@20:20, , 2/24/21

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1

The Words That Are In and Out With the Biden Administration

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

“The president has been clear to all of us — words matter, tone matters and civility matters,” said Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary.

 

Biden understands that calling  the Republican party a basket of deplorables is not a way to their votes.

2

The Betrayal At The Heart of Sanders, AOC and Corbyn’s Refusal To Use Power

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 10 hours ago

You’ve probably heard of Macnhin. Conservative Democratic Senator. With a 50/50 Senate and few Republican Senators willing to cross the aisle, Manchin has been having a field day: he’s been determining much of what can be done by Democrats, since without him they can’t get votes thru the Senate. Manchin’s mostly using this for evil, […]

 

Ian Welsh is angry at the political world for not being his ideal. 

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

3

Romney predicts Trump would win the 2024 G.O.P. nomination if he ran for president.

Thomas Kaplan, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

“I would probably be getting behind somebody who I thought more represented the tiny wing of the Republican Party that I represent,” Mr. Romney said.

 

Senator Mitt Romney of Utah is a long way fron Bos-Wash.

 

4

2020 was the safest year for state legislative incumbents in a decade, a study finds.

Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

 

National Democrats were concentrated on the presidency.

 

5

After Russian Cyberattack, Looking for Answers and Debating Retaliation

David E. Sanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 14 hours ago

Key senators and corporate executives warned at a hearing on Tuesday that the “scope and scale” of the hacking of government agencies and companies, the most sophisticated in history, were still unclear.

 

Breaking and  entering is not axe murder.

6

In Stimulus Debate, Senate Parliamentarian Holds Broad Sway

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Little known outside the Capitol, Elizabeth MacDonough could make or break key elements of President Biden’s stimulus plan. Senators are competing to win her over.

 

The parliamentarian is supposed to be politically neutral.

 

This one is a Republican.

 

7

Biden and Trudeau Renew the Ties Put to the Test by Trump

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

“The United States has no closer friend than Canada,” President Biden told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Mr. Biden’s first virtual meeting with a foreign leader.

 

Biden knows to do diplomacy.

 

8

Blinken, Without Leaving Home, Tries to Mend Fences With Allies Abroad

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The secretary of state has postponed diplomatic travel during the coronavirus pandemic, which experts say is a challenge at a moment of flux in the world.

 

Winken, Blinken, and Nod . . .

 

Most of the world has "smart"phones.

9

Ex-Security Officials Spread Blame for Failures of Capitol Riot

Luke Broadwater and Michael S. Schmidt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Former Capitol security officials gave sometimes conflicting accounts in the first high-profile public hearing on the attack by a pro-Trump mob.

 

The Captain is always responsible.

 

10

How Is the Fed Thinking About Unemployment?

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

Our economics reporter gives a rundown on the real unemployment rate, stimulus checks and inflation.

 

The conservative positions on gender are silly.

Almost as silly as Republican positions on federal debt.

 

 

11

Liz Cheney says G.O.P. must ‘make clear that we aren’t the party of white supremacy.’

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

“We will right the unforgivable wrongs of Jan. 6,” Ms. Cheney said at a virtual foreign policy event on Tuesday, referring to the attack on the Capitol.

 

Nixon's Southern strategy made the GOP the party of White Supremacy.

12

With Biden Behind on Confirmations, Senators Are Overloaded With Hearings

Zach Montague, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

Senators pressed through hours of backlogged confirmation hearings on Tuesday as pressure intensified to get the president’s cabinet picks through the process.

 

The Republicans are fighting the Biden administration,

 

13

Morgan State Gets $20 Million Pledge From Former Student

Stephanie Saul, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The gift will help Morgan State University, a historically Black college, finance scholarships for financially needy students.

 

Endowments beget elites.

 

14

Capitol Hill’s busy day: Confirmation hearings, updates on the Russian hacking attack and more.

Karen Zraick, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

 

The executive offices are going to work.

 

Republican oppinion views this as "deep state" socialism.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_M._Buchanan

15

Deb Haaland, interior secretary nominee, says she will enact ‘Biden’s agenda, not my own’ on fossil fuels.

Coral Davenport, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/climate/deb-haaland-interior-secretary.html

The Republicans are resisting voting.

 

16

Migrants in Mexico Face Confusion at Border

Zolan Kanno-Youngs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

President Biden is trying to untangle an interlocking web of Trump-era border restrictions, leading for now to disparate treatment of migrants and rampant confusion.

 

Trump intended to seal the borders.

 

17

Senate Confirms Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Biden’s Ambassador to the U.N.

Pranshu Verma and Rick Gladstone, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

As America’s top representative to the United Nations, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield has said she will set about restoring alliances.

 

Paying the U.N. dues would go a long way on that path.

 

18

Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny to Write Political Thriller

Alexandra Alter, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

“State of Terror,” set for release in October, is about a secretary of state confronting terrorism threats and a weakened nation.

 

It will be a best seller.

 

19

‘Diplomacy Is Back’: Linda Thomas-Greenfield Is Confirmed as Biden’s U.N. Envoy

Pranshu Verma and Rick Gladstone, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

Ms. Thomas-Greenfield, a career diplomat, will go the U.N. calling for the United States to re-engage with the global body, while dealing with Republican concerns about her prior remarks on China.

 

Paying the U.N. dues would go a long way on that path.

 

20

New York prosecutors are set to review eight years of Trump’s tax returns.

Mike McIntire, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

 

The prosecutors have the records.

 

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

 

1

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/07/world/middleeast/jamal-khashoggi-sentence.html

 

There will be no war with Saudi.

 

2

After the Riot, What’s the Future of Art in the Capitol?

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 27 minutes ago

Built largely by enslaved people, the building includes just one small object honoring their work.

 

See that the tourguides and guide books credit the slave labor in the structures.

 

Slavery was abolished in the Confederate States by the emancipatiion proclamation and eradicated

by the thirteenth amendment.   Andrew Johnson can continue to spin.

3

Biden Seeks More Control Over Postal Service With New Appointments

Thomas Kaplan and Hailey Fuchs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 34 minutes ago

The president nominated three people to the beleaguered agency’s board on a day when the postmaster general, Louis DeJoy, a major Republican donor, faced questioning on Capitol Hill.

 

The Postal Service is a congressional construct and was a regulated and subsidized monopoly.

It was and should be a Civil service.

4

Amid Shortfalls, Biden Signs Executive Order to Bolster Critical Supply Chains

Jim Tankersley and Ana Swanson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 35 minutes ago

The order is intended to help insulate the economy from future shortages of critical imported components by making the United States less reliant on foreign supplies.

 

This smells of nationalization as it should.

Fiduciary responsibility in combination with corporate ownership is a disaster.

 

5 

Haaland, With a Key Vote in Her Column, Appears Headed for Confirmation

Coral Davenport, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 56 minutes ago

Senator Joe Manchin III, who oversees the confirmation hearing, said he would support Representative Deb Haaland, President Biden’s nominee to lead the Interior Department.

 

The vote has not happened yet.

 

6

Johnson & Johnson’s Vaccine Works Well and May Curb Virus Spread

Carl Zimmer, Noah Weiland and Sharon LaFraniere, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

F.D.A. studies show the shot strongly protects against severe illness and may reduce spread of the virus. But the drugmaker has fallen short of initial production goals.

 

More vaccine that works is better.

 

7

Capitol Riot Costs Will Exceed $30 Million, Official Tells Congress

Emily Cochrane and Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The architect of the Capitol and other officials told lawmakers that the physical and psychological toll of the Jan. 6 riot — including damaged artifacts and staff trauma — will be extensive.

 

A failled coup_d%27etat is always expensive.

It is a hostile take over.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/coup_d%27etat 

8

Biden Looks to a Consensus Builder to Heal a Democratic Rift on Trade

Ana Swanson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

Katherine Tai, the Biden administration’s nominee for trade representative, will set the course for the Democrats’ worker-focused approach to trade.

 

It is a compromise.

 

9

The Words That Are In and Out With the Biden Administration

Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

“The president has been clear to all of us — words matter, tone matters and civility matters,” said Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary.

 

The Whitehouse will speak with one voice.

The Captain is always responsible.  

 

10

Biden’s C.I.A. Pick Warns of China and Russia at Amicable Confirmation Hearing

Julian E. Barnes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The nominee, William J. Burns, appears likely to win bipartisan support from senators.

 

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

Delay, linger, and wait       No vote yet.

 

11

On the Front Lines of Diplomacy, but at the Back of the Line for a Vaccine

Lara Jakes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

State Department officials overseas expressed anger and disappointment that diplomats in Washington were being vaccinated before those in more perilous posts.

 

The vaccine rollout was sabotaged by Trump or his accomplices.

 

12

Fanne Foxe, Who Plunged Into the Tidal Basin and Emerged Famous, Dies at 84

Robert D. McFadden, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

A stripper known as “the Argentine Firecracker,” she was at the center of a political sex scandal that rocked Washington in the 1970s.

 

"Until the Tidal Basin episode, Mr. Mills had been one of the most powerful members of Congress, an 18-term Arkansas Democrat " 

Bill Clinton should have learned.

13

A Top Democrat Warns Against a Hasty Withdrawal of U.S. Troops From Afghanistan

Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

Senator Jack Reed said he favored seeking an extension of the May 1 deadline for withdrawing troops that President Donald Trump and the Taliban negotiated last year.

 

The Quislings should not be abandoned.

 

14

Cherokee Nation Addresses Bias Against Descendants of Enslaved People

Mark Walker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

The tribe’s Supreme Court excised language from its constitution that limited the citizenship rights of descendants of Black people who had been enslaved by the tribe before the Civil War.

 

A proper action.

 

15

Romney predicts Trump would win the 2024 G.O.P. nomination if he ran for president.

Thomas Kaplan, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

 

Utah lost its religious war.

 

16

The Betrayal At The Heart of Sanders, AOC and Corbyn’s Refusal To Use Power

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 19 hours ago

You’ve probably heard of Macnhin. Conservative Democratic Senator. With a 50/50 Senate and few Republican Senators willing to cross the aisle, Manchin has been having a field day: he’s been determining much of what can be done by Democrats, since without him they can’t get votes thru the Senate. Manchin’s mostly using this for evil, […]

 

https://www.ianwelsh.net/running-before-the-wind/

 

Ian Welsh believes in hard currency.

That is ignorance.

 

17

After Russian Cyberattack, Looking for Answers and Debating Retaliation

David E. Sanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

Key senators and corporate executives warned at a hearing on Tuesday that the “scope and scale” of the hacking of government agencies and companies, the most sophisticated in history, were still unclear.

Rusia was never a slouch at mathmatics.

Cryptanalysis is mother's milk.

 

18

In Stimulus Debate, Senate Parliamentarian Holds Broad Sway

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

Little known outside the Capitol, Elizabeth MacDonough could make or break key elements of President Biden’s stimulus plan. Senators are competing to win her over.

 

She is the choice of the Republicans.

 

19

Biden and Trudeau Renew the Ties Put to the Test by Trump

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

“The United States has no closer friend than Canada,” President Biden told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Mr. Biden’s first virtual meeting with a foreign leader.

 

Diplomacy helps.

 

20

Ex-Security Officials Spread Blame for Failures of Capitol Riot

Luke Broadwater and Michael S. Schmidt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Former Capitol security officials gave sometimes conflicting accounts in the first high-profile public hearing on the attack by a pro-Trump mob.

 

Keep looking.

 

 

 

 

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@14:23, , 2/23/21

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1

Perdue Will Not Challenge Warnock for Georgia Senate Seat

Glenn Thrush, Jonathan Martin and Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 58 minutes ago

The announcement came just a week after Mr. Perdue, a former senator and a Republican, said he had filed paperwork for a possible campaign, and just days after a meeting with Donald Trump.

 

Donald  Trump will not recover politically.

2

Xavier Becerra, Health Secretary Pick, Faces Tough Confirmation Hearing

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

If confirmed, he would be the first Latino to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

 

A proper choice.

 

3

Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny to Write Political Thriller

Alexandra Alter, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

“State of Terror,” set for release in October, is about a secretary of state confronting terrorism threats and a weakened nation.

 

Everyone will think the whitewash is too thin.

The Republican party did the first draft.

 

4

Senate Confirms Linda Thomas-Greenfield AS Biden’s Ambassador to the U.N.

Pranshu Verma and Rick Gladstone, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

As America’s top representative to the United Nations, Ms. Thomas-Greenfield has said she will set about restoring alliances.

 

Reestablishing diplomatic relations will cost the U.S.

 

5

Trump’s Tax Returns Aren’t the Only Crucial Records Prosecutors Will Get

Mike McIntire, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

For all that they reveal, tax returns have limitations. Other records from the former president’s accountants may help give a fuller picture of his finances.

 

Trump is no longer immune to contempt of court.

6

Bipartisan Senate Inquiry on Capitol Riot Will Begin With Scrutiny of Security Failures

Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

A hearing on Tuesday will feature the testimony of the top two security officials at the Capitol on Jan. 6, who have since resigned, as well as police officials who responded to the riot.

 

A story has been established.

 

7

What the Bond Market Is Telling Us About the Biden Economy

Neil Irwin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

A recent rise in interest rates hints that a recovery is on the way, but it could also mean harder choices ahead on spending.

 

The bond market is hopeful.

The bond market is always hopeful.

 

8

What the Bond Market Is Telling Us About the Biden Economy

Neil Irwin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

A recent rise in interest rates hints that a recovery is on the way, but it could also mean harder choices ahead on spending.

 

The economy will boom when it is opened.  

The boom will crash if Covid-19 is  not supressed when the economy is opened.

9

Capitol Riot Senate Investigation: Time, Streaming and More Details

Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

A Senate hearing on Tuesday will feature the testimony of the top two security officials who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as police officials who responded to the riot.

 

The plot line is written.

 

10

The Capitol Riot Investigation: What to Watch For Today

Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

A Senate hearing on Tuesday will feature the testimony of the top two security officials who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as police officials who responded to the riot.

 

The Times will tell all about it in excrutiating detail.

 

11

Biden Marks Covid-19 Deaths Milestone in Emotional Ceremony

David E. Sanger and Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

Speaking somberly and drawing on his own personal experience, President Biden sought not only to honor the dead, but also to comfort those who have lost loved ones.

 

Biden does that part of the job well.

 

12

The Core Social Principles of Ideologies

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 15 hours ago

Every ideology has a few core principles: guiding lights, or pole-stars, which believers should use to guide themselves. The fundamental proposition; the IDEAL, of Confucian government, is that the rulers should govern as if they are benevolent parents. If they do not do so, they are not legitimate, but tyrants. The fundamental proposition of feudalism […]

 

Ian Welsh is not wrong except that he is a puritan.

"Make things as simple as possible but no simpler!"   Einstein

13

Supreme Court Denies Trump’s Bid to Conceal Taxes and Financial Records

Adam Liptak, William K. Rashbaum, Ben Protess and Benjamin Weiser, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The former president’s accountants will give New York prosecutors the financial records he has spent years trying to shield.

 

The Supreme Court is perhaps functioning.

 

14

Supreme Court Won’t Hear Pennsylvania Election Case on Mailed Ballots

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

In dissent, three justices said the court should have used the case to provide guidance in future elections.

 

The process of voting belongs to the several sovereign states.

 

15

State Lawmakers Defy Governors in a Covid-Era Battle for Power

Trip Gabriel, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

Legislators across the country, mostly Republicans, are moving to strip the powers of governors, many of them Democrats, who have taken on extraordinary authority to fight the pandemic.

 

The Covid-19 emergency is not over.  Emergency powers should continue.

 

16

Garland, at Confirmation Hearing, Vows to Fight Domestic Extremism

Katie Benner and Charlie Savage, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

President Biden’s nominee for attorney general told the Senate Judiciary Committee that investigating the Capitol riot would be his first priority.

 

The N.Y, Times must moderate its language though not its politics.

 

17

Nevada Is Moving to Vote Before Iowa in 2024. Harry Reid Makes the Case.

Jennifer Medina, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

Goodbye, Iowa and New Hampshire. Hello, Nevada and South Carolina? The former Nevada senator is just one voice arguing that it’s time to change the nomination calendar.

 

The order of the selection of candidates for the electoral college is a matter for the individual states.

People must take it to the party organizations.

 

18

Supreme Court to Hear Cases on Abortion Referrals and Immigration

Adam Liptak, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The cases, both challenges to Trump administration initiatives, may become moot if the Biden administration reverses course.

 

"Under the court’s ordinary schedule, the cases will be argued in the fall. But they may be moot by then, as President Biden has signaled that his administration is reconsidering both measures."

 

19

Why Biden Is Tackling Immigration Now

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

With polls showing broad support for reform, Democrats want to pass major legislation — before 2022.

 

The Democratic Party has only thin control of legislation.   The Republican opposiion

Would like to continue the racist policies used by Donald Trump. 

20

Vaccines Adapted for Variants Will Not Need Lengthy Testing, F.D.A. Says

Noah Weiland, Katie Thomas and Carl Zimmer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

The agency’s new guidance will speed the development of vaccines that protect against more contagious variants of the coronavirus.

 

 Cost is the least of the worries.

 

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@16:30, , 2/22/21

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 1

Did Washington Just Have an Actual Weekend?

Katie Rogers, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

President Biden is uninterested in generating headlines, which only emphasizes how the Trump-size hole in Washington has created a sense of free time in the capital — psychically, if not literally.

 

Most of  Washington had a break.

2

Congressional Committee Presses Cable Providers on Election Fraud Claims

Rachel Abrams, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Before a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Democratic members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee asked cable companies what they did to combat “the spread of misinformation.”

 

The notoriously free press follows the orders of their paymasters.

 

3

Cruz and Cuomo Face Scandal. Trump Can’t Save Them.

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

Without Donald Trump dominating the political conversation, politicians’ audacious behavior isn’t so quickly subsumed.

 

Cruze will have to deal with Cancune.  

Cuomo can probably just keep governing.

 

4

On the Post-Pandemic Horizon, Could That Be an Economic Boom?

Ben Casselman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Signs of economic life are picking up, and mounds of cash are waiting to be spent as the virus loosens its grip.he

 

Any early boom will be a Covid-19 disaster.  

Contact drives contagion.

5

Nevada Is Moving to Vote Before Iowa in 2024. Harry Reid Makes the Case.

Jennifer Medina, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Goodbye, Iowa and New Hampshire. Hello, Nevada and South Carolina? The former Nevada senator is just one voice arguing that it’s time to change the nomination calendar.

 

This is noise.

 

6

On Federal Appeals Courts, a Spike in Partisanship

Adam Liptak, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Partisan alignments used to be rare when full appeals courts reconsidered the decisions of three-judge panels. But that changed in the Trump era.

 

Partisan decisions kept Trump in office.

Economic distress is obvious to everyone.

It is not a basis for legal decisions.

 

7

Tough Sanctions, Then a Mysterious Last-Minute Turnabout

Eric Lipton, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The Treasury Department slapped sanctions on the Israeli billionaire Dan Gertler in 2017 for corruption in Africa. In Donald Trump’s final days in office, they were rolled back with no explanation.

 

Trump wanted the Jewish vote.

He did not get it.

 

8

Iran Curbs Nuclear Inspectors, but Appears to Leave Space for a Deal

David E. Sanger and Farnaz Fassihi, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The new limits appeared to be lighter than the country had threatened, giving Western nations three months to see if they can revive the 2015 nuclear agreement.

 

Iran needs the nuclear deal soon.   

Joining the world market will please people.

 

9

National Guard Deployment at the Capitol Riot Was Delayed by Confusion and Inaction

Mark Mazzetti and Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

As violence grew out of control on Jan. 6, the head of the Capitol Police made an urgent request for the National Guard. It took nearly two hours to be approved.

 

The sergents at arms were corrupt is a trivial answer.

There was no reason to corrupt them.

 

10

Week-end Wrap – Politi

cal Economy – Febru

ary 21, 2021

Tony Wikrent, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – February 21, 2021 by Tony Wikrent Strategic Political Economy Nietzsche’s Marginal Children: On Friedrich Hayek. Corey Robin [The Nation, May 7, 2013] Why have marxists and socialists failed so spectacularly in opposing movement conservatism and neoliberalism? I think one major factor is an intellectual infatuation with Nietzsche, which blinds them to […]

 

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

 

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Maynard_Keynes      A counter iritant.

I can read Paul Krugman    He keeps out of most of the weeds.

I will read the Austrians one of these years.

11

How Democrats Are Already Maneuvering to Shape Biden’s First Supreme Court Pick

Jonathan Martin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Party leaders are urging President Biden not only to consider racial diversity in potential Supreme Court nominees, but to look at candidates who don’t come from a traditional Ivy League background.

 

Democrats fight to think.

They vote against unearned privelege.

 

12

Justice Dept. Is Said to Be Examining Stone’s Possible Ties to Capitol Rioters

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

A full criminal investigation is far from certain, a person familiar with the inquiry said.

 

Another conviction would please me.  

I have little hope of one.

 

13

Democrats’ Big Tent Helped Them Win. Now It Threatens Biden’s Agenda.

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

The party’s ideological blend of moderates and progressives carried it to power in Washington, but elements of that coalition could block the most ambitious parts of President Biden’s agenda.

 

Biden made few promises.

He needs all the Democratic senators to pass legislation.

14

Garland Says as Attorney General He Would Combat Domestic Extremism

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The judge is also expected to affirm his commitment to equal justice under the law and to vow to root out widespread discrimination.

 

Domestic extremism is hard to prosecute.

 

15

Trump Schedules Address Before CPAC Next Sunday

Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The former president will make his first lengthy remarks since leaving office before the annual conference of conservatives Feb. 28.

 

Cancel culture is everywhere.

 

16

Seeking Fresh Start With Iraq, Biden Avoids Setting Red Lines With Iran

Lara Jakes and Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The administration’s measured response to a rocket attack in Erbil sharply contrasts with a Trump-era campaign against Iran that, more often than not, caught Iraq in the crossfire.

 

Biden wants out of South Asia.  

He will go one step at a time.

 

17

Where Will Rush Limbaugh’s 15 Million Listeners Go Now?

Michael M. Grynbaum, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

No one will have a megaphone like his again. But podcasters, “26-year-old conservatives on Instagram”

and Sean Hannity all fill the void.

 

This group is best fragmented. 

18

Democrats Beat Trump in 2020. Now They’re Asking: What Went Wrong?

Alexander Burns, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Disappointed by down-ballot losses, Democratic interest groups are joining forces to conduct an autopsy of the election results. Republicans do not yet seem willing to reckon with the G.O.P.’s major defeats.

 

The Republicans are bitter about their defeats.

 

19

Democrats Beat Trump in 2020. Now They’re Asking: What Went Wrong?

Alexander Burns, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Disappointed by down-ballot losses, Democratic interest groups are joining forces to conduct an autopsy of the election results. Republicans do not yet seem willing to reckon with the G.O.P.’s major defeats.

 

The Republicans put their best efforts into down ballot races.

 

20

Who Will Be the Next F.D.A. Chief?

Sheila Kaplan, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Two leading contenders generate wider debate about the leadership needed to restore morale and scientific integrity to an agency battered by the politicized Trump administration.

 

Biden has the power and a staff to decide the prize.

 

 

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@7:20, , 2/21/12

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1

Democrats’ Big Tent Helped Them Win. Now It Threatens Biden’s Agenda.

Astead W. Herndon, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The party’s ideological blend of moderates and progressives carried it to power in Washington, but elements of that coalition could block the most ambitious parts of President Biden’s agenda.

 

Many people are not believers in democracy.

Most are Republicans.

 

2

How Democrats Are Already Maneuvering to Shape Biden’s First Supreme Court Pick

Jonathan Martin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The president’s promise to nominate a Black woman to the court has set off efforts to champion candidates and convince the White House to forego the usual elite credentials.

 

Vice President Kamala Harris is a potential justice that pops into my mind.

 

3

Garland Says as Attorney General He Would Combat Domestic Extremism

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

The judge is also expected to affirm his commitment to equal justice under the law and to vow to root out widespread discrimination.

 

Garland could be a replacement vice president. 

4

Justice Dept. Is Said to Be Examining Stone’s Possible Ties to Capitol Rioters

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

A full criminal investigation is far from certain, a person familiar with the inquiry said.

 

The persecution of Donald Trump would please me.

It is not as important as educating the insurgents

 

5.

Trump Schedules Address Before CPAC Next Sunday

Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

The former president will make his first lengthy remarks since leaving office before the annual conference of conservatives Feb. 28.

 

No one might listen at CPAC.

 

6

Seeking Fresh Start With Iraq, Biden Avoids Setting Red Lines With Iran

Lara Jakes and Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The administration’s measured response to a rocket attack in Erbil sharply contrasts with a Trump-era campaign against Iran that, more often than not, caught Iraq in the crossfire.

 

Victory for Iran is not on offer.

Biden is not asking Iran to surrender.

Iran wants real relief.

 

7

Where Will Rush Limbaugh’s 15 Million Listeners Go Now?

Michael M. Grynbaum, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

No one will have a megaphone like his again. But podcasters, “26-year-old conservatives on Instagram” and Sean Hannity all fill the void.

 

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

 

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44105/holy-sonnets-at-the-round-earths-imagind-corners-blow

 

8

Biden Tells Allies ‘America Is Back,’ but Macron and Merkel Push Back

David E. Sanger, Steven Erlanger and Roger Cohen, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

All three leaders seemed to recognize, though, that their first virtual encounter was a moment to celebrate the end of the “America First” era.

 

Biden would end the legend of Aerican exceptionalism. 

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(ideology)

9

Republicans Struggle to Derail Increasingly Popular Stimulus Package

Emily Cochrane and Jim Tankersley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

A $1.9 trillion rescue plan polls strongly across the country, including with many Republican voters, despite a scattershot series of attacks from congressional Republicans.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(heresy)

 

10

Democrats Beat Trump in 2020. Now They’re Asking: What Went Wrong?

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

Disappointed by down-ballot losses, Democratic interest groups are joining forces to conduct an autopsy of the election results. Republicans do not yet seem willing to reckon with the G.O.P.’s major defeats.

 

"All politics is local"  was neglected.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(ideology)

11

Democrats Beat Trump in 2020. Now They’re Asking: What Went Wrong?

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

Disappointed by down-ballot losses, Democratic interest groups are joining forces to conduct an autopsy of the election results. Republicans do not yet seem willing to reckon with the G.O.P.’s major defeats.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(heresy)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americanism_(ideology) 

Racism is unfashionable.

12

Cruz and Cuomo Face Scandal. Trump Can’t Save Them.

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Without Donald Trump dominating the political conversation, politicians’ audacious behavior isn’t so quickly subsumed.

 

Trump is not filling the leads.

 

13

Who Will Be the Next F.D.A. Chief?

Sheila Kaplan, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Two leading contenders generate wider debate about the leadership needed to restore morale and scientific integrity to an agency battered by the politicized Trump administration.

 

Biden will make the choice.

 

14

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

 

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

 

15

Justice Dept. Confronts Increasingly Complex Capitol Riot Inquiry

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Additional prosecutors and agents around the country have been assigned to the investigation as officials try to manage it and stave off a backlog in the courts.

 

A backlog in the courts may be a plan "B".

 

16

Neera Tanden, Biden’s Budget Nominee, Faces Challenge to Confirmation

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

Senator Joe Manchin III said he would oppose President Biden’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a move that could scuttle her chances.

 

Biden knows how to bargain.

 

17

With Vaccine Delay, Biden Warns of Uncertain End to Pandemic

Noah Weiland, Katie Thomas and Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

On a visit to a vaccine manufacturing plant in Michigan, President Biden said the nation could be “approaching normalcy” by the end of the year, but said new virus variants could slow progress.

 

Everyone is guessing.

 

18

Where Biden’s Virus Plan Stands

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The president visits a vaccine plant as he faces thorny questions on fulfilling his promises.

 

Everyone is guessing.

 

19

More Oath Keeper Suspects Charged in Capitol Riot Plot

Alan Feuer and Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Prosecutors say they were part of a military-style “stack” that stormed the Capitol.

 

Insurrection is a crime.  

Charge them and let them and let them rot in jail while waiting for trial.

The plea bargain to offer is true testimony against Trump.

20

Viral Video Moves Sexual Harassment in Marine Corps to Forefront

Helene Cooper and Jennifer Steinhauer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said he found the video from a visibly distraught female Marine “deeply disturbing.”

 

The misogyny of the Marine Corps must be removed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misogyny#Definitions

 

 

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@11:30, , 2/20/21

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1

Biden Tells Allies ‘America Is Back,’ but Macron and Merkel Push Back

David E. Sanger, Steven Erlanger and Roger Cohen, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 45 minutes ago

All three leaders seemed to recognize, though, that their first virtual encounter was a moment to celebrate the end of the “America First” era.

 

Europe has been learning American culture.

 

2

Seeking Fresh Start With Iraq, Biden Avoids Setting Red Lines With Iran

Lara Jakes and Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The administration’s measured response to a rocket attack in Erbil sharply contrasts with a Trump-era campaign against Iran that, more often than not, caught Iraq in the crossfire.

 

Biden understands negotiation. 

3

Republicans Struggle to Derail Increasingly Popular Stimulus Package

Emily Cochrane and Jim Tankersley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

A $1.9 trillion rescue plan polls strongly across the country, including with many Republican voters, despite a scattershot series of attacks from congressional Republicans.

 

Relief is what is needed.  Stimulus does no good to closed businesses.

 

4

Democrats Beat Trump in 2020. Now They’re Asking: What Went Wrong?

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

Disappointed by down-ballot losses, Democratic interest groups are joining forces to conduct an autopsy of the election results. Republicans do not yet seem willing to reckon with the G.O.P.’s major defeats.

 

The Democratic party organizers forgot the dictum that all of politics is local.

5

Where Will Rush Limbaugh’s 15 Million Listeners Go Now?

Michael M. Grynbaum, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

No one will have a megaphone like his again. But podcasters, “26-year-old conservatives on Instagram” and Sean Hannity all fill the void.

 

Rush Limbaugh died alone.  His audience is dealing with pains closer to home.

We must all know that there is no perfect world with people in it.

 

6

Cruz and Cuomo Face Scandal. Trump Can’t Save Them.

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Without Donald Trump dominating the political conversation, politicians’ audacious behavior isn’t so quickly subsumed.

 

There are no mulligans in life.  People care and are watching.

7

Who Will Be the Next F.D.A. Chief?

Sheila Kaplan, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Two leading contenders generate wider debate about the leadership needed to restore morale and scientific integrity to an agency battered by the politicized Trump administration.

 

I am glad to leave this decision with Biden.  The political pressures are frightening.

There appears to be no right choice.  

8

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 11 hours ago

Use comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

 

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

9

Justice Dept. Confronts Increasingly Complex Capitol Riot Inquiry

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

Additional prosecutors and agents around the country have been assigned to the investigation as officials try to manage it and stave off a backlog in the courts.

 

Follow the rules.  Move  them to trial with all deliberate speed.

The video tape is sufficient evidence.  A solid alibye is sufficient defence.

Assign lawyers.

10

Neera Tanden, Biden’s Budget Nominee, Faces Challenge to Confirmation

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Senator Joe Manchin III said he would oppose President Biden’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a move that could scuttle her chances.

 

Two can play hardball.

Senator Joe Manchin III has a weak spot.   Talk with him.

 

11

With Vaccine Delay, Biden Warns of Uncertain End to Pandemic

Noah Weiland, Katie Thomas and Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

On a visit to a vaccine manufacturing plant in Michigan, President Biden said the nation could be “approaching normalcy” by the end of the year, but said new virus variants could slow progress.

 

Transparency should be valued.

 

12

Where Biden’s Virus Plan Stands

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The president visits a vaccine plant as he faces thorny questions on fulfilling his promises.

 

Unknown unknowns are a fact.

 

13

More Oath Keeper Suspects Charged in Capitol Riot Plot

Alan Feuer and Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

Prosecutors say they were part of a military-style “stack” that stormed the Capitol.

 

Wittnesses are necessary in criminal trials.  Video tape is a witness.

 

14

Viral Video Moves Sexual Harassment in Marine Corps to Forefront

Helene Cooper and Jennifer Steinhauer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said he found the video from a visibly distraught female Marine “deeply disturbing.”

 

Video is a wittness.  

 

15

The Virginia G.O.P. Voted on Its Future. The Losers Reject the Results.

Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

In a sign of the Trump era’s lingering alternate realities, Republicans in the struggling state party are refusing to move forward with a new system for choosing nominees.

 

The losers in an election always complain.

16

Donor to Trump Inauguration Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Inquiry

Mike Ives, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

Imaad Zuberi, who donated heavily to Democrats before former President Donald J. Trump’s election, had pleaded guilty to charges related to a $900,000 donation to Mr. Trump’s inaugural committee.

 

Trump has written his last pardon.

 

17

How Ted Cruz Became the Least Sympathetic Politician in America

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

His getaway to Cancún during the Texas power emergency was only the latest episode in a political career that has left Mr. Cruz reviled by Democrats and more than a few Republicans.

 

Ted Cruz turned chicken.

 

18

What Crisis-Communications Experts Would Tell Ted Cruz

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

We asked political strategists who have worked for figures like Anthony Weiner and Mark Sanford for their take on the Texas senator’s Cancún fiasco.

 

These crisi communications experts have nothing to say.

 

19

Texas Lessons For Preparing For The Ongoing Collapse

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

The Texas disaster is a very dramatic example of what I’ve been urging people to prepare for. When I was a kid I lived in a number of third world nations: Malaysia, Indonesia and Bangladesh, and visited a bunch more. In a failing state, stuff just doesn’t work well, and when there is a shove, […]

 

Cities can be killed.  Often they die of discomfort rather than disaster.

People are lazy and stubborn.  They build back if they can rather than starting over elsewhere.

20

U.S. and Novavax Will Aid Global Vaccination Campaign

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Biden administration plans to make good on a promise to donate $4 billion, while the pharmaceutical company Novavax committed to sell 1.1 billion doses of its vaccine.

 

 More vaccine and more money.

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