@16:00, , 8/29/21

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Microsoft is messing with the internet.

1

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Biden to Attend Return of US Service Members Killed in Kabul Airport Attack

They include 11 Marines, a Navy medic and a member of the Army. read more

 

ISIS has not made peace.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

98 Countries Pledge to Accept Afghans After US Military Departs

A joint statement from the United States and other countries said that they had “received assurances from the Taliban” that people with travel documents showing they were clear to enter any of those countries could safely depart. read more

 

"The Taliban’s chief negotiator, Sher Mohammed Abas Stanekzai, had announced on Friday that the group would not stop people from departing, no matter their nationality or whether they had worked for the United States during the 20-year war."

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

98 Countries Pledge to Accept Afghans After U.S. Military Departs

A joint statement from the United States and other countries said that they had “received assurances from the Taliban” that people with travel documents showing they were clear to enter any of those countries could safely depart. read more

 

"The countries also pledged to “continue issuing travel documentation to designated Afghans” and cited a “clear expectation of and commitment from the Taliban” of their safe passage."

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

Biden to Attend Return of Service Members Killed in Kabul Bombing

They include 11 Marines, a Navy medic and a member of the Army. read more

 

These were perhaps the last U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan.

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

All in or All Out? Biden Saw No Middle Ground in Afghanistan

President Biden’s reductionist formula has prompted a debate over whether the mayhem in Kabul was inevitable or the result of a failure to consider other options. read more

 

Trump left no middle ground.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/world/asia/us-taliban-deal.html 

 

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Afghanistan Collapse and Strikes in Somalia Raise Snags for Drone Warfare Rules

But the Biden administration is close to finishing a new playbook for counterterrorism strikes outside conventional war zones. read more

 

"The Great Game" continues.

Intelligence must be real and rapid to continue drone warfare.

 

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

While U.S. Troops Searched Afghans in Kabul, a Bomber Moved In

Officials are still piecing together the chain of events in the attack that killed scores of people, including 13 U.S. service members, outside the Kabul airport. read more

 

This bomb was not anticipated. 

One hundred seventy dead is more than a twenty five pound vest should be able to kill.

 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Texas House Passes Voting Bill as G.O.P. Nears a Hard-Fought Victory

The Republican bill, which would overhaul elections in Texas and introduce a range of new voting rules, must be approved by the State Senate before it can head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. read more

 

Texas is crazy.

 

9

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Open Thread

[image: Story 471619103] Use the comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts. In particular, avoid Covid and Afghanistan please. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn read more

 

Live negotiations must come first.

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

 

10

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Preparing for Bad Times Thread

[image: Story 471616309] This is a thread for comments on how to prepare for bad times. All off-topic comments will be deleted. The thread will be re-upped every Saturday so that resources can build over time. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn read more

 

So far I am modestly prepared with a useful income and a bit of rural property.

 

11

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

U.S. Blew Up a C.I.A. Post Used to Evacuate At-Risk Afghans

With an explosion heard across Kabul, Americans destroyed the base so its contents would not fall to the Taliban. read more

 

The C.I.A. Was not surprised.

 

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

After Two Decades of Fighting Taliban, U.S. Is Uneasy Partners With Them

Americans have described a necessary, if distasteful, working arrangement as they race to evacuate Afghanistan by Aug. 31. read more

 

Aircraft will continue to fly to Kabul.

 

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Supreme Court’s Decision Opens Door to Millions of Evictions

The ruling late Thursday ending a new moratorium leaves the White House with few options to help renters at risk of losing their homes. read more

 

The Republicans have run out the clock on evictions.

They will pay a price. 

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden Vows ‘Unshakable Partnership’ With Israel in Meeting With Bennett

On Iran, a subject on which the two sharply disagree, President Biden said the United States was planning to put “diplomacy first” but “ready to turn to other options” if that fails. read more

 

Israel is not abandoned.

Biden will not make war on Iran.

 

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Amid Afghan Chaos, a C.I.A. Mission That Will Persist for Years

The spy agency had plans to de-emphasize counterterrorism operations to focus on rising global powers. History got in the way. read more

 

The C.I.A. has not left Afghanistan.  

There has been a change in management.

I await developments.

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Intelligence Review Yields No Firm Conclusion on Origins of Coronavirus

Declassified portions of a report presented to President Biden revealed divisions among federal agencies over whether the virus came from a lab leak or emerged more naturally. read more

 

How Covid-19 started is not important.

Concerns with its start are a distraction from dealing with it now.

Do the biological science and do public health. 

17

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Powell Signals Fed Could Start Removing Economic Support

The Fed chair warned that the Delta variant remained a risk and suggested that a rate increase was not on the table for some time. read more

 

Most of the U.S. economy is not yet operating.

Trying to open the economy prematurely is a Republican assault on Democratic governance.

 

18  

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Intelligence Review Yields No Firm Conclusion on Origins of Virus

Declassified portions of a report presented to President Biden revealed divisions among federal agencies over whether the virus came from a lab leak or natural processes. read more

 

How Covid-19 started is not important.

Concerns with its start are a distraction from dealing with it now.

Do the biological science and do public health. 

19

Ian Welsh2 days ago

The Taliban, ISIS & The Kabul Airport Attack

[image: Story 471220122] So, a group called ISIS-K attacked near the Kabul airport and killed people, including US troops. The media is in a full hand-wringing “blame Biden” mode, which is fair in a sense (the buck stops at the top) and ridiculous in that it is still a war zone, and people die and evacuating traitors and collaborators after the country has fallen was always going to be a difficult job. The Taliban was responsible for security outside the airport and failed, but given the mob scene, the only way they could have succeeded was to clear all the people clustered around... read more

 

Ian Welsh is a Socialist puritan.

He dos not think liberal politics.

 

20

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Capitol Officer Defends Shooting Ashli Babbitt and Reveals His Identity

“I know that day I saved countless lives,” Lt. Michael Byrd said in an interview with NBC. He said shooting Ashli Babbitt, who smashed through a door near lawmakers, was a “last resort.” read more

 

Give Lt. Michael Byrd of the Capitol police his medal and a step in rank.

He deserves presidential and congressional recognition. 

 

 

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@21:00, , 8/28/21

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

All in or All Out? Biden Saw No Middle Ground in Afghanistan

President Biden’s reductionist formula has prompted a debate over whether the mayhem in Kabul was inevitable or the result of a failure to consider other options. read more

 

Biden sees correctly. 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics6 hours ago

Afghanistan Collapse and Strikes in Somalia Raise Snags for Drone Warfare Rules

But the Biden administration is close to finishing a new playbook for counterterrorism strikes outside conventional war zones. read more

 

Interesting noise.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics7 hours ago

While U.S. Troops Searched Afghans in Kabul, a Bomber Moved In

Officials are still piecing together the chain of events in the attack that killed scores of people, including 13 U.S. service members, outside the Kabul airport. read more

 

ISIS has made no peace with the U.S.

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics9 hours ago

Texas House Passes Voting Bill as G.O.P. Nears a Hard-Fought Victory

The Republican bill, which would overhaul elections in Texas and introduce a range of new voting rules, must be approved by the State Senate before it can head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. read more

 

Texas is attempting oligarchy.

 

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

U.S. Blew Up a C.I.A. Post Used to Evacuate At-Risk Afghans

With an explosion heard across Kabul, Americans destroyed the base so its contents would not fall to the Taliban. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics19 hours ago

After Two Decades of Fighting Taliban, U.S. Is Uneasy Partners With Them

Americans have described a necessary, if distasteful, working arrangement as they race to evacuate Afghanistan by Aug. 31. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics22 hours ago

Supreme Court’s Decision Opens Door to Millions of Evictions

The ruling late Thursday ending a new moratorium leaves the White House with few options to help renters at risk of losing their homes. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden Vows ‘Unshakable Partnership’ With Israel in Meeting With Bennett

On Iran, a subject on which the two sharply disagree, President Biden said the United States was planning to put “diplomacy first” but “ready to turn to other options” if that fails. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Amid Afghan Chaos, a C.I.A. Mission That Will Persist for Years

The spy agency had plans to de-emphasize counterterrorism operations to focus on rising global powers. History got in the way. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Intelligence Review Yields No Firm Conclusion on Origins of Coronavirus

Declassified portions of a report presented to President Biden revealed divisions among federal agencies over whether the virus came from a lab leak or emerged more naturally. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Powell Signals Fed Could Start Removing Economic Support

The Fed chair warned that the Delta variant remained a risk and suggested that a rate increase was not on the table for some time. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Intelligence Review Yields No Firm Conclusion on Origins of Virus

Declassified portions of a report presented to President Biden revealed divisions among federal agencies over whether the virus came from a lab leak or natural processes. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden Faces a Tragedy He Worked to Avoid

The president said the evacuation of U.S. citizens and allies from Afghanistan would continue, even after an attack that killed at least 13 American troops and dozens of civilians. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Kabul Airport Attack Highlights Enduring Threat of ISIS and Al Qaeda

The U.S. and its allies waged war for 20 years to try to defeat terrorists in Afghanistan. A double-suicide bombing demonstrated that they remain a threat. read more

Ian Welsh1 day ago

The Taliban, ISIS & The Kabul Airport Attack

[image: Story 471220122] So, a group called ISIS-K attacked near the Kabul airport and killed people, including US troops. The media is in a full hand-wringing “blame Biden” mode, which is fair in a sense (the buck stops at the top) and ridiculous in that it is still a war zone, and people die and evacuating traitors and collaborators after the country has fallen was always going to be a difficult job. The Taliban was responsible for security outside the airport and failed, but given the mob scene, the only way they could have succeeded was to clear all the people clustered around... read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Justice Breyer on Retirement and the Role of Politics at the Supreme Court

In an interview prompted by his new book, the 83-year-old leader of the court’s liberal wing said he is working on a decision about when to step down. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Capitol Officer Defends Shooting Ashli Babbitt and Reveals His Identity

“I know that day I saved countless lives,” Lt. Michael Byrd said in an interview with NBC. He said shooting Ashli Babbitt, who smashed through a door near lawmakers, was a “last resort.” read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Capitol Officer Defends Shooting Ashli Babbitt and Reveals His Identity

“I know that day I saved countless lives,” Lt. Michael Byrd said in an interview with NBC. He said shooting Ashli Babbitt, who smashed through a door near lawmakers, was a “last resort.” read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Transcript of Biden’s Speech After Kabul Airport Attack

The president mourned the U.S. service members and others killed and addressed those responsible: “We will hunt you down and make you pay.” read more

Ian Welsh2 days ago

The Beautiful Stupidity Of Ukraine’s Massive Sell-Off

[image: Story 470768288] So, the Ukraine has a plan. Kyiv is planning a selloff of more than 3,000 state companies reminiscent of the ’90s rush in Moscow If you go read the full article, it’s beautiful, truly. This sell-off is about de-oligarchicization! It is about reducing corruption! Foreigners are flooding in to buy these companies up, but Russians aren’t allowed. The 90s Russian sell-off is what created the oligarchs, of course. It was done at the urging of American economists, the idea was to subject the Russian economy to “shock therapy.” Similar to “shock and awe”, it was ... read more

 

 

 

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@15:32, , 8/26/21

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics43 minutes ago

Biden’s Meeting With Israeli Leader Delayed a Day After Kabul Attack

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s meeting with President Biden, originally scheduled for Thursday morning, was postponed after attacks that killed American service members in Afghanistan. read more

 

Good idea.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Capitol Police Officers Sue Trump and Allies Over Election Lies and Jan. 6

The suit, which took a broad view of the riot’s origins, was the latest effort to hold former President Donald J. Trump accountable for the Capitol attack. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

 

Trump was responsible.

 

3

Israel’s Spy Agency Snubbed the U.S. Can Trust Be Restored?

Israel’s new prime minister, Naftali Bennett, heads to Washington promising better relations and seeking support for covert attacks on Iran’s nuclear program. read more

 

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

Trust should not be restored.

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

U.S. Says 1,500 Americans in Afghanistan as Withdrawal Deadline Nears

The State Department is frantically trying to track down U.S. citizens. Tens of thousands of Afghan allies will all but certainly be left behind. read more

 

Trump set this mess up.

 

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Relief, and Worry, for Arrivals From Afghanistan

Afghan refugees and Americans who recently made it to the Washington area are happy to be in the United States, but they fear for those left behind. read more

 

Some do not want to come now.

Refugee entry to the U.S. is chocked by the Republican congress.

 

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Capitol Police Officers Sue Trump and Allies Over Election Lies and Jan. 6

The suit, which took a broad view of the riot’s origins, was the latest effort to hold former President Donald J. Trump accountable for the Capitol attack. read more

 

An excuse for appeals.

 

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics6 hours ago

Kamala Harris, in Southeast Asia and in Uniform

The vice president’s solo international trip set a tone, and a standard. read more

 

"Ms. Harris consciously and strategically crafted her image to ensure that it could not distract from the duty at hand." 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics7 hours ago

Kamala Harris Pledges U.S. Help for Afghan Women and Children

As she left Southeast Asia, the vice president also delivered a blunt message to China. The United States does not want conflict, she said, but on some issues, “we are going to speak up.” read more

 

Afghanistan is a sovereign country.

The U.N. is the proper place for this action.

 

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics16 hours ago

U.S. Says 1,500 Americans in Afghanistan as Withdrawal Deadline Nears

The State Department is frantically trying to track down U.S. citizens. Tens of thousands of Afghan allies will all but certainly be left behind. read more

 

"President Biden warned Saturday that another terrorist attack at the Kabul airport sometime in the coming days was “highly likely,” and he promised that the U.S. retaliatory strike for Thursday’s suicide attack would not be the last.

The warning was yet another sign of the chaotic and dangerous situation as the U.S. tried to pull the last remaining Americans and Afghans out of a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan before the Tuesday deadline."

There are very few U.S. citizens left in Afghanistan who wish to leave now.

Afghan nationals are a different matter.

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics17 hours ago

 Relief, and Worry, for Arrivals From Afghanistan

Afghan refugees and Americans who recently made it to the Washington area are happy to be in the United States, but they fear for those left behind. read more

 

Some Afghan nationals are making their way out.

 

11

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

ISIS-K in Afghanistan Poses Terrorist Threat to Evacuation in Kabul

An Islamic State affiliate that is a sworn enemy of both the Taliban and the United States threatens a large-scale attack against the mission at the airport. read more

 

 Mostly Gaslight.

I do not read minds.

Eric Schmitt does not read minds.

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

Biden Falls Short on U.S. Vaccine 'Arsenal' Pledge, Experts Say

Congress appropriated $16 billion to ramp up Covid-19 countermeasures, but a new report found that the Biden administration had spent very little of it on expanding vaccine manufacturing capacity. read more

 

Sheryl Gay Stolberg has not done her homework.

The article is Gaslight.

 

13 

NYT > U.S. > Politics19 hours ago

Judge Orders Sanctions Against Pro-Trump Lawyers Over Election Lawsuit

Sidney Powell, L. Lin Wood and seven other lawyers deceived federal courts and debased the judicial process, a federal judge wrote. read more

 

There will be an ocean of Litigation leading toward the Supreme Court.

 

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

2 U.S. Representatives Try to Explain Unauthorized Visit to Kabul

Representatives Seth Moulton and Peter Meijer said they could not get answers on the evacuation from the Biden administration, so they went to Afghanistan to see for themselves. read more

 

Congress has the right to investigate.

 

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

Biden, Needing a Win, Enters a Sprint for His Economic Agenda

As his poll numbers slide, the president and his aides have mounted an aggressive pitch in Congress and around the country for his spending plans on infrastructure and more. read more

 

Suspected as Gaslighting.

 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics22 hours ago

Facebook Said to Consider Forming an Election Commission

The social network has contacted academics to create a group to advise it on thorny election-related decisions, said people with knowledge of the matter. read more

 

The answer is no.

Facebook must change its business model.

 

17

NYT > U.S. > Politics22 hours ago

Pfizer and BioNTech Press Ahead on Booster Shots

The companies said they will submit their data by the end of the week and ask the F.D.A. to approve a third shot. read more

 

When a booster is available, get the shot.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics22 hours ago

The Latest G.O.P. Schism: How to Handle Afghan Evacuees

The resettlement of Afghan allies in the U.S. is revealing an internal divide between the party’s anti-immigrant wing and other conservatives who want to help the refugees. read more

 

The U.S. should bring all who wish to come.

The U.S. should move all who need to leave.

 

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

House Panel Demands Records of Trump’s Movements on Jan. 6

The request was part of a far-reaching set of documents the select committee sought from seven federal agencies, which suggested the inquiry was focusing on the former president’s role. read more

 

The congress has the right to investigate.

 

20

Ian Welsh1 day ago

China is "Totalitarian”, We Couldn’t Do Zero-Covid

[image: Story 470325731] Oh? Here’s a report on how New Zealand handled their latest outbreak. Their contract tracers contacted 13,000 people and stopped 110 chains of transmission (in a week.) They tested 10% of Auckland’s population in a week. The outbreak has been going on for only 10 days, which means they caught it early and jumped on it. They tested wastewater and found infections only in two cities: those two cities get a 14 day lockdown (because that’s the virus cycle) and the rest of the country 10 days, which is long enough for anyone who has it to show symptoms. There... read more

 

Ian Welsh is speaking truth here.

 

 

 

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@19:32, , 8/24/21

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics14 minutes ago

House On Track to Pass Voting Rights Bill With Slim Chances in Senate

Named for civil rights icon John Lewis, the bill is narrower than the Democrats’ sweeping elections overhaul that has stalled in the Senate, but faces similar obstacles. read more

 

The filibuster is still trivially easy.

 

2 

NYT > U.S. > Politics24 minutes ago

C.I.A. Director Had Secret Talks With Taliban in Kabul

The meetings are the highest-level in-person talks between a Biden administration official and Afghanistan’s new leadership. read more

 

There should not have been an intelligence failure.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics38 minutes ago

Eager to Shift Narrative, Biden Team Puts Airlift in Historical Context

In describing evacuation efforts, President Biden has referred to the Berlin airlift more than 70 years ago, in which food was flown into a city whose access had been choked off by the Soviet Union. read more

 

A different situation in Afghanistan than Berlin in 1948.

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Nashville’s Twisting Journey

The city has expanded rapidly — but that growth has done a number on its politics. read more

 

Nashville has more than one problem.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/24/us/tennessee-floods-updates.html

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/08/24/climate/warmer-wetter-world.html 

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Timelines for F.D.A. Approval for Moderna and J.&J. Vaccines Remain Unclear

Attention turns to the other two Covid vaccines available in the United States after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine got full federal approval for use in people 16 and older. Moderna applied for full approval in June, a month after Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson is expected to apply soon. read more

 

The approvals will be along about four months after they are requested.

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Possible 'Havana Syndrome' Incident in Hanoi Delays Kamala Harris's Arrival There

The vice president’s flight to Vietnam was delayed after a report of a possible “anomalous health incident” in Hanoi. The term is used to refer to unexplained illnesses among State Department employees. read more

 

Relatively primitive radar detectors should do the job.

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

Israel's Naftali Bennett Backs Hard Line on Iran, Softer Tone With U.S.

In an interview before meeting with President Biden, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he opposed U.S. efforts to restore a nuclear deal with Iran and ruled out peace talks with the Palestinians. read more

 

The war in the Levant will continue.

 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

Top Pennsylvania Republican Vows to Review 2020 Election Results

Jake Corman, the leader of the G.O.P.-controlled State Senate, signaled that the state would follow Arizona in bowing to falsehoods about voter fraud and re-examining results. read more

 

Pennsylvania Republicans are not happy.

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

In Southeast Asia, Kamala Harris Rebukes China

The vice president rebuked China and sought to fortify the image of the United States as a credible ally amid growing questions about Afghanistan. read more

 

I heard no surprise.

 

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Possible 'Havana Syndrome' Incident in Hanoi Delays Harris's Arrival There

The vice president’s flight to Vietnam was delayed after a report of a possible “anomalous health incident” in Hanoi. The term is used to refer to unexplained illnesses among State Department employees. read more

 

Figure it out. 

Not optical.

Not acoustic.

Possibly radio frequency.

possibly chemical. Anoxia?

 

11

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Apple and Google’s Fight in Seoul Tests Biden in Washington

A proposal in the South Korean legislature is an early test of how forcefully the Biden administration will defend the companies abroad while trying to trim their power at home. read more

 

South Korea is a sovereign nation.

 

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics8 hours ago

Covid Outbreak Delays Report on Arizona G.O.P.'s Election Review

The chief executive of Cyber Ninjas, the company in charge of Republicans’ politically expedient review of 2020 results in Maricopa County, was one of three people who were “quite sick,” the State Senate president said. read more

 

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

 

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics9 hours ago

Where Is the Anti-Biden Tea Party?

An analysis of crowd events shows the president hasn’t yet drawn the protests that Barack Obama and Donald Trump faced. read more

 

 The Tea party was always astroturf.

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

Anti Trump demonstrations in 2011 had no external support.

This column is gaslighting Democrats.

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics11 hours ago

Caught in the Crossfire Over Covid’s Origins

Alina Chan suggested last year that the coronavirus was “pre-adapted” to humans. Critical reaction was swift and harsh. read more

 

The origins of SARS-CoV-2 are of academic interest only.

If there is blame there is no way to recover damages. 

 

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

Democrats Scrounge for Votes to Pass $3.5 Trillion Budget Plan

With moderates balking, Speaker Nancy Pelosi was working to secure their support for the budget. Democrats ultimately scrapped tentative plans for a vote 

late Monday. read more

 

The budget act has passed.

 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics23 hours ago

F.D.A. Fully Approves Pfizer Vaccine

The move was expected to kick off a round of new vaccination mandates from hospitals, schools and private companies. read more

 

Correct.

 

17

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

North Carolina Must Allow Former Felons to Vote, Panel Rules

The 2-1 ruling, in a state Superior Court in Raleigh, restores voting rights to a disproportionately Black group of roughly 56,000 people on parole, probation or supervised release. read more

 

Expect appeals.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Capitol Police Clear Officer Who Shot Ashli Babbitt

“The actions of the officer in this case potentially saved members and staff from serious injury and possible death,” the agency said. read more

 

Give the lieutenant a medal when he will accept one.

 

19

Ian Welsh1 day ago

America Decides To Ensure Afghanistan Will Be A Chinese And Russian Ally

[image: Story 469449326] I mean, honestly, they probably would have been anyway and yes, I’m getting tired of writing about Afghanistan, but the time to say things about a subject which need to be said is when people are paying attention. Anyway, xhttps://twitter.com/RaniaKhalek/status/1429201482386128897 Sanctions don’t work to get countries to do what you want: haven’t worked with North Korea, Russia, Venezuela or Cuba. But what they will do is force Afghanistan to get help where it’s available, from the same countries willing to help Iran, which is to say America’s geopolitical... read more

 

Afghanistan could seek help from Saudi Arabia.

 

20

Ian Welsh2 days ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – August 22, 2021

[image: Story 469203285] *Afghanistan* Who Lost Afghanistan? — Nick Turse [The Intercept, via Mike Norman Economics 8-17-2021] Journalist Craig Whitlock’s new book, “The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War,” will help ensure that no one forgets the harm America’s civilian and military leaders did, the lies they told, and the war they lost. Synthesizing more than 1,000 interviews and 10,000 pages of documents, Whitlock provides a stunning study of failure and mendacity, an irrefutable account of the U.S.’s ignoble defeat in the words of those who — from the battlefiel... read more

 

Tony  Wikrent did not study Macro Economics.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Afghanistan-Papers-Secret-History-War-ebook/dp/B08VJLJ56L

 

Possibly what Biden should have been reading.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jTCBirELDU

 

https://www.cpr.org/2021/08/16/colorado-river-water-shortage-declared/

 

Southern California will get thirsty.

 

||

@16:08, , 8/21/21

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Broad band troubles . . .

1

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

How the U.S. Informed a Crisis in Afghanistan

President Biden promised an orderly withdrawal. That pledge, compounded by missed signals and miscalculations, proved impossible. read more

 

Intelligence failure.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Afghanistan Faces Economic Shock as Sanctions Replace Foreign Aid

The Taliban will be under pressure to keep a fragile economy afloat. read more

 

Speculation. There seems to be no government in Afghanistan now.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Biden Ran on Competence and Empathy. Afghanistan Is Testing That.

The chaotic endgame of the American withdrawal has undercut some of the most fundamental premises of President Biden’s presidency. read more

 

"Gaslight"

 

 4

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Supreme Court Grants Temporary Reprieve to Biden Immigration Policy

Justice Samuel Alito briefly stayed a ruling from a federal judge that would have forced some asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while U.S. officials considered their cases. read more

 

"Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. on Friday temporarily paused a ruling from a federal judge in Texas that had required the Biden administration to reinstate a Trump-era immigration program forcing asylum seekers arriving at the nation’s southern border to await approval in Mexico." 

Surprise!

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

F.D.A. Aims for Full Approval of Pfizer Covid Vaccine on Monday

Federal regulators are winding down the process of licensing Pfizer’s two-dose coronavirus vaccine, setting up an approval possibly by Monday and potentially kicking off a wave of new mandates. read more

 

The F.D.A. may be ahead of scedule.

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics7 hours ago

Biden’s Inaccurate Claims in Defending Afghanistan Withdrawal

The president made misleading or false claims about the reaction of allies to the withdrawal, the presence of Al Qaeda and conditions for Americans traveling to the Kabul airport. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics10 hours ago

 

Inteligence failure followed by gaslighting. 

7

The Congressional Black Caucus: Powerful, Diverse and Newly Complicated

The group, which includes most Black members of Congress, remains publicly united. But in private, an influx of new members who think differently about its purpose are making a play for the future. read more

 

Editorial content.

 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics10 hours ago

As Democrats Renew Voting Rights Push, Offsetting Roberts Court Is Top of Mind

The House’s voting rights legislation named for the civil rights leader John Lewis seeks to counter the Supreme Court’s longstanding bid to undermine the Voting Rights Act. read more

 

The filabuster still stands.

 

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics12 hours ago

In Iowa, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz Take Trump's Baton

At a rally in Des Moines, Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz showed that many Republicans do not plan to move on from the Trump era. read more

 

The Republican party is where Trump left it.

 

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

New Judge in 9/11 Trial Lacked Enough Experience For Job Last Year

Col. Matthew McCall had been chosen for the high-profile job in 2020 but had not yet served for two years as a military judge, a prerequisite for a judge at Guantánamo. read more

 

The prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba is a war-crime

 

11.

NYT > U.S. > Politics19 hours ago

Biden’s Immigration Policies Face Fresh Judicial Setbacks

The Justice Department on Friday asked the Supreme Court to block a ruling that reinstated a policy forcing some asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while U.S. officials consider their cases. read more

 

"Justice Samuel Alito briefly stayed a ruling from a federal judge that would have forced some asylum seekers to wait in Mexico while U.S. officials considered their cases."

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

Biden Taps Burns and Emanuel as Ambassadors to China and Japan

The president has rolled out dozens of ambassador nominees, but so far only one has been confirmed by the Senate. read more

 

There is no consent from the senate. 

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

As Childhood Covid Cases Spike, School Vaccination Clinics Are Slow Going

Districts are heeding President Biden’s call to host pop-up vaccination clinics. But promoting vaccines is politically difficult, and persuading parents isn’t easy. read more

 

The cost of parental ignorance is high.

The schools should not open.

 

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

End of Walkout Splits Texas Democrats on Voting Rights

The return of three absent Democrats injected a new wave of uncertainty into the national battle over voting rights. read more

 

I miss molly Ivins

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/02/opinion/02krugman.html

 

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

North Carolina Man Is Charged in Capitol Bombing Threat

The man, Floyd Ray Roseberry, faces a charge of threatening to use a weapon of mass destruction after he drove to the Capitol and claimed on Facebook that he had a bomb. read more

 

Lock him up until he thinks.

 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics22 hours ago

The Hill Is Sold to a TV Giant

The political news publication, which started as an insider’s guide to Washington and greatly expanded its audience after it went digital, fetched a price of $130 million. read more

 

The Washington Post is reputable.

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

17

NYT > U.S. > Politics23 hours ago

Court Allows Biden Evictions Ban to Remain in Place for Now

The policy is now headed to the Supreme Court, where it is expected to face a tough reception. read more

 

The Biden administration should throw money at the problem.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Cutoff of Jobless Benefits Is Found to Get Few Back to Work

Prematurely ending federal programs had little effect on employment but sharply cut spending, potentially hurting state economies, researchers say. read more

 

Restarting economies is a bigger problem than some think.

 

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

‘Impeachment’ Focuses on the Women Behind Clinton’s Scandals

In a group interview, Ryan Murphy and the stars and creators of the FX drama discuss why they made Linda Tripp and Monica Lewinsky the stars of the show, and why we still care. read more

 

You may care.  I do not. 

20

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Once More About Sending Your Kids Back To School

[image: Story 468220691] Last year I suggested not sending your kids to physical school when and if Covid was out of control. This year, I’m saying the same. Delta is much easier to catch than original Covid was. If Covid is out of control, I suggest you do send your kid back to school unless you really have no choice (criminal penalties and/or they absolutely need the babysitting.) If Covid is still around (not near zero), then I’d still be way if the school doesn’t have a mask mandate and if they won’t let external windows be opened to create a draft. Covid is airborne and how ... read more

 

Ian Welsh is correct.

 

 

 

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