@20:15, , 1/7/21

 |

-1

https://www.ianwelsh.net/trump-has-proven-the-us-is-ripe-for-a-right-wing-coup/

 The extremely wealthy are not a big percentage.

They do not contact much of of the earning population.

Pitchforks and torches are not a the future.  The mess in Washington was not the Haymarket riot.

1

Simon & Schuster Cancels Plans for Senator Hawley’s Book

Elizabeth A. Harris and Alexandra Alter, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The publisher faced calls to drop the Missouri Republican’s upcoming book, “The Tyranny of Big Tech,” following criticism of his efforts to overturn the presidential election.

Senator Hawley is not wrong about Big Tech.

Ironically Simon&Shuster proves his point.

He should have respected the Presidential election.

2

Boeing Reaches $2.5 Billion 737 Max Settlement with U.S.

Niraj Chokshi and Michael S. Schmidt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The company agreed to a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department.

 

Boeing got a bargain.

The company should not have survived.

Sunk costs frighten accounting managements.

3

Pelosi Threatens to Pursue Impeachment of Trump

Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

 

Nicholas Fandos  needs to read more and write better.

Trump can be stripped of his powers without removing him from office by the action of his cabinet.

Impeachment by the house will not do that but may be a larger threat.

 

4

Pence is said to oppose invoking 25th Amendment to strip Trump of his duties.

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

 

Pence has declaired himself an enemy of democratic governance.

 

5

World leaders see Washington turmoil as a warning for democracies everywhere.

Katrin Bennhold, Steven Lee Myers, Melissa Eddy, Andrew E. Kramer and Stephen Castle, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

 

Evil will triumph if good men do nothing.

 

https://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/12/04/good-men-do/ 

6

Why D.C. Rioters Wore Costumes to the Capitol

Vanessa Friedman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

As star-spangled superheroes and militiamen, the rioters of D.C. dressed with a license for mayhem.

 

Facial recognition has difficulty with masks.

 

7

A Riot Amid a Pandemic: Did the Virus, Too, Storm the Capitol?

Apoorva Mandavilli, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

Some scientists fear that the mayhem on Capitol Hill may prove to have been a so-called super-spreading event.

 

As in Poe's Masque of the Red Death the disease came early.

 

8

Capitol for Damage to the Building or Its Art

Sarah Bahr, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

Initial reports indicate that despite multiple incidents of vandalism, smashed windows and broken doors, major damage to the building itself or its artworks was avoided.

 

These hooligans are fans of government though not of democracy.

 

9

Questions mount over law enforcement’s failure to protect the Capitol.

Glenn Thrush, Shaila Dewan, John Eligon and Neil MacFarquhar, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

 

The capitol police suffered from divided loyalties.

 

10

‘Sedition’: A Complicated History

Jennifer Schuessler, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

As a mob stormed the Capitol, the word “sedition” was on many people’s lips. Its force is clear, but its echoes across American history are more complex and ambiguous.

 

Quoting chapter and verse only works if the person opposit can listen.

11

Trump Is Said to Have Discussed Pardoning Himself

Michael S. Schmidt and Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The discussions occurred in recent weeks, and it was not clear whether he has brought it up since he incited supporters to march on the Capitol, where some stormed the site.

 

No pardon for Trump!

 

12

Trump, finally conceding to reality, says transition will be peaceful. Democrats say he must be removed now.

Peter Baker and Glenn Thrush, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

 

Trump has trespassed against his nation.  He must be removed.

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

 

13

How Trump’s Allies Are Still Defending Him: Denial, Deflection, Disinformation

Jeremy W. Peters, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

They falsely claimed President Trump had no role in spurring the assault on the Capitol. They resorted to false equivalencies. Some even questioned whether the mob was an anti-Trump “false flag.”

 

Call it conspiracy in pursuit of trespas.

 

14

After Riot, Business Leaders Reckon With Their Support for Trump

David Gelles, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Many in corporate America endorsed the president’s economic policies, which were good for them and gave Mr. Trump mainstream business credibility. It was “fool’s gold,” one said on Thursday.

 

Business as an entity understands and likes Trump economics and abhores his politics.

15

How Trump's Refusal to Demand Political Appointees Resign Could Affect Foreign Policy

Lara Jakes and Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Until Thursday, the White House had still not told its political appointees to step down, a routine request to smooth presidential transitions that usually happens within weeks of an election.

 

Trump had no intention to allow a transition. 

It was his intention to retain his apointees for his future rule.

 

16

Biden’s expected trade nominee files financial disclosure forms.

Ana Swanson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

 

Ms. Tai has a modest personal fortune.

I saw no mention of trusts.

 

17 

The House sergeant-at-arms resigns and Schumer says he’ll fire the Senate sergeant-at-arms if needed.

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

 

Trump's inside men are being located and dismissed.

 

18

An Alabama man who suffered a heart attack outside the Capitol is among the dead.

Adam Goldman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3fP15F6szA

 

19

House Democrats are starting an investigation into how a mob breached the Capitol.

Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

 

The crowd had inside help.

Trump will be a danger to the republic until he is dead or in Bedlam.

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

20

Trump has so far declined to ask his ambassadors to resign, a routine step in past administrations.

Lara Jakes and Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

 

 https://www.nytimes.com/search?dropmab=true&query=ambassadorial%20resignations&sort=newest

They are not quitting yet.

 

 

||

@20:04, , 1/6/21

 |

1
Capitol Building Deemed Secure, Hours After Mob Storming

Nicholas Fandos, Emily Cochrane, Eileen Sullivan, Glenn Thrush, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Jonathan Martin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 34 minutes ago

 

The Proud Boys have volunteered for government housing.

 

2

How The Storming of Capitol Hill Was Organized on Social Media

Sheera Frenkel, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 34 minutes ago

 

The bubble poped when Trump pricked it.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_no_one_rid_me_of_this_turbulent_priest%3F

 

3

Inside the Capitol, the Sound of the Mob Came First

Luke Broadwater and Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 34 minutes ago

Not long after Senator Mitch McConnell warned his Republican colleagues that their efforts to overturn an election would send democracy into a “death spiral,” fear surged through the Senate chamber.

 

Mitch McConnell is a bit of a surprise as a savior of democracy.

I suspect he is dissembling. 

4

Trump's Tweets Deleted After He Encouraged his Supporters to ‘Remember this Day.’

The New York Times, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 35 minutes ago

 

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

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

Jack Dorsey would like to have a company next year.

 

5

Twitter Locks Trump’s Account After Violence on Capitol Hill

Kate Conger, Mike Isaac and Sheera Frenkel, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 39 minutes ago

The move came after critics and even some allies of companies like Twitter and Facebook said they failed to prevent the misinformation that led to chaos on Wednesday.

 

The social media business model will need to change.

 

6

Facebook bans a page used to coordinate pro-Trump protests after calls for violence.

Sheera Frenkel, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 40 minutes ago

 

 The social media business model will need to change.

 

7 

Woman Shot in Capitol Has Died

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 48 minutes ago

 

My impression was the Capitol police are not gun mad.

I would like to know more about how this woman came to be  shot.

8

The entire D.C. National Guard has been mobilized.

Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

 

1750 troops are a modest force for mob control.

The entire unit under Mayoral control is about 2000.

The Capitol Police did most of the work and did it carefully.

 

9

How Police Responded to Capitol Mob and Protesters After George Floyd Killing

Shaila Dewan, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

 

Donald Trump is a racist.

The mob at the Capitol was of racists.

 

10

Congress Did Not Finish Certifying the Election Results. What Happens Next?

Alan Rappeport, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

A mob of protesters interrupted certification of the 2020 electoral votes, injecting uncertainty into what happens next in the largely procedural action.

 

The Certification will continue.

There will be some very tired congress people.

 

11

Woman who was shot in the Capitol has died.

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

 

My impression was the Capitol police are not gun mad.

I would like to know more about how this woman came to be  shot.

 

There will be an investigatiom.

 

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

• 

  Bust of Marianne, displayed in the corridors of the Luxembourg Palace, seat of the French Senate. (anonymous artist)

   

12

Black voters and faith leaders rejoice at Warnock’s historic win: ‘I think it speaks volumes.’

Rick Rojas, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

 

"Slaves must liberate themselves" 

13

Capitol Building Shooting: Person Shot During Violent Protest

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

 

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

Martyers are clumsey things.

 

14

Biden Calls on Trump to ‘Demand an End to this Siege.’

Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

 

Trump is unable to call off his dogs.

 

15

Study Says Blood Plasma Reduces Risk of Severe Covid-19 if Given Early

Katherine J. Wu, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Thousands of people received convalescent plasma as an experimental treatment for Covid. A new study shows that it works — but only when given within a few days of the onset of illness.r

 

Vaccine for Covid-19 is better if one can get it.

I would not refuse any treatment for Covid-19.

 

16

Pipe Bomb Found and Destroyed at R.N.C.; D.N.C. Is Evacuated

Katie Benner, Maggie Haberman and Michael S. Schmidt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

 

The Trump contingent feels betrayed by party politics I speculate.

 

17

Pence rejects Trump’s pressure to block certification saying he ‘loves the Constitution.’

Annie Karni, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

 

Fake news.

 

18

Here’s what we know about the ballots that are left to count in Georgia.

Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

 

The election runoffs in Georgia have been won by the Democrats.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/georgia-senate-trump-black-voters.html

"Democrats gained control of the Senate on Wednesday by winning both of Georgia’s runoff races, an electoral repudiation of President Trump that will give the incoming Democratic administration broader policy latitude"

19

Biden plans to nominate Merrick Garland for attorney general.

Michael S. Schmidt, Adam Liptak and Michael D. Shear, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

 

I like the idea.

 

20

A Democratic takeover of the Senate would redefine Biden’s presidency in dramatic ways.

Glenn Thrush, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

Drop "redefine"substitute "define"  

The new senate will be Democratic mannaged.

||

@9:36, , 1/5/21

 |

1

When Will Georgia Mail-In Ballots be Counted?

Sydney Ember, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 minutes ago

 

No decision before 1/6/21, late in the day.   Democrats appear to be leading.

 

2

Justice Dept. Seeks to Pare Back Civil Rights Protections for Minorities

Katie Benner and Erica L. Green, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 54 minutes ago

A late move by the Trump administration would stop enforcement of protections against discriminatory practices that have a “disparate impact” on protected groups.

 

No surprise.

 

3

Biden to Tap More Former Obama Officials for Top National Security Jobs

Michael Crowley and David E. Sanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The president-elect is turning to trusted former colleagues to manage complex negotiations with Iran and Russia.

 

These may have learned.  The Republicans did not learn.

 

4

Warning of Shortages, Researchers Look to Stretch Vaccine Supply

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

The N.I.H. and Moderna are examining whether doses of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine can be halved to double the supply, while scientists look for other ways to extend availability.

 

Enough vaccine was not ordered.

 

5

You Think This Is Chaos? The Election of 1876 Was Worse.

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

As President Trump pushes Congress to block certification of President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory, his Republican allies look to the showdown on Capitol Hill a century and a half ago as a model.

 

This has been an orderly election accompanied by loud noises,

"Black Lives Matter"is a statement of fact.  It was not heard the first few hundred times.

The vote in Georgia should be symetrical.  There should be almost no split ballots.

 

6

Pence Said to Have Told Trump He Lacks Power to Change Election Result

Maggie Haberman and Annie Karni, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

A day before he presides over a joint session of Congress to ratify Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory, the vice president tried to lower the president’s expectations while seeking ways to mollify him.

 

I am surprised.  I agree with Pence.  He lacks the power.

 

7

Hacking ‘Likely’ Came From Russia, US Says

David E. Sanger and Julian E. Barnes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The operation is “ongoing” nearly a month after it was uncovered, according to four government agencies that described the hacking as an intelligence-gathering effort.

 

Cyber command is a creature of the Trump admistration.

I see no reason to trust it.

8

Pro-Trump Protesters Gather Amid Warnings of Violence

Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Matthew Rosenberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

With a grand stage, video monitors and a planned presidential appearance, pro-Trump demonstrators will condemn Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory with a planned show of force.

 

Biden won the election.  

The police are capable of of dealing with modest demonstrations. 

The National Guard is available for real problems.

9

Lawyer on Trump Election Call Quits Firm After Uproar

Michael S. Schmidt and Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The law firm, Foley & Lardner, had distanced itself from Cleta Mitchell after a recording of the call revealed she helped the president pressure Georgia elections officials.

 

Cleta Mitchell abbetted a felony.

 

10

Lawyer on Trump Election Call Quits Firm After Uproar

Michael S. Schmidt and Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The law firm, Foley & Lardner, had distanced itself from Cleta Mitchell after a recording of the call revealed she helped the president pressure Georgia elections officials.

 

Cleta Mitchell abbetted a felony.

 

11 

As Polls Close, Here's What We Know About Voting in Georgia

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

Voting has appeared to unfold without any major problems in Georgia on Tuesday. Democrats may have claimed a bigger share of the early vote than they did in November’s election, election data shows.

 

The democrats won.

 

12

Early voting data suggests both runoffs could be nail-biters.

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

 

My nails are bitten.

 

13

Georgia State Elections

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 2 hours ago

I don’t know who will win. I would prefer the Democrats do so that Biden can govern a bit more and because McConnell truly is awful. Anyway, use comments to discuss the runoff, results, consequences and so on.

 

Ian Welsh is not insane.

 

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

 

14

Republicans Plan to Force at Least Three Votes to Invalidate Biden’s Election

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

The challenges will transform the normally routine electoral count by Congress into an hourslong spectacle that has already divided Republicans, who are all but certain to fail to change the results.

 

"No plan survives contact with the opposition."

 

15

‘This Vote Matters More Than Anything’: Ballots Are Cast in High-Stakes Runoffs

Rick Rojas, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

The stakes were clear: This vote could help set the country’s direction for the next two years. Some wanted a Senate that would back Joe Biden. Others sought a “balance of power.”

 

The votes are cast.  The count is honest.

 

16

How Trump Could Affect Loeffler and Perdue in Georgia Race

Stephanie Saul, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

As the president pursues his own agenda, the fallout could have longstanding repercussions in a state where Republicans have dominated for years.

 

Trump is coming up short.

 

17

Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, is a pastor turned politician.

Shaila Dewan and Mike Baker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

 

It is almost over.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/06/us/georgia-election-results

18

Here’s how the votes will be counted in Georgia.

Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

 

They will all and only be counted. 

19

A Full Guide to the Georgia Runoff

Reid J. Epstein, Shane Goldmacher and Stephanie Saul, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Control of the Senate is at stake. The candidates have shattered spending records. President Trump hovers over the two contests. Here is what we’re keeping an eye on as voters head to the polls.

 

The voters of Georgia have cast their ballots.

20

When Will We Know Georgia Results?

Maggie Astor, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

If all goes smoothly, the races could be called late Tuesday or early Wednesday. But that’s far from guaranteed.

 

Things are going well,

The Republicans do not know when it is time to make peace.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/06/us/georgia-election-results

 

||

@17:43, 1/3/21

|

1

Georgia Politics Have Shifted. The Senate Races Will Show How Much.

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

A reliably red state for almost two decades, Georgia no longer resembles its Deep South neighbors. President Trump and Joe Biden head there Monday to help rally the bases.

 

There are not enough Republicans in Georgia to keep it red.

 

2

Trump Pressured Georgia Official to ‘Find’ Enough Votes to Overturn Election

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

The president vaguely warned of a “criminal offense” as he pressured Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in a call, according to audio excerpts.

 

This is probably an impeachable offence.

 

3

Community’s Loss of Hospital Stirs Fresh Debate Over Indian Health Service

Mark Walker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Faced with a budget problem, the federal agency responsible for tribal health care solved it by reducing a long-established hospital in New Mexico to a clinic — in the middle of the pandemic.

 

The Bureau of Indian affairs has never been a good.

 

4

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – January 3, 2021

Tony Wikrent, Ian Welsh - 4 hours ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – January 3, 2021 by Tony Wikrent How the Police Killed Breonna Taylor [New York Times, via Naked Capitalism 12-31-20] “The Times’s visual investigation team built a 3-D model of the scene and pieced together critical sequences of events to show how poor planning and shoddy police work led to […]

 

The Koch brothers and now Charles Koch are evil.

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

https://history.wisc.edu/publications/democracy-in-chains-the-deep-history-of-the-radical-rights-stealth-plan-for-america/

 

The University of Wisconsin should be trustworthy.

 

Tony Wikrent is an idealistic Socialist. 

He finds many facts.

His understanding is limited.

History is longer than his memory.

 

5

Community’s Loss of Hospital Stirs Fresh Debate Over Indian Health Service

Mark Walker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 12 hours ago

Faced with a budget problem, the federal agency responsible for tribal health care solved it by reducing a long-established hospital in New Mexico to a clinic — in the middle of the pandemic.

 

Native Americans have been abandoned by Republicans.

 

6

Asian-American Voters Can Help Decide Elections. But for Which Party?

Matt Stevens, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 14 hours ago

They surged to the polls in 2020 and could help swing the Georgia Senate runoffs. Activists and experts say it is long past time for both Democrats and Republicans to pursue them.

 

The Republican populists have borrowed the positions of The Know Nothings.

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

Asian-Americans should vote for other candidates.

 

7

Pence Welcomes Futile Bid by G.O.P. Lawmakers to Overturn Election

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

Vice President Mike Pence signaled his support as 11 Republican senators and senators-elect said that they would vote to reject President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory.

 

Mike Pence should never hold public office.

 

8

‘From Crisis to Crisis’: The Moments That Defined a Historic Congress

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The 116th Congress has lurched through a government shutdown, the impeachment and trial of a president, and the deadliest pandemic in a century.

 

Most of these events were not under congressional control.

 

9

Raphael Warnock, From the Pulpit to Politics, Doesn’t Shy From ‘Uncomfortable’ Truths

Shaila Dewan and Mike Baker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

He first wanted to run for office years ago. Now Stacey Abrams, the Democratic Party and the Rev. Raphael Warnock all believe that the time is ripe for Georgia voters to send a Black Baptist preacher to Washington.

 

Preachers have a position of power and information.

He is probably a good choice.

 

10

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use the comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

 

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

 

11

As Understanding of Russian Hacking Grows, So Does Alarm

David E. Sanger, Nicole Perlroth and Julian E. Barnes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Those behind the widespread intrusion into government and corporate networks exploited seams in U.S. defenses and gave away nothing to American monitoring of their systems.

 

The hack is real.  

The Russians may not be responsible.

 

12

As Some Deficit Hawks Turn Dove, the New Politics of Debt Are on Display

Jeanna Smialek and Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Some Republicans who once scolded about fiscal austerity are now embracing government spending, underlining that the public supports more generous relief.

 

Most people are not consciously sadistic.

More than half the population needs relief.

Everyone needs an end to SAD depression. 

13

Federal Judge Dismisses Election Lawsuit Against Pence

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

President Trump’s congressional allies had hoped to give the vice president the power to reject electoral votes that were cast for Joseph R. Biden Jr.

 

It seems to be inefective to tell Republicans to "forget it".

14

Washington Has Been Lucrative for Some on Biden’s Team

Kenneth P. Vogel and Eric Lipton, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Janet Yellen, the president-elect’s pick for Treasury secretary, collected more than $7 million in speaking fees over the past two years. Antony J. Blinken and Avril Haines did well, too.

 

There has been a willing buyer and a willing seller.

There is no fraud in the product.

 

15

Trump Calls Georgia Senate Races ‘Illegal and Invalid’

Richard Fausset, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

President Trump continued his assault on election integrity, baselessly claiming the presidential results and the Senate runoffs in Georgia were both invalid — which could complicate G.O.P. efforts to motivate voters.

 

Trump is a danger to himself and to others.

 

16

In Abrupt Reversal of Iran Strategy, Pentagon Orders Aircraft Carrier Home

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

After weeks of escalation and threatening language, the Defense Department is sending mixed messages as the anniversary of the death of an Iranian general nears.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/03/world/middleeast/trump-iran-carrier-nimitz.html

 

17

Without Trump, or Masks, Mar-a-Lago Partied On

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

President Trump did not attend his private social club’s annual New Year’s Eve bash, which hundreds of guests attended despite the coronavirus.

 

The friends of Trump believe him.

 

18

Senate Overrides Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill, Dealing a Legislative Blow

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Republicans joined Democrats to deliver President Trump the first veto override of his presidency in the last days of his term in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote.

 

Mercenaries are loyal to their paymasters only.

They will rob their employers for their money.

 

19

Congress Poised to Apply Banking Regulations to Antiquities Market

Zachary Small, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Regulators have long worried that the secrecy of the antiquities trade, where buyers and sellers are seldom identified, made it an easy way to launder money.

 

The antiquities market isnot a money market.

The comodities rules do not apply.

 

20

David Perdue Was an Outsourcing Expert Before He Embraced ‘America-First’ Agenda

Stephanie Saul, Richard Fausset and Michael LaForgia, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

Mr. Perdue, who faces one of two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine control of the Senate, built a business record that shifted manufacturing and jobs overseas.

 

David Perdue is a turncoat.  He should not hold public office.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/05/us/politics/when-will-we-know-georgia-runoff-results.html

 

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/05/us/georgia-elections

 

 

||

@18:15, , 1/2/21

 |

 

1

11 More Republican Senators Plan to Back Futile Bid to Overturn Biden’s Election

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

A group of senators and senators-elect, led by Ted Cruz of Texas, said that they would object to the outcome of the election, while conceding that their effort would be unsuccessful.

 

This is fake.  The case will not stand.

 

2

Raphael Warnock, From the Pulpit to Politics, Doesn’t Shy From ‘Uncomfortable’ Truths

Shaila Dewan and Mike Baker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

He first wanted to run for office years ago. Now Stacey Abrams, the Democratic Party and the Rev. Raphael Warnock all believe that the time is ripe for Georgia voters to send a Black Baptist preacher to Washington.

 

At this time any Democrat is better than any Republican.

3

‘From Crisis to Crisis’: The Moments That Defined a Historic Congress

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

The 116th Congress has lurched through a government shutdown, the impeachment and trial of a president, and the deadliest pandemic in a century.

 

The Times has been paying much closer attention than I.

4

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 8 hours ago

Use the comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

 

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

 

5

As Understanding of Russian Hacking Grows, So Does Alarm

David E. Sanger, Nicole Perlroth and Julian E. Barnes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Those behind the widespread intrusion into government and corporate networks exploited seams in U.S. defenses and gave away nothing to American monitoring of their systems.

 

General Paul M. Nakasone is not a digital native.

We do not know who is reading the mail.

There is no effective security on the nets.

Air gapped machines running "clean" code in trusted environments can be trusted some.

There are to many ways for trojans to enter.  Assume that all digital communications are insecure.

 

6

As Some Deficit Hawks Turn Dove, the New Politics of Debt Are on Display

Jeanna Smialek and Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 9 hours ago

Some Republicans who once scolded about fiscal austerity are now embracing government spending, underlining that the public supports more generous relief.

 

The Republican party insists that money be hard and of constant value.

That way lies economic depression and progressive ruin.

 

7

Federal Judge Dismisses Election Lawsuit Against Pence

Catie Edmondson and Maggie Haberman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

President Trump’s congressional allies had hoped to give the vice president the power to reject electoral votes that were cast for Joseph R. Biden Jr.

 

Pence must count the electoral votes as cast.

 

8

Washington Has Been Lucrative for Some on Biden’s Team

Kenneth P. Vogel and Eric Lipton, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

Janet Yellen, the president-elect’s pick for Treasury secretary, collected more than $7 million in speaking fees over the past two years. Antony J. Blinken and Avril Haines did well, too.

 

A willing buyer and a willing seller are

the definition of fair trade.

 

9

Trump Calls Georgia Senate Races ‘Illegal and Invalid’

Richard Fausset, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

President Trump continued his assault on election integrity, baselessly claiming the presidential results and the Senate runoffs in Georgia were both invalid — which could complicate G.O.P. efforts to motivate voters.

 

Trump is troubled by facts.

 

10

In Abrupt Reversal of Iran Strategy, Pentagon Orders Aircraft Carrier Home

Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

After weeks of escalation and threatening language, the Defense Department is sending mixed messages as the anniversary of the death of an Iranian general nears.

 

Iran is not an enemy of the U.S.

Send in the diplomats.

 

11

Without Trump, or Masks, Mar-a-Lago Partied On

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

President Trump did not attend his private social club’s annual New Year’s Eve bash, which hundreds of guests attended despite the coronavirus.

 

"Stupidity has always carried a death sentance."

 

12

Senate Overrides Trump’s Veto of Defense Bill, Dealing a Legislative Blow

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Republicans joined Democrats to deliver President Trump the first veto override of his presidency in the last days of his term in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote.

 

Mercenary soldiers must be paid generously.  Trump is not generous.

 

13

Congress Poised to Apply Banking Regulations to Antiquities Market

Zachary Small, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Regulators have long worried that the secrecy of the antiquities trade, where buyers and sellers are seldom identified, made it an easy way to launder money.

 

The movement of money is less concerning than the destruction of the archiological record.

The past does not change itself.

 

14

'Fear the Democrats': Georgia Republicans Deliver Persistent Message

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

Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are resting their re-election hopes on a strategy that calls more attention to what they’re against than what they support.

 

The Georgia Republicans Cannot afford to remember the past.

 

15

David Perdue Was an Outsourcing Expert Before He Embraced ‘America-First’ Agenda

Stephanie Saul, Richard Fausset and Michael LaForgia, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Mr. Perdue, who faces one of two runoff elections in Georgia that will determine control of the Senate, built a business record that shifted manufacturing and jobs overseas.

 

David Perdue is a turncoat.

 

16

Josh Hawley Moves To Become Trump’s Heir Presumptive

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

It’s traditional on New Year to either do a retrospective or a look forward. Let’s look forward to 2024. Since the election it has become conventional wisdom that now that Trump is defeated, the “next” Trump will be more dangerous. I pointed this out from 2016 on, repeatedly: even if Trump wanted to do all […]

 

Ian Welsh  Should know better than to watch Faux news.

 

17

Richard Thornburgh, Former Governor and Attorney General, Dies at 88

Robert D. McFadden, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

He steered Pennsylvania through the Three Mile Island nuclear plant meltdown and led the Justice Department under Reagan and the first President Bush.

 

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

 

I was hearing the panic.

 

Richard Thornburgh survived the events.

 

18

27 Places Raising the Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour

Gillian Friedman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The new year brings another round of increases, nearly a decade after workers started campaigning for higher pay.

 

$15/hour is minimal for a single income familly.

 

19

Justice Dept. Asks Judge to Toss Election Lawsuit Against Pence

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

The suit, led by Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas, seeks to give the vice president the power to reject electoral votes that were cast for Joseph R. Biden Jr.

 

The federal judge tossed out this suit.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/us/politics/mike-pence-louie-gohmert-lawsuit.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/02/us/politics/gop-senators-josh-hawley-election.html

20

Georgia Republicans Deliver Persistent Message: Fear the Democrats

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

Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are resting their re-election hopes on a strategy that calls more attention to what they’re against than what they support.

 

The Democratic candidates will help Georgia remember.

 

 

 

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@11:15, , 1/1/21

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1

Josh Hawley Moves To Become Trump’s Heir Presumptive

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 4 hours ago

It’s traditional on New Year to either do a retrospective or a look forward. Let’s look forward to 2024. Since the election it has become conventional wisdom that now that Trump is defeated, the “next” Trump will be more dangerous. I pointed this out from 2016 on, repeatedly: even if Trump wanted to do all […].

 

I have no way to know who the heir apparent to Trump could be.

Trump seems to think he is a god-emperor of all he surveys.

 

2

In Trump’s Final Chapter, a Failure to Rise to the Covid-19 Moment

Michael D. Shear, Maggie Haberman, Noah Weiland, Sharon LaFraniere and Mark Mazzetti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

President Trump missed his chance to show that he could rise to the moment in the final chapter of his presidency and meet the defining challenge of his tenure.

 

Trump is being preepared for an attempted government in exile.

Such things rarely work out well.

 

3 

Richard Thornburgh, Former Governor and Attorney General, Dies at 88

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

He steered Pennsylvania through the Three Mile Island nuclear plant meltdown and led the Justice Department under Reagan and the first President Bush.

 

A man of missrule.

 

4

Why Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution is Taking Longer Than Expected

Rebecca Robbins, Frances Robles and Tim Arango, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

Health officials and hospitals are struggling with a lack of resources. Holiday staffing and saving doses for nursing homes are also contributing to delays.

 

The thought that some are much more deserving of vaccination than others is getting in the way of

Vaccinating all within reach. 

There will be more vaccines 

5

27 Places Raising the Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour

Gillian Friedman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

The new year brings another round of increases, nearly a decade after workers started campaigning for higher pay.

 

The value of the dollar has been falling steadily for fifty years.

The value of labor has not changed.

An increase in the minimum wage is necessary to maintain the worth of labor.

 

6

'Fear the Democrats': Georgia Republicans Deliver Persistent Message

Astead W. Herndon and Richard Fausset, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are resting their re-election hopes on a strategy that calls more attention to what they’re against than what they support.

 

The Georgia Republicans have been trying to brand Democrats as the OTHER.

 

7 

Justice Dept. Asks Judge to Toss Election Lawsuit Against Pence

Maggie Haberman and Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 14 hours ago

The suit, led by Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas, seeks to give the vice president the power to reject electoral votes that were cast for Joseph R. Biden Jr.

 

Representative Louie Gohmert of Texas could not hear NO the other times.

 

8

Ben Sasse Slams Republican Effort to Challenge Election

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Senator Josh Hawley’s plan to object to the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6 is exposing a rift among Republicans.

 

Attempts at bargaining continue. 

The Republican party has no political leverage remaining.

 

9

Georgia Republicans Deliver Persistent Message: Fear the Democrats

Astead W. Herndon and Richard Fausset, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are resting their re-election hopes on a strategy that calls more attention to what they’re against than what they support.

 

There are not enough Georgia Republicans.

The Democrats do not fear themselves.

 

10

Sasse Slams G.O.P. Effort to Challenge Election Results as a ‘Dangerous Ploy’

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

Senator Josh Hawley’s plan to object to the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6 is exposing a rift among Republicans.

 

The Train has left the station. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyrCt9UVYnk

11

U.S. Officials Say Covid-19 Vaccination Effort Has Lagged

Rebecca Robbins, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

“We know that it should be better, and we’re working hard to make it better,” said Moncef Slaoui, a leader of the federal effort to accelerate vaccine development and distribution.

 

The Trump managers are dragging their feet.

Looking skilled at management would make them part of a successful government.

 

12

Plus c’est la même chose

Mandos, Ian Welsh - 23 hours ago

***MANDOS POST MANDOS POST MANDOS POST**** Jeremiads notwithstanding, it appears that Biden’s strategy of appealing to Trump-disgusted suburban voters worked. At the US presidential level, at least, left-populists and Sanders supporters proved to be essentially irrelevant, politically. The Democratic consultant class has had its biases confirmed. What is, haha, left to the left-wing populist is

 […]

 

Mandos is depressed.  

The left does not control the U.S. government. 

13

Here’s Why the ‘Last Mile’ of Vaccine Distribution Is Going So Slowly

Rebecca Robbins, Frances Robles and Tim Arango, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Health officials and hospitals are struggling with a lack of resources. Holiday staffing and saving doses for nursing homes are also contributing to delays.

 

The Republicans are alergic to the smell of socialism.

Vaccines smell of socialism.

 

14

Trump Was Briefed on Uncorroborated Intelligence About Chinese Bounties

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The unverified intelligence echoes a similar report, deemed credible by the C.I.A. but dismissed by the president, that Russian military agents had offered payments for attacks on Americans in Afghanistan.

 

The tale did not work the first time so whoever tried again.

 

15

‘No Realistic Path’ for Quick Vote on $2,000 Stimulus Checks, McConnell Says

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Senate leader all but ended any chance of increasing direct payments, despite some Republican support for the effort.

 

McConnell has achieved a goal.

 

16

Stimulus Money Should Have Gone to the Jobless, Economists Say

Nelson D. Schwartz and Gillian Friedman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

While lawmakers debate increasing the payments to $2,000

In this time of pandemic $1400 more each is chunk change.

If some is wasted it is worth the cost to keep hope alive.

17

Hawley Answers Trump’s Call for Election Challenge

Catie Edmondson and Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Republican senator said he would object to certifying the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, a move that is unlikely to alter President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s victory.

 

Trump needs a team to keep him out of trouble. 

Hope seems to calm him. 

18

Early Voting Numbers in Georgia Senate Races Put G.O.P. on Edge

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

While polls suggest that the state’s crucial runoff elections are up for grabs, Republicans have grown worried about strong turnout in Democratic areas and mixed messages from President Trump.

 

Having the GOP on edge pleases me.

 

19

U.S. Penalizes Venezuelan Officials Involved in Imprisoning Citgo Executives

Pranshu Verma, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The so-called Citgo 6 were lured to Venezuela for a business meeting in 2017 and have been sentenced to prison on charges of corruption.

 

Venezuela is sovereign.   Trump must use the state department.

 

20

Pentagon Sends More B-52s to Middle East to Deter Iranian Attacks on U.S. Troops

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

The flights came a week after President Trump warned Tehran following rocket strikes on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

 

Trump cannot ignore a threat no matter how empty.

 

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