilty of spying.

Faux news plays to win.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1

Thomas Barrack, a Trump Confidant, Is Targeted by an Investor

Andrew Ross Sorkin and Gregory Schmidt at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

Blackwells Capital has started a campaign to pressure Mr. Barrack, the chairman of President Trump’s inaugural committee, to resign from Colony Capital.

"No Quarter!"

Ruling Will Not Lead John Bolton to Testify Soon, Lawyer Says

Peter Baker at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

Democrats leading the impeachment inquiry have been seeking John Bolton’s testimony, but his lawyer said the ruling in the case of another former White House aide did not apply to him.

"No quarter!"

Plane Breaches D.C. Airspace, Prompting Brief White House, Capitol Lockdown

Michael D. Shear at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

Military aircraft were scrambled over Washington, D.C., after an airplane violated airspace restrictions, prompting a brief lockdown at the White House and on Capitol Hill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRpAANsoG8I

4

Democrats Increasingly Vocal in Calling ‘Medicare for All’ a Political Liability

Lisa Lerer and Katie Glueck at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Party leaders are describing the health care proposal that appeals to the party’s left as a risky bet that could neutralize one of the Democrats’ prime issues in 2020.

Do it in steps as promised.

5

Impeachment Briefing: What Happened Today

Noah Weiland at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

As Congress takes its Thanksgiving break, we’re looking at the next steps in impeachment.

Thinking about tactics.

6

Talking 2020 on Turkey Day

Lisa Lerer at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

Dreading the political debate at your Thanksgiving meal? At least you’re not a political reporter!

Agree to no discussion.

7

Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Disclosure of Trump’s Financial Records

Adam Liptak at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The court set a brisk briefing schedule in the case, which concerns a subpoena from a House committee.

If they looked innocent he would publish.

8

President Trump Signs Federal Animal Cruelty Bill Into Law

Mihir Zaveri at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The bill, called the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, makes intentional acts of cruelty to animals federal crimes carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison.

I will be interested if prosecutions increase.
The bill looks like window dressing.

9

Donald McGahn Must Testify to Congress, Judge Rules; Administration Will Appeal

Charlie Savage at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

A judge rejected the Trump administration’s argument that senior White House officials were immune from congressional subpoenas.

The testimony stays in limbo.

10

Alfred E. Smith IV, M.C. of Catholic Charity Roast, Dies at 68

Sam Roberts at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The great-grandson of a New York governor, he hosted an annual fund-raising dinner that draws the state’s power elite and White House hopefuls.

Beating FDR was a dream.

11

Intelligence Panel to Release Impeachment Report Soon After Thanksgiving

Nicholas Fandos at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

After the report is delivered, another House committee is expected to promptly draft and debate articles of impeachment against President Trump.

It will be carefully drawn.

12

Supreme Court Acts in Campaign Finance and Libel Cases

Adam Liptak at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

The court also turned away an appeal from Adnan Syed, whose case was the subject of the first season of the podcast “Serial.”

The court has entered slavery to a dead idea.

13

Trump Praises Military Dog Conan Amid Fight With Navy

Eileen Sullivan at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

The president presented the dog that took part in a raid that killed the Islamic State’s leader even as he is embroiled in a dispute over a war crimes case.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animals_in_Islam

14

Trump Says He Intervened in War Crimes Cases to Protect ‘Warriors’

Helene Cooper, Maggie Haberman and Thomas Gibbons-Neff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

The defense secretary said that the president had also ordered the Pentagon not to oust a Navy SEAL from that elite unit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldier

15

Did New Hampshire Fall Out of Love With Bernie Sanders?

Reid J. Epstein at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

New Hampshire is as close to a must-win state as Mr. Sanders has, and, despite his overwhelming victory against Hillary Clinton in 2016, winning is far from a sure thing right now.

It is early.

16

At First 2020 Campaign Stop, Bloomberg Boasts What His Money Can Do

Alexander Burns at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

The most consistent theme of the day from Michael Bloomberg’s first in-person appearance as a presidential candidate was not the size of the crowd but the size of how much he’s spent on building political good will.

Bloomberg was a big improvement on Giuliani.
The financial business love him.
I do not love the financial business.
It views me as food.

17

U.S. Resumes Large-Scale Operations Against ISIS in Northern Syria

Eric Schmitt at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

After a lull of several weeks, American troops and Syrian Kurdish fighters are once again conducting large-scale counterterrorism missions.

Trump lost his legitimacy.
He is not dependable.

18

On Abortion Rights, 2020 Democrats Move Past ‘Safe, Legal and Rare’

Maggie Astor at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Democratic presidential candidates don’t want to simply defend abortion rights. They want to go on offense.

There is no beyond "safe, legal, and rare".
Full birth control will make it rare.
There should be no unwanted children.

19

Black Voters to Black Candidates: Representation Is Not Enough

Astead W. Herndon at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Joe Biden leads with black voters, and Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders are making better inroads with younger ones than Kamala Harris and Cory Booker. In interviews, voters rejected the idea that racial representation equated to change.

I agree.
Equality is the goal.

Equality is the reparation that matters.

20

Could Donald Jr. or Lara Trump Run for Office in New York, and Win?

J. David Goodman at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

A poll showed Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, would win a primary for a Long Island congressional seat by more than 30 points.

On Long Island they could.

||

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

@16:30, , 11/24/19

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1

University to Students on Medicaid: Buy Private Coverage, or Drop Out

Sarah Kliff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Just as Idaho expands Medicaid to cover thousands of low-income residents, Brigham Young University’s campus there will no longer accept the free government insurance program.

An intentional Catch 22

The poor are punished again.

Michael Bloomberg Joins 2020 Democratic Field for President

Alexander Burns at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Mr. Bloomberg brings a huge personal fortune and moderate views to an increasingly fluid race, but issues like criminal justice and his late start loom as vulnerabilities.

Michael Bloomberg is not presidential.

He was a big improvement as Mayor.

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – November 24, 2019

Tony Wikrent at Ian Welsh - 8 hours ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – November 24, 2019 by Tony Wikrent Economics Action Group, North Carolina Democratic Party Progressive Caucus Strategic Political Economy Mike Pompeo scorns the law because powerful men like him never have to follow it Robert Fisk [Independent, via Naked Capitalism 11-22-19]Dylan Ratigan: The Super Rich Have No Country. [YouTube, via […]

No lies.

Worthy of attention.

Internet Companies Prepare to Fight the ‘Deepfake’ Future

Cade Metz at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

Researchers are creating tools to find A.I.-generated fake videos before they become impossible to detect. Some experts fear it is a losing battle.

Disrust videos. They are expensive for their content. They must be worth their cost to the producers.

Trying Out a Life on the Hill

Susan Dominus at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

The two House members whom a reporter followed since January were new to Congress. So was the reporter.

Learning has occurred.

New Documents Reveal Details of Pompeo’s Role in Ukraine Affair

Edward Wong and Kenneth P. Vogel at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

Emails and documents released by the State Department support testimony showing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo enabled the Ukrainian pressure campaign at the center of the impeachment proceedings.

Life is details.

Details integrate.

Sometimes they converge.

Open Thread

Ian Welsh at Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use the comments to this post to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

Sooner is better. As soon as you can is best.

I was near ignorant. I have not changed.

Navy Is Said to Proceed With Disciplinary Plans Against Edward Gallagher

Maggie Haberman, Helene Cooper and Dave Philipps at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Top military officials threatened to resign or be fired if their plans to remove Chief Gallagher from the SEALs were halted by President Trump, administration officials said.

The secretary has resigned under pressure.

Chief Gallagher keeps his rank for the moment.

He should put his papers in soonest.