@22:17, , 9/16/19

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1

Trump Goes to the Bullpen in Awarding His Latest Presidential Medal of Freedom

Michael Crowley and Tyler Kepner at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 28 minutes ago

Mr. Trump bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Mariano Rivera, a member of five Yankees championship teams who is widely considered the best relief pitcher in baseball history.

El presidente is attempting to buy center stage. 

2 

Trump’s Deference to Saudis in Setting Terms for How U.S. Should Respond to Attacks Touches a Nerve

Peter Baker and David E. Sanger at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The president’s tweet set off a torrent of criticism from those who have long accused him of doing Riyadh’s bidding while sweeping Saudi violations of human rights and international norms under the rug.

There is a group that cares only about the price of gas.

3

Lewandowski is cleared for Limited Testimony in House Inquiry, as White House Blocks Others

Nicholas Fandos at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The former Trump campaign chief, who will appear on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, could help bring to life evidence uncovered by Robert S. Mueller III.

Trump should be removed from office after Pence is fired.

4 

For Democrats, the Future Is Female

Lisa Lerer at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

On the road with Supermajority, a new group hoping to channel a wave of progressive energy into a new women’s movement.

Fine by me.

The Republican men have made a mess of things.

5 

3 From JPMorgan Accused in Scheme to Game Precious Metals Market

Katie Benner at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The government’s indictment said the scheme ran for eight years and generated millions of dollars in profits for the bank. JPMorgan declined to comment.

Surprise!

"The Justice Department charged the men under the federal government’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, under which prosecutors pursue people involved in an organization that perpetuates organized crime, including gangs and drug cartels. The law is commonly associated with the mafia, but it was used to pursue Wall Street traders in the 1990s." 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1893

6

Age Isn’t Hurting 2020 Democratic Leaders, to Rivals’ Chagrin

Reid J. Epstein at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Younger candidates are running as agents of generational change, but it is three septuagenarians who have emerged as the front-runners. And age-related attacks have not worked.

The old outnumber the young.

They love the children but run their own lives.

7

Elizabeth Warren Promises to Take On Corruption at Washington Sq. Park Rally

Thomas Kaplan at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

The Massachusetts senator told a crowd of thousands in New York City that fighting corruption would be central to her presidency.

A good start.

8 

During Kavanaugh Hearings, Senator Alerted F.B.I. to New Allegation

Sheryl Gay Stolberg at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

A Democratic senator expressed concern last year that the F.B.I. was not following up on allegations against the Supreme Court nominee.\

The U.S. suffered a coup d'etat in 2016.

9

The Cost of Running Guantánamo Bay: $13 Million Per Prisoner

Carol Rosenberg  NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Set up nearly 18 years ago to house detainees in the war on terrorism, the prison on the remote naval base has grown into what appears to be the most expensive on earth.

War is the wrong tool against terror.

Education works.

We have lost that opportunity for decades.

10 

A Marine Looks Back at His Battles in Afghanistan

Thomas Gibbons-Neff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

In February 2010, in the Taliban sanctuary of Marja, we were fighting to let Afghanistan build a democracy. Or something like that.

There is no excuse for ignorance in peacetime.

11 

Elaine Chao Investigated by House Panel for Possible Conflicts

Eric Lipton and Michael Forsythe at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

The Oversight and Reform Committee asked the transportation secretary to turn over documents related to communication with her family’s shipping company.

The U.S. has f ought graft from its beginning.

12

After Saudi Attack, Oil Market Is on Edge: ‘What if the Other Shoe Drops?’

Clifford Krauss at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Supply disruptions and the risk of future attacks is likely to prop up energy prices, benefiting the oil industry and hurting consumers.

The Houthi get their weapons where they can.

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

13

U.S. Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Just Over a Week After Trump Scraps Peace Talks

Thomas Gibbons-Neff at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

The soldier, who was killed while fighting alongside Afghan commandos in Wardak Province, is the 17th American service member to die during combat operations this year.

If troops did not die it would not be a war.

14

Working Families Party Endorses Elizabeth Warren. Here’s Why It Matters.

Astead W. Herndon at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

The progressive group, whose electoral influence has grown since it backed Bernie Sanders four years ago, is now supporting Ms. Warren for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Democrats remember the left.

15

At the Country’s Oldest Stump, a Presidential Twist

Matt Stevens at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

The Galivants Ferry Stump speaking event in South Carolina has been held every two years for at least 143 years. Now, for the first time, it will host Democratic presidential candidates.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stump_speech_(politics)

History is in sad shape.

16

Iran Rules Out Meeting Between Trump and Rouhani

Megan Specia at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the possibility of a meeting between President Hassan Rouhani and President Trump during the United Nations General Assembly.

 Wisdom.

17 

How Important Is The Drone Attack On The Saudi Oil Field?

Ian Welsh at Ian Welsh - 12 hours ago

As you’d expect from the title, both more and less than it seems. The impact on oil prices is not that big a deal, despite the screaming. If they were to, say, wind up at $75/barrel for a few months, well the last time we had prices that high was… less than a year ago. […]

These are interesting times.

18 

Iran Rules Out Meeting Between Trump and Rouhani

Megan Specia at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the possibility of a meeting between President Hassan Rouhani and President Trump during the United Nations General Assembly.

If it happens all will be surprised.

19

Democrats’ Afghan Strategy Sounds Familiar. It’s a Lot Like Trump’s.

David E. Sanger and Maggie Astor at NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The 2020 Democratic candidates have one major goal for Afghanistan: Get out. They are struggling to differentiate themselves from a president they say has a feckless, isolationist view of American power.

Declair victory and go home.

It is the Republican way.

20 

Supreme Court Says Judges Are Above Politics. It May Hear a Case Testing That View.

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

A new petition asks the court to decide whether Delaware can factor in the political affiliations of judges to try to seek ideological balance on its courts.

I know better.

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