@10:25, , 1/30/22

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Can You Gerrymander Your Party to Power?

Gerrymandering has been criticized for disenfranchising voters and fueling polarization. To help you understand it better, we created an imaginary state called Hexapolis, where your only mission is to gerrymander your party to power. read more

 

The proposition is misunderstood.

To Gerrymander one's party must be in power immediatly after a census.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Inflation and Deficits Don’t Dim the Appeal of U.S. Bonds

Treasury rates remain strikingly low, partly because of the safety government debt offers corporations and retirees. Whether that endures is crucial to federal spending. read more

 

Paul Krugman tries to explain almost every time he writes for the public.

Here is a sample: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/21/opinion/inflation-us-economy-biden.html

and another: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/28/opinion/housing-bubble-us.html

 

All U.S. currency is debt.

The Republican party hates government debt since the party's conception.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics9 hours ago

Trump Says He Would Consider Pardons for Jan. 6 Defendants if Elected

In a Texas speech, the former president also urged supporters to stage protests if prosecutors in Atlanta and New York take action against him. read more

 

The 1/6/21 revolt was at his command and by his partisans.

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics11 hours ago

U.S. Woman Accused of Prominent Role in Islamic State

Prosecutors said Allison Fluke-Ekren, a former teacher from Kansas, provided military training to women and young girls in Syria. read more

 

Treachery is not tollerated.

There will be a trial.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2385

 

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics16 hours ago

Phyllis Oakley, Female Pioneer at the State Department, Dies at 87

She had to quit the foreign service to marry. But she was reinstated 16 years later, when female employees challenged the department’s sexist traditions, and she thrived. read more

 

Phyllis Oakley is a Hero. 

 

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics16 hours ago

Republicans Relish Biden’s Troubles, Eyeing a Takeover of Congress

The president’s woes have delighted Republicans, who have been seeking to rehabilitate themselves in the eyes of voters after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. read more

 

Political games are being  played.

I do not read minds.   The mental distance to congress is large.

The Republicans in congress seem to want absolute power.

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

Bitterness From Supreme Court Fights Hangs Over Coming Nomination

The battles of the recent past will no doubt extend into the coming fight over President Biden’s choice to replace Justice Stephen G. Breyer. read more

 

Such would be no surprise.

I have no special knowledge of the senate.

 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics19 hours ago

Esteban Torres, Congressional Advocate for Latinos, Dies at 91

A California Democrat who for a time served as chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he dedicated himself to fighting poverty. read more

 

The U.S. was different in many ways in 1992.

Good things were done.

The old do not live forever.

 His works in congress continue.

9

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/29/us/politics/russia-sanctions-economy.html

The boldest measures that President Biden is threatening to deter an invasion of Ukraine could roil the entire Russian economy — but also those of other nations. read more

 

"It is impossible to do just one thing"

Do what works.

 

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

Democrats Decried Dark Money. Then They Won With It in 2020.

A New York Times analysis reveals how the left outdid the right at raising and spending millions from undisclosed donors to defeat Donald Trump and win power in Washington. read more

 

Politics in Washington is a struggle for power.

A winner is always accused of cheating.

 

11

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

Joe Biden and Peter Doocy Is the Rivalry Everyone Can Love

A notably unscripted exchange between President Biden and a Fox News correspondent went viral — and turned into what these days counts as a heartwarming civic moment. read more

 

Peter Doocy,seems properly identified.

 

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Joe Biden and Peter Doocy Is the Rivalry Everyone Can Love

A notably unscripted exchange between President Biden and a Fox News correspondent went viral — and turned into what these days counts as a heartwarming civic moment. read more

 

Peter Doocy,seems properly identified.

 

13 

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

White House Warnings Over Russia Strain Ukraine-U.S. Partnership

While Ukraine’s president complained about “acute and burning” warnings from Washington, the Pentagon issued a dire new appraisal asserting Russia has amassed enough troops to invade his entire country. read more

 

There can be no "good" wars. 

Some other adjectives are applicable.

14

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Open Thread

[image: Open Thread] Use to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn read more

 

Discussion should precede action.

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

15

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Preparing for Bad Times Thread

[image: Preparing for Bad Times Thread] 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

 

Thinking is the best preparation.

In case of personal death, all bets are off.

Insurance may help the survivors. 

Most bad times can be seen coming.

Stay abreast of events, local, national, and world. 

Avoid personal debt.

Have some personal portable wealth.

Have personal transportation and a place of refuge.

Talk to friends and family.

Know how to keep warm.

Know how to keep healthy. 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

U.S. Blocks $130 Million in Aid for Egypt Over Rights Abuses

The Middle Eastern ally continues to buy billions of dollars worth of military equipment from the United States. read more

 

This is not a big change.

The ambassadors and other diplomats should be consulted.

 

17 

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

As Breyer Pondered Retirement, Biden Bet on a Hands-Off Strategy

The president believed pressuring the court’s oldest justice to retire might backfire. A chorus of liberals took a different approach. read more

 

Breyer made his retirement conditional.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

What Mattered This Week

Democrats’ not-so-terrible news, the limits of Trump’s power and the allure of ’24. read more

 

These are important stories.  

There may be others.

 

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

As Breyer Pondered Retirement, Biden Bet on a Hands-Off Strategy

The president believed pressuring the court’s oldest justice to retire might backfire. A chorus of liberals took a different approach. read more

 

Breyer made his retirement conditional.

 

20 

Ian Welsh2 days ago

The Ukraine Crisis Is Just A Chance To Acknowledge Choices Already Made

[image: The Ukraine Crisis Is Just A Chance To Acknowledge Choices Already Made] I read two fairly good articles this week. One, in Foreign Affairs, makes out the maximalist Russian case: Putin also believes that Russia has an absolute right to a sphere of privileged interests in the post-Soviet space. This means its former Soviet neighbors should not join any alliances that are deemed hostile to Moscow, particularly NATO or the European Union. Putin has made this demand clear in the two treaties proposed by the Kremlin on December 17, which require that Ukraine and other post-Sov... read more

 

If Ian Welsh is correct  the trouble is bigger than I thought.

 

 

 

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@22:30, , 1/28/22

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

U.S. Blocks $130 Million in Aid for Egypt Over Rights Abuses

The Middle Eastern ally continues to buy billions of dollars worth of military equipment from the United States. read more

 

Payments to Egypt buy peace or at least quiet for Israel.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

As Breyer Pondered Retirement, Biden Bet on a Hands-Off Strategy

The president believed pressuring the court’s oldest justice to retire might backfire. A chorus of liberals took a different approach. read more

 

Breyer made his retirement conditional on a liberal replacement.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

What Mattered This Week

Democrats’ not-so-terrible news, the limits of Trump’s power and the allure of ’24. read more

 

There will be votes in the senate.

A majority of one vote is not enough,

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Pentagon Warns of Russia's Troop Deployments Near Ukraine

Russia has massed more than 100,000 troops at Ukraine’s borders, officials said, publicly confirming what intelligence analysts have described for weeks. read more

 

The Pentagon has cried Wolf! before. 

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

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

Jan. 6 Committee Subpoenas Fake Trump Electors

The panel demanded information from 14 people who were part of bogus slates of electors for President Donald J. Trump, digging deeper into an aspect of his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. read more

 

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

 Treason is such an ugly concept.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2385

There seems to be no better word for the act.

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

As Breyer Pondered RetireTreasonment, Biden Bet on a Hands-Off Strategy

The president believed pressuring the court’s oldest justice to retire might backfire. A chorus of liberals took a different approach. read more

 

Breyer made his retirement conditional on a liberal replacement.

 

7 

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

White House Warnings Over Russia Strain Ukraine-U.S. Partnership

While Ukraine’s president complained about “acute and burning” warnings from Washington, the Pentagon issued a dire new appraisal asserting Russia has amassed enough troops to invade his entire country. read more

 

The Pentagon has cried Wolf! before.

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

 

Ukraine does not perceive an immediate threat of invasion.

 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Republicans Relish Biden’s Troubles, Eyeing a Takeover of Congress

The president’s woes have delighted Republicans, who have been seeking to rehabilitate themselves in the eyes of voters after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. read more

 

Convict Trump of treason as quickly as possible.

 

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Pennsylvania Court Says State’s Mail Voting Law Is Unconstitutional

The decision, which could deal a blow to voting access in a critical battleground state, was immediately appealed. read more

 

Pennsylvania may lose this important case.

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Inflation Continued to Run Hot and Consumer Spending Fell in December

Prices are rising rapidly, wages are growing and consumers are glum as a fraught economic moment poses big challenges for policymakers. read more

 

The Republican party is terrified of inflation. 

11

NYT > U.S. > Politics7 hours ago

The Battle for the World’s Most Powerful Cyberweapon

A Times investigation reveals how Israel reaped diplomatic gains around the world from NSO’s Pegasus spyware — a tool America itself purchased but is now trying to ban. read more

 

A ban on spyware is about as effective as a ban on Fentanyl. 

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

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics7 hours ago

F.B.I. Secretly Bought Israeli Spyware and Explored Hacking U.S. Phones

Israel used the NSO Group’s software as a tool of diplomacy. The F.B.I. wanted it for domestic surveillance. Then everything soured. Here are highlights of a New York Times Magazine investigation. read more

 

A ban on spyware is about as effective as a ban on Fentanyl. 

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

 

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics11 hours ago

Relax, America: Willow, the White House Cat, Has Arrived

She interrupted a campaign speech. Jill Biden wanted to keep her. read more

 

The White House has a staff.

 

14

Ian Welsh15 hours ago

The Ukraine Crisis Is Just A Chance To Acknowledge Choices Already Made

[image: The Ukraine Crisis Is Just A Chance To Acknowledge Choices Already Made] I read two fairly good articles this week. One, in Foreign Affairs, makes out the maximalist Russian case: Putin also believes that Russia has an absolute right to a sphere of privileged interests in the post-Soviet space. This means its former Soviet neighbors should not join any alliances that are deemed hostile to Moscow, particularly NATO or the European Union. Putin has made this demand clear in the two treaties proposed by the Kremlin on December 17, which require that Ukraine and other post-Sov... read more

 

Ian Welsh is often wrong.

 

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics19 hours ago

Biden Includes European Allies As He Confronts Putin On Ukraine

In what amounts to a much-needed diplomatic reset, the U.S. is orchestrating the response to Russia’s threatening moves and making sure to include his European allies. read more

 

Biden has diplomatic skills.

 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics23 hours ago

Are New Voting Bill Talks for Real or for Show?

Senators involved in the negotiations underway say the discussions are serious and substantive, but some Democrats remain wary. read more

 

Trump and McConnell like to tease.

 

17

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden to Name Breyer's Supreme Court Successor Soon

Speaking with Justice Stephen Breyer by his side, Mr. Biden hailed his decades on the federal bench, including almost 28 years on the Supreme Court. read more

 

Any successor must get the approval of a majority of the senate.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

The Man at the Center of Arizona’s Primary Is Donheald Trump

Spoiler alert: It’s Donald Trump. read more

 

The "Founding Fathers" decided there would be no King of the American republic.

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

McConnell Warns Against ‘Radical’ Supreme Court Pick

Lawmakers from both parties and interest groups swung into gear to influence President Biden’s choice for the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. read more

 

Radical to Mitch McConnell is anyone not himself.

 

20

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

New Justice Is Unlikely to Thwart Supreme Court’s Rightward Lurch

The replacement of Justice Stephen G. Breyer with another liberal is unlikely to alter the basic dynamic at the court or to slow its accelerating conservative ambitions. read more

 

Any Justice appointed by President Biden will serve in the Liberal minority.

 

 

 

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@21:20, ,

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Botched Airstrikes Prompt U.S. Military Orders to Protect Civilians

A new directive outlines steps intended to change how commanders think about their jobs, after New York Times investigations into botched airstrikes. read more

 

Biden is commander in chief.  

Congress controls the budget.  

 

2          

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Read Justice Breyer’s Letter Resigning From the Supreme Court

The associate justice was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. read more

 

Justice Breyer has kept his temper.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

Biden Is Not the First President to Promise a Court Nominee From a Demographic Group

President Biden’s pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court has drawn conservatives’ criticism. But they may just have a short memory. read more

 

The Trump party has no memory and no logic.

 

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

Biden Not First President to Promise a Court Nominee From a Demographic Group

President Biden’s pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court has drawn conservatives’ criticism. But they may just have a short memory. read more

 

The Trump party has no memory and no logic.

 

5 

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Biden Expected to Nominate a Black Woman to the Supreme Court

The president’s promise highlights a group that has struggled to become part of the very small pool of elite judges in the nation’s higher federal courts. read more

 

The Trump party has no memory and no logic.

 

6 

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Why Republicans Can't Filibuster Biden's Supreme Court Nominee

Though Democrats do not need to worry about Republicans using a filibuster against the forthcoming nominee, winning confirmation is no slam dunk. read more

 

Deals have been done.

 

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics10 hours ago

Transportation Dept. Outlines Plan to Address Rising Traffic Deaths

The department said it would use new funding in the infrastructure law to carry out the strategy, which touches on issues ranging from speed limits to emergency medical care. read more

 

Government continues.

 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics10 hours ago

Can Biden Avert a Crisis With North Korea?

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, has done six missile tests this month — equal to all of 2021 — and called on the nation to prepare for “long-term confrontation.” read more

 

North Korea wants respect.

 

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics10 hours ago

Can Biden Avert a Crisis With North Korea?

Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, has done six missile tests this month — equal to all of 2021 — and called on the nation to prepare for “long-term confrontation.” read more

 

North Korea wants respect.

 

10 

Ian Welsh17 hours ago

The Joy of Reading & The Discovery Of New Author (Nero Wolfe Edition)

[image: The Joy of Reading & The Discovery Of New Author (Nero Wolfe Edition)] I’ve been a big reader since I was perhaps 7 years old. In grade one I actually had remedial English: I’d been taught both whole word and phonics and it had screwed me up. Once I learned to actually read, I fell in love with it, trudging to the library, taking out the maximum and luxuriating in other worlds and other lives. I always find the strivers, attempting to read a book a week or a month funny, no real reader considers those numbers anything but pathetic, but it’s not a matter of willpower or dis... read more

 

I am still a slow reader.

 

I have to think as I read.

 

 11

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

Judge Says States Can Investigate WinRed’s Fund-Raising Tactics

The Republican digital donation platform is facing inquiries from four state attorneys general into its use of prechecked boxes to withdraw donations automatically. read more

 

Winred is committing possible fraud.

Investigation is a minimal action.

 

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

Breyer’s Retirement Gives Democrats a Dose of (Cautious) Optimism

After a series of legislative losses, the chance for President Biden to fulfill a promise by nominating a Black woman was seen by progressives as a chance to show he could still bring about change. read more

 

Getting anything through the senate is dubious.

 

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics18 hours ago

U.S. and NATO Respond to Putin’s Demands as Ukraine Tensions Mount

The formal responses offered President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia a choice: negotiate or risk facing punishing economic sanctions. read more

 

https://www.ianwelsh.net/the-ukraine-crisis-is-just-a-chance-to-acknowledge-choices-already-made/

Ian Welsh may be wrong.  He often is wrong.

 

Nuclear war is not an option.

The Diplomatic  Corps is supposed to be professional.

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

Republican Rift on Ukraine Could Undercut U.S. Appeals to Allies

G.O.P. leaders are attacking President Biden for what they call a weak response to Russian aggression, but their far-right flank is questioning U.S. involvement, and even its alliance with Kyiv. read more

 

The Republican party is known to be insane.

It is good that it is internally conflicted.

 

15 

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

Democrats Plan to Move Quickly on Justice Breyer's Successor

Given their tenuous majority, Democrats intend to act fast, anticipating roadblocks from Senator Mitch McConnell and Republicans. read more

 

There are two dissenting Democrats.

Rapid progress may not be possible.

 

16 

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

Breyer’s Retirement Gives Democrats a Dose of (Cautious) Optimism

After a series of legislative losses, the chance for President Biden to fulfill a promise by nominating a Black woman was seen by progressives as a chance to show he could still bring about change. read more

 

There are two dissenting Democrats.

Rapid progress may not be possible.

 

No new money is spent.

Quiet support for West Virginia coal may be necessary.

17

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

Stewart Rhodes, Oath Keepers Leader, Is Denied Bail on Sedition Charge

A federal judge said Mr. Rhodes, who was charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, was a flight risk partly because of “elaborate escape tunnels” in his backyard. read more

 

A plea bargain has been proposed.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

Biden Gets to Name a New Supreme Court Justice

Plus, Tucker Carlson assures us that he’s “not an agent of Russia.” read more

 

Tucker Carlson is known to distort the facts.

 

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics20 hours ago

How the Computer Chip Shortage Could Incite a U.S. Conflict With China

A war game and study by a think tank illustrate how dependent the world is on Taiwan’s semiconductor foundries. read more

 

I intend to buy shares in Global Foundries.

 

Diplomacy will put off unfortunate events in the far east.

 

20 

NYT > U.S. > Politics21 hours ago

Democrats Renew Push for Industrial Policy Bill Aimed at China

A major competitiveness bill passed the Senate last year with bipartisan support, only to stall. Democrats hope to revive it in the House, but first they will have to bridge big differences. read more

 

Republican idiocy will block the effort. 

 

 

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@21:40, , 1/24/22

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics9 minutes ago

War Looms Between Russia and Ukraine, but Diplomatic Options Remain

Fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine are growing, but diplomatic options remain. read more

 

Saber rattling always precedes effective diplomacy.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

‘In the End, You’re Treated Like a Spy,’ Says M.I.T. Scientist

Gang Chen was arrested a year ago on charges of hiding his links to China. The charges were dismissed, but he said the damage — to him, and to American science — has lingered. read more

 

The F.B.I. is filled with cold wariors.

Security is their only concern.

Like fox hunting it is "the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable." 

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/793129-the-unspeakable-in-pursuit-of-the-uneatable

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

What the Trump Documents Might Tell the Jan. 6 Committee

Following last week’s Supreme Court ruling, the House panel has received material that it hopes could flesh out how the attack on the Capitol came about. read more

 

Trump and company are playing for time.

 

 4

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

Democrats in Congress Seek Review of Teams Within the Border Patrol

Lawmakers asked the Government Accountability Office to review “critical incident teams,” and two House committees will conduct a separate investigation. read more

 

The Border Patrole is mostly a creation of the Trump administration.

5

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge to Affirmative Action at Harvard and U.N.C.

The court’s new conservative supermajority may be skeptical of admissions programs that take account of race to foster educational diversity. read more

 

The Republican party fears affirmative action.

 

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Cash Aid to Poor Mothers Increases Brain Activity in Babies, Study Finds

The research could have policy implications as President Biden pushes to revive his proposal to expand the child tax credit. read more

 

Children deserve support as well as love.

 

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Ro Khanna Wants to Save Silicon Valley From Itself

The Democratic congressman’s new book is a striking manifesto for an age of digital anxiety. read more

 

Ro Khanna misaprehends human creation. 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Court Approves Special Grand Jury in Trump Election Inquiry

A district attorney in Georgia is investigating possible election interference by former President Donald J. Trump and his allies. read more

 

I wish Fani T. Willis, an Atlanta prosecutor, complete success.

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Pentagon Puts 8,500 Troops on ‘High Alert’ Amid Ukraine Tensions

The move signals a shift for the Biden administration as the United States and NATO allies brace for possible Russian military action. read more

 

Putin must be convinced invasion is not worth the cost.

 

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics3 hours ago

Judge Approves Special Grand Jury in Trump Election Inquiry

A district attorney in Georgia is investigating possible election interference by former President Donald J. Trump and his allies. read more

 

I wish Fani T. Willis, an Atlanta prosecutor, complete success.

11

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

U.S. Helps Thwart Attack by Yemen Rebels on American Air Base in U.A.E.

The Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a base in Abu Dhabi where 2,000 Americans are stationed, the latest salvo in their escalating war with a Saudi-led coalition that includes the United Arab Emirates. 

read more

 

Abu Dhabi is a U.S. Allie.

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics6 hours ago

Sarah Palin v. New York Times Spotlights Push to Loosen Libel Law

The trial comes at a time when those who argue that news outlets should pay a steeper price for getting something wrong are more emboldened than they’ve been in decades. read more

 

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

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defamation#Libel

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics7 hours ago

Arizona Democrats Censure Sinema After Filibuster Vote

Kyrsten Sinema, a first-term Arizona senator, was rebuked by fellow Democrats in her state after her vote on the filibuster helped sink the party’s voting-rights legislation. read more

 

Krysten Sinema earned censure by sabotaging Voting Rights.

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics10 hours ago

Litter Boxes for Students Who Identify as Furries? Not So, Says School Official

A Michigan school superintendent debunked the rumor after a video from a December school board meeting resurfaced in which a speaker airs concerns about students who “identify as cats.” read more

 

Sadly, this is click bait.

 

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics14 hours ago

Biden Weighs Deploying Thousands of Troops to Eastern Europe and Baltics

The president is also considering deploying warships and aircraft to NATO allies, in what would be a major shift from its restrained stance on Ukraine. read more

 

It is a reasonable diplomatic move.

Chartering L.N.G. tankers is a next move.

Lifting the sanctions on Iran should come soon.

 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics14 hours ago

Top Jan. 6 Investigator Fired From Post at the University of Virginia

Democrats in Virginia denounced the action as a partisan move aimed at helping former President Donald J. Trump undercut the investigation of the Capitol riot. read more

 

Republicans do not want to be investigated for the capitol riot.

 

17 

NYT > U.S. > Politics16 hours ago

A Fight Over Rooftop Solar Threatens California’s Climate Goals

Utility regulators have proposed slashing the incentives homeowners receive to install solar panels, a long-sought goal of utilities and labor unions. read more

 

The utilities in California are attempting to monopolize Green energy.

 

18

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

U.S. Orders Family Members of Embassy Staff to Leave Ukraine

The State Department warned that the United States would “not be in a position” to evacuate U.S. citizens should Russia invade. read more

 

More saber rattling,

 

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Biden’s Pandemic Fight: Inside the Setbacks of the First Year

The administration has gotten much right, but its response has been hampered by confusing messaging, a lack of focus on testing, fear of political blowback and the coronavirus’s unpredictability. read more

 

The Trump Republicans have fought Covid-19 prevention any way they can.

 

20

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – January 23, 2022

[image: Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – January 23, 2022] Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – January 23, 2022 by Tony Wikrent *How to Prepare for Climate Change’s Most Immediate Impacts * [Wired, via Naked Capitalism 1-18-2022] *Strategic Political Economy* *1/25 Live Chat: The Author Of “Davos Man”* David Sirota [The Daily Poster, January 7, 2022] New York Times reporter Peter Goodman will talk to Daily Poster subscribers about his new book on billionaires conquering the world…. In his new book *Davos Man — How the Billionaires Devoured the World*, Goodman delivers a sea... read more

 

Trump and his troopers belong in prison.

Tony Wikrent has never seen a plot he didn't like.

 

Emergency management will be busy.

California is burning.

 

 

 

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@22:40, , 1/23/22

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1

NYT > U.S. > Politics32 minutes ago

Top Jan. 6 Investigator Fired From Post at the University of Virginia

Democrats in Virginia denounced the action as a partisan move aimed at helping former President Donald J. Trump undercut the investigation of the Capitol riot. read more

 

He will need to find a new position while moving house and continuing the investigation.

 

2

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 hour ago

U.S. Orders Family Members of Embassy Staff to Leave Ukraine

The State Department warned that the United States would “not be in a position” to evacuate U.S. citizens should Russia invade. read more

 

The state department is taking precautions.

 

3

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 hours ago

Biden Weighs Deploying Thousands of Troops to Eastern Europe and Baltics

The president is also considering deploying warships and aircraft to NATO allies, in what would be a major shift from its restrained stance on Ukraine. read more

 

Measures short of war. 

They will play well with the Trump faction.

4

NYT > U.S. > Politics4 hours ago

What Mattered This Week

President Biden rebooted. Democrats feuded. And Republicans watched it all with glee. read more

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

 

Executive action remains possible.

 

5

Biden’s Pandemic Fight: Inside the Setbacks of the First Year

The administration has gotten much right, but its response has been hampered by confusing messaging, a lack of focus on testing, fear of political blowback and the coronavirus’s unpredictability. read more

 

Biden has been doing what he can.

Trump and his Republican party have fought him at every step.

 

6

NYT > U.S. > Politics5 hours ago

Sarah Palin v. New York Times Spotlights Push to Loosen Libel Law

The trial comes at a time when those who argue that news outlets should pay a steeper price for  something wrong are more emboldened than they’ve been in decades. read more

 

Sarah Palin offers a Broad target.

The Times has been gentle with her.

 

7

NYT > U.S. > Politics16 hours ago

Litter Boxes for Students Who Identify as Furries? Not So, Says School Official

A Michigan school superintendent debunked the rumor after a video from a December school board meeting resurfaced in which a speaker airs concerns about students who “identify as cats.” read more

 

Click bait should not get attention. 

8

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Britain Says Moscow Is Plotting to Install a Pro-Russian Leader in Ukraine

In a highly unusual public statement, backed by U.S. officials, London named the putative head of a potential puppet government but few other details. read more

 

Saber ratteling seems to be the preliminary to diplomacy.

A nuclear exchange will not happen.

 

9

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Arizona Democrats Censure Sinema After Filibuster Vote

Kyrsten Sinema, a first-term Arizona senator, was rebuked by fellow Democrats in her state after her vote on the filibuster helped sink the party’s voting-rights legislation. read more

 

Republicans do not feel gratitude.

 

10

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Rapid Inflation Fuels Debate Over What’s to Blame: Pandemic or Policy

The White House is emphasizing that inflation is worldwide. Economists say that’s true — but stimulus-spurred consumer buying is also to blame. read more

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/21/opinion/inflation-us-economy-biden.html

 

Causality seems to be absent.

 

11

Ian Welsh1 day ago

Open Thread

[image: Open Thread] Use the comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp LinkedIn read more

 

Anything begins with communication.

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

 

12

NYT > U.S. > Politics1 day ago

Voices From the March for Life

Protesters at this year’s anti-abortion rally expressed excitement about a coming Supreme Court ruling that could overturn Roe v. Wade. read more

 

Cheer leading is popular with cheerleaders. 

13

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Biden Looks to Intel’s U.S. Investment to Buoy His China Agenda

The president said passage of a China competition bill was needed “for the sake of our economic competitiveness and our national security.” read more

 

Biden needs support.

 

14

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Arizona Sues to Stop Treasury From Recouping Relief Funds

Gov. Doug Ducey has been using federal pandemic aid to undermine school mask requirements, which Treasury said violated the law. read more

 

 Gov. Doug Ducey wants to keep the money he is stealing.

15

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Texas Man Charged With Threatening to Kill Georgia Election Officials

A man accused of using Craigslist to call for the assassination of election officials is the first to be charged by the Justice Department’s task force on election threats. read more

 

It may be hard to get a conviction.

 

16

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Jan. 6 Panel and State Officials Seek Answers on Fake Trump Electors

Pressure is mounting on the Justice Department to investigate bogus electors who claimed that Donald J. Trump defeated Joseph R. Biden Jr. in their states. read more

 

The actions look like election fraud. 

17

Ian Welsh2 days ago

What Closing Borders Does During A Plague

[image: What Closing Borders Does During A Plague] Western Australia: Per Capita Cases, Western Australia: .11%. Per Capita Deaths, Western Australia: practically none. Per Capita Cases, Australia: 8.1% Per Capita Deaths, Australia: .12% Per Capita Cases, USA: 21% Per Capita Deaths, USA: .26% *Australia *is famous, or perhaps infamous, for its lockdowns, but Western Australia has essentially closed its borders since Covid. Australia has thus done far better than the US, with fewer cases and even fewer deaths per capita. Western Australia, on the other hand, essentially 

hasn’t ha... read more

 

Quarantine works when rigorously applied.

 

18 

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Supreme Court to Consider Limits of Ruling on Oklahoma Tribes

But the justices rejected a request from state officials to revisit a 2020 ruling that much of eastern Oklahoma falls within an Indian reservation. read more

 

A happy resolution is not anticipated.

 

19

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Racial Turmoil Mars Signs of Progress at the U.S. Mint

A new internal report found that Black employees felt marginalized at the Treasury agency that produces the nation’s coins. read more

 

Equality is all that is asked.

 

20 

NYT > U.S. > Politics2 days ago

Why Biden's Agenda Brings Him Closer to L.B.J. Than F.D.R.

The president’s agenda — big progressive change — has placed Democratic priorities over the voters’ desire for practical help on the pandemic and inflation. read more

 

L.B.J. had better control of congress.

 

 

 

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