@14:15, , 5/12/21

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1

Over 100 Republicans, Including Former Officials, Threaten to Split from GOP

Zach Montague, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 minutes ago

Miles Taylor, a former Trump-era Homeland Security official who anonymously wrote a book condemning the Trump administration, is an organizer of the effort.

 

It should be self organizing.

It is not a significant fraction of the party.

 

2

White Supremacists Top Domestic Terror Threat, Officials Say

Eileen Sullivan and Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 31 minutes ago

“The department is taking a new approach to addressing domestic violent extremism, both internally and externally,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas told senators.

 

"Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas told senators on Wednesday that the greatest domestic threat facing the United States came from what they both called “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists.”

“Specifically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race,” Mr. Garland told the Senate Appropriations Committee."

 3 

House Republicans Oust a Defiant Liz Cheney for Her Repudiation of Trump’s Election Lies.

Catie Edmondson and Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 45 minutes ago

“We cannot both embrace the big lie and embrace the Constitution,” Ms. Cheney said after a closed-door meeting where Republicans booed her before voting her out.

 

Truth fares badly among Republicans.

 

4

Biden's 'Big 4' Meeting: President Meets Top Congressional Leaders

Michael D. Shear and Zach Montague, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 50 minutes ago

President Biden met with the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and the Senate in bid to “reach some consensus,” he said.

 

Talk helps.

Silence does not.

 

5

Leaders of Emergent, Whose Factory Ruined Vaccines, Will Testify Before House Panel

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The Maryland biotech firm has been accused of using its links with the Trump administration to land hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts for coronavirus shots.

 

Emergent BioSolutions has never been competent.

 

6

Exchange Over ‘Purity’ of Vote Puts Texas G.O.P. Firebrand in Spotlight

Dave Montgomery and Nick Corasaniti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

Briscoe Cain stumbled through questions about “purity of the ballot box” language in Texas’ voting bill, acknowledging he was unaware that it evoked Jim Crow policies of the past. He is the bill’s sponsor.

 

Briscoe Cain found the effort required to dissemble in the Texas voting bill beyond his ability.

 

7

Detentions at Southwest Border Reach 20-Year High

Zach Montague, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

The number of immigrants detained at the southwestern border has risen for 12 straight months, according to Customs and Border Protection data.

 

"One can't do just one thing."

 

8

Liz Cheney Embraces Downfall, Offering Herself as a Cautionary Tale

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

“I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law,” Representative Liz Cheney said on the eve of a vote to remove her from House Republican leadership

 

Liz Cheney is an apostate from the cult of Trump.

 

9

The Right Of Israel To Exist And The Fresh Hell It Is Heading Towards

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 5 hours ago

I’ll be plain here. As a religious ethnic state which prefers Jews, I do not grant that Israel has the right to exist. (Wonder how many subscriptions that statement just cost me?) As a state where everyone has equal rights, it has ever right to exist, and all its residents should be left in peace. […]

 

Unfotunately for the rest of us Ian Welsh is correct.

 

10

Liz Cheney Delivers Defiant Speech Ahead of G.O.P. Vote

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

“Remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar,” Ms. Cheney said.

 

Liz Cheney is an apostate from the cult of Trump.

 

11 

House, Biden Administration Reach Deal Over McGahn Testimony

Charlie Savage, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

A terse announcement signaled a possible end to a long-running constitutional lawsuit. But former President Donald J. Trump is not a party to the arrangement.

 

Trump's lawyers were not stupid but were crazy.

 

12

Senate Panel Deadlocks on Voting Rights as Bill Faces Major Obstacles

Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

Democrats now face the task of overcoming their own differences on the measure, and deciding whether they will use it as a vehicle to try to curb the filibuster.

 

The Republicans are trying to limit the right to vote.

 

13

Violence in Israel Challenges Biden’s ‘Stand Back’ Approach

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

The president came to office seeing little opportunity to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He may now be forced to get more involved.

 

Ethnic cleansing is not working for the Israelis.

 

14

Liz Cheney is not campaigning to hold on to her leadership post.

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

 

Liz Cheney is an apostate from the cult of Trump.

 

15 

House Republicans Prepare to Oust Liz Cheney

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

The secret-ballot vote on Wednesday is expected to remove Ms. Cheney as the chair of the House Republican Conference.

 

Liz Cheney is an apostate from the cult of Trump.

 

The other stories are more interesting.

 

16 

Pentagon Chief Feared ‘Coup’ Accusations if He Deployed Troops to Capitol Riot

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

Christopher C. Miller, the acting defense secretary on Jan. 6, plans to defend the Pentagon’s actions before and during the violence when he testifies before a House panel on Wednesday.

 

The Republican party is crazy.

 

17

In Virginia, a Fight Over the Suburbs in the Governor’s Race

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

Glenn Youngkin, a first-time candidate with vast wealth, will deliver a pro-business message intended to win over suburban voters. Democrats plan to portray him as a Trump devotee.

 

The Virginia suburbs of Washington are not Republican.

 

18

Why a Lifelong Republican Views Arizona’s Recount as Wrong

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

Bill Gates, an election supervisor in Maricopa County, says the audit of votes in his state is based on the lie of election fraud, and is “tearing at the foundations of our democracy.”

 

There is no evedence of election fraude in Arizona.

 

19

CDC Chief Defends Coronavirus Pandemic Guidance as Impatience Mounts

Noah Weiland, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

At a Senate hearing on the federal government’s pandemic response, Republicans criticized the government’s guidance for cruise ships, fishermen, summer camps and outdoor mask wearing.

 

Trump was and is wrong on Covid-19.

 

20

C.D.C. Chief Defends Pandemic Guidance as Impatience Mounts

Noah Weiland, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

At a Senate hearing on the federal government’s pandemic response, Republicans criticized the government’s guidance for cruise ships, fishermen, summer camps and outdoor mask wearing.

 

Trump was and is wrong on Covid-19.

 

 

 

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@19:08, , 5/9/21

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1

As Scrutiny of Cryptocurrency Grows, the Industry Turns to K Street

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

Companies behind digital currencies are rushing to hire well-connected lobbyists, lawyers and consultants as the battle over how to regulate them intensifies.

 

Taxes will be paid.

 

2

U.S. and Iran Want to Restore the Nuclear Deal. They Disagree Deeply on What That Means.

Steven Erlanger and David E. Sanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

After five weeks of diplomatic shadow boxing, it is clear that the old agreement no longer works for Tehran or Washington, except as a steppingstone.

 

Iran suspects that they would be treated as Libia was if they gave up the potential of nuclear weapons.

 

3

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – May 9, 2021

Tony Wikrent, Ian Welsh - 5 hours ago

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – May 9, 2021 by Tony Wikrent Strategic Political Economy “Economic Warfare: What Can World War One Tell us about 21st Century Conflicts?” Jonathan Kirshner is a Professor of Political Science and International Studies at Boston College, and the Stephen and Barbara Friedman Professor of International Political Economy Emeritus in […]

 

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

Know something of history. 

4

Cyberattack Forces a Shutdown of a Top U.S. Pipeline

David E. Sanger, Clifford Krauss and Nicole Perlroth, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

The operator, Colonial Pipeline, said it had halted systems for its 5,500 miles of pipeline after being hit by a ransomware attack.

 

There is no security and no defense.

 

5

Cyberattack Forces a Shutdown of a Top U.S. Pipeline

David E. Sanger, Clifford Krauss and Nicole Perlroth, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

The operator, Colonial Pipeline, said it had halted systems for its 5,500 miles of pipeline after being hit by a ransomware attack.

 

There is no security and no defense.

 

6 

Pete du Pont, Ex-Delaware Governor Who Ran for President, Dies at 86

Robert D. McFadden, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Bored with working at his family’s chemical company, Mr. du Pont entered politics and led an economic turnaround of his debt-ridden home state.

 

Micro-economics can work for a limited time.

It is begger thy neighbor.

 

7

Pete du Pont, Ex-Delaware Governor Who Ran for President, Dies at 86

Robert D. McFadden, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

Bored with working at his family’s chemical company, Mr. du Pont entered politics and led an economic turnaround of his debt-ridden home state.

 

Micro-economics can work for a limited time.

It is begger thy neighbor.

8

Trump Still Has Iron Grip on Republicans

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

The vilification of Liz Cheney and a bizarre vote recount in Arizona showed the damage from his assault on a bedrock of democracy: election integrity.

 

Trump is the prophet of his sect.

 

9

Bo, the Obamas' Family Dog, Dies at 12

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

Former President Barack Obama said the family had lost “a true friend and loyal companion.”

 

Bo lead a dog's life and it killed him.

 

10

‘This Is Politics’: Dr. Rachel Levine’s Rise as Transgender Issues Gain Prominence.

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

President Biden’s assistant secretary for health is the highest-ranking openly transgender person ever to serve in the federal government.

 

Transgender people make conservatives nervous.

 

11

 

Justice Dept. Seized Washington Post’s Phone Records

Adam Goldman, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Federal prosecutors sought phone records for three Washington Post journalists as part of an investigation into the publication of classified information in 2017.

 

"“We are deeply troubled by this use of government power to seek access to the communications of journalists,” Cameron Barr, The Post’s acting executive editor, said in a statement. “The Department of Justice should immediately make clear its reasons for this intrusion into the activities of reporters doing their jobs, an activity protected under the First Amendment.”"

 

A published secret is no longer secret.

The press has the right to publish truth from any source.

The notes of a reporter are protected from search and seizure.

 

12

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use comments to discuss topics unrelated to recent posts.

 

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

We will need to negotiate.

 

13

 

Justice Dept. Indicts Former Officers in George Floyd Death

Katie Benner and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The indictment was a rare instance of police officers facing accusations of federal civil rights violations.

 

All of them are guilty of something.

 

14

Surge of Migrant Children at the Border Leads to Crowded Shelters

Eileen Sullivan, Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Federal documents indicate that while the Biden administration has cleared migrant children from border detention centers, now shelters run by the Department of Health and Human Services are strained.

 

The crowding should be expected.

 

15

Biden Administration Moves to Speed Aid to Renters

Jason DeParle, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Treasury Department issued new rules intended to make it easier for tenants to benefit from the $46.5 billion in emergency rental aid.

 

The landlords need help.

 

16

What Elise Stefanik’s Rise Means for the G.O.P.

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

We spoke with our congressional reporter Catie Edmondson about the young New York lawmaker in line to replace Liz Cheney.

 

Elise Stefanik is an orthodox Trump supporter

.

17

Justice Dept. Indicts Former Officers in George Floyd Death

Katie Benner and Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The indictment was a rare instance of police officers facing accusations of federal civil rights violations.

 

They had a duty to protect George Floyd.

 

18

As Republicans Advance Voting Laws, Democrats Scramble to Push Back

Reid J. Epstein and Nick Corasaniti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Lacking effective legislative or legal ways to stop Republicans from introducing new voting limits, Democrats are applying pressure on their allies in Washington and trying to energize supporters.

 

Federal rights are being violated.

 

19

Justice Dept. Proposes Rule to Crack Down on ‘Ghost Guns’

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

The proposal came in response to a directive from President Biden to find a way to help combat gun deaths. 

 

Ghost guns require skills gang bangers do not have.

20

Justice Dept. Proposes Rule to Crack Down on ‘Ghost Guns’

Katie Benner, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 days ago

The proposal came in response to a directive from President Biden to find a way to help combat gun deaths.

 

Ghost guns require skills gang bangers do not have.

 

 

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@22:36, , 5/6/21

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1

Florida and Texas Join the March to Restrict Voting Access

Nick Corasaniti and Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The efforts in two critical battleground states with booming populations and 70 Electoral College votes between them represent the apex of the Republican effort to roll back access to voting.

 

Trump lost which he oppined was impossible.

 

2

Florida and Texas Join the March as Republicans Press Voting Limits

Nick Corasaniti and Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The efforts in two critical battleground states with booming populations and 70 Electoral College votes between them represent the apex of the Republican effort to roll back access to voting.

 

Trump lost which he oppined was impossible.

 

3

F.E.C. Drops Case Reviewing Trump Hush-Money Payments to Women

Shane Goldmacher, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The case had examined whether Donald Trump violated election law with a $130,000 payment shortly before the 2016 election to a pornographic-film actress by his personal lawyer, Michael Cohen.

 

Tax fraud is not the business of the F.E.C.

 

4

F.E.C. Asks Congress to Ban Prechecked Recurring Donation Boxes

Shane Goldmacher, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The recommendation by the election commission came a month after a Times investigation showed that Donald J. Trump’s political operation had steered many unwitting supporters into repeated donations through the tactic.

 

Republican fundraising is fraudulent.

 

5

Stefanik Moves to Oust Cheney, Resurfacing False Election Claims

Catie Edmondson and Luke Broadwater, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Republicans say Liz Cheney, their No. 3, is being targeted because she won’t stay quiet about Donald J. Trump’s election lies. Her would-be replacement is campaigning on them.

 

Lying about lying is a Republican speciality.

 

6

Pentagon Struggles to Wean Afghan Military Off American Air Support

Thomas Gibbons-Neff, Helene Cooper and Eric Schmitt, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

Afghan commanders are asking for more help from American warplanes, illustrating their dependency on American air power.

 

The Afghan military is a mercinary force of occupation.

 

7

DeSantis Shuts Out Reporters as he Signs Florida Voting Restrictions Into Law

Patricia Mazzei, Glenn Thrush, Nick Corasaniti and Reid J. Epstein, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 3 hours ago

There is movement in virtually every state with a Republican-controlled legislature — including Michigan and Arizona, where G.O.P. lawmakers are conducting an unorthodox audit of the November results.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulligan_(games)

 

8

Polling’s Prognosis: Wary Conservatives and Eager Liberals

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

A new report points to another problem with surveys: liberals with strong political views who are almost too willing to be polled.

 

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

 

9

Nuclear Talks With Iran Could Reach Agreement Within Weeks, U.S. Says

Lara Jakes and Farnaz Fassihi, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

Significant hurdles remain. But it was an optimistic signal by the Biden administration that an American return to the accord between Iran and world powers could be within reach.

Stefanik Pledges Loyalty to Trump in Bid to Replace Cheney

Catie Edmondson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

Representative Elise Stefanik pitched herself as an unshakable Trump ally as momentum gathered to oust his fervent critic, Representative Liz Cheney, from the Republican leadership.

Blinken, in Ukraine, Warns of Dual Threats: Russia and Corruption

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

The secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, noted that, despite a partial pullback by Moscow, “significant” military forces remained on the border. He also urged the Ukrainian president to tackle internal graft.

Baltimore Vaccine Plant’s Troubles Ripple Across Africa, Europe and Canada

Chris Hamby, Sharon LaFraniere and Sheryl Gay Stolberg, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

Millions of doses of Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine produced by Emergent BioSolutions have been held back in Europe, South Africa and Canada as a precaution.

Biden Backs Suspending Patents on Covid Vaccines

Thomas Kaplan, Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Rebecca Robbins, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The Biden administration, siding with some world leaders over the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, came out in favor of waiving intellectual property protections for coronavirus vaccines.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Eviction Moratorium

Glenn Thrush, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The Biden administration will appeal the ruling against the policy, which has been the subject of legal challenges by landlords.

Could ‘Young Rock’ Be Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Apprentice’?

Jeremy Gordon, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

A wrestler’s job is to sell an absurd fiction, and make it reality — maybe it’s not so different from politics.

Facebook Oversight Board Tells Zuckerberg He's the Decider on Trump

Kevin Roose, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The company tried to punt its Trump dilemma to a panel of experts. On Wednesday, the experts punted back.

Facebook’s ‘Supreme Court’ Tells Zuckerberg He’s the Decider

Kevin Roose, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The company tried to punt its Trump dilemma to a panel of experts. On Wednesday, the experts punted back.

In Turning on Liz Cheney, G.O.P. Bows to Trump’s Election Lies

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

House Republicans were lobbying to replace Representative Liz Cheney, who has vocally called out Donald J. Trump’s lies, with Representative Elise Stefanik, who has embraced them.

Who Deserves The Good Things In Life?

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

On Wall Street they have sayings. One of them is that they “eat what they kill.” They mean this in a good way: that they earn their money by making the right bets or by landing the big clients. That money is theirs: they went and got it. Of course, one could see it in […]

Taking ‘Extraordinary Measures,’ Biden Backs Suspending Patents on Vaccines

Thomas Kaplan, Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Rebecca Robbins, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The Biden administration, siding with some world leaders over the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, came out in favor of waiving intellectual property protections for coronavirus vaccines.

 

 

 

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@15:45, 5/2/21

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1

In South Texas, Hispanic Republicans Try to Cement the Party’s Gains

Jennifer Medina, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 minutes ago

Conservative Hispanic leaders, especially women, are ascendant in the Rio Grande Valley, where Republicans are trying to forge lasting bonds with voters who swung sharply to the right in 2020.

 

Mexican-Americans will do almost anything for honor and legitimacy.

Many of them were here first.  Many of them lost their Spanish Land Grants.

 

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

 

2 

Biden’s Proposals Aim to Give Sturdier Support to the Middle Class

Patricia Cohen, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 30 minutes ago

His message is that the private sector alone cannot provide security and comfort to the vast majority of Americans.

 

For most there are only the top and the bottom.

 

3

Week-end Wrap – Political Economy – May 2, 2021

Tony Wikrent, Ian Welsh - 1 hour ago

Strategic Political Economy “The Free Market is Dead: What Will Replace It?” [Chris Hughes, Time, via Naked Capitalism Water Cooler 4-27-21] Significant because it’s Time, of all places. But corporate America’s newfound support for more public investment is not a temporary phenomenon. We are witnessing the most profound realignment in American political economy in nearly forty […]

 

Tony Wikrent must giveup Modern Monetary Theory.

It only appears to work.

4

Why Kristi Noem Is Rising Quickly as a Republican Prospect for 2024

Jonathan Martin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 4 hours ago

Ms. Noem, the governor of South Dakota, has defied coronavirus restrictions and eagerly projects a rugged Great Plainswoman image. Her moves have stirred both support and conflict in the G.O.P.

 

I can hope there are no Trump imitators.

I believe I will be disapointed.

5

Indian Health Service Settles Dispute Over Care in New Mexico

Mark Walker, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 10 hours ago

The federal agency agreed to postpone for a year its proposal to cut service at a hospital serving 9,100 tribal citizens.

 

This is a stay of execution.

 

6

Joe Biden, the Reverse Ronald Reagan

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Four decades later, another elder statesman seeks to transform Americans’ ideas about the size of government.

 

He won the election.

 

7

Memorial to Sandy Hook Slaughter Approved

Elizabeth Williamson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The residents of Newtown, Conn., have approved a memorial to the children and staff killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, but the sadness has yet to abate.

 

The knowledge will continue down the generations.

 

8

Biden Discloses Some of Trump's Secret Drone Strike Rules

Charlie Savage, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 17 hours ago

The release of the 2017 policy — with redactions — stemmed from open-records lawsuits by The Times and the A.C.L.U.

 

The Freedom of  Information Act is a powerful tool against autocracy.

 

9

Newsmax Apologizes for False Claims of Vote-Rigging by a Dominion Employee

Michael Levenson, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The right-wing news site said it had found “no evidence” for pro-Trump conspiracy theories about Eric Coomer, who was Dominion’s director of product strategy and security.

 

They are both wrong.

 

10

Elizabeth Warren Grapples With Presidential Loss in New Book

Lisa Lerer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

In “Persist,” the Massachusetts senator delves into gender issues and her own shortcomings after her failed bid for the Democratic nomination.

 

Grappeling would not be my choice of a descriptor.

She is  learning from her mistakes without a fight.

 

11

Pandemic Inspector General Warns of Oversight Breakdown

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

An internal dispute at the Treasury Department shows the challenge of tracking trillions of dollars of economic relief money.

 

The U.S. response to the pandemic was intentionally confused by Trump.

 

12

President Biden Bans Travel from India Due to Covid-19 Surge

Noah Weiland and Jim Tankersley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

As they discussed the decision this week, top health officials warned the White House about uncertainty over how vaccines might respond to a homegrown virus variant in India.

 

Modi went into panic mode.

 

13

Biden’s Expansive Infrastructure Plan Hits Close to Home for McConnell

Campbell Robertson and Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

President Biden’s infrastructure plan could fund a long-overdue revamp of the Brent Spence Bridge between Ohio and Kentucky. But the Senate Republican leader opposes it.

 

McConnell shoots himself in the foot.

 

14

G.O.P. Seeks to Empower Poll Watchers, Raising Intimidation Worries

Nick Corasaniti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Republicans in several states are pushing bills to give poll watchers more autonomy. Alarmed election officials and voting rights activists say it’s a new attempt to target voters of color.

 

That is a no.

 

15

As New York City Reopens, Its Recovery Will Hinge on the Next Mayor

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

The Democratic candidates are making radically different bets about the mood and priorities of New Yorkers as the city moves toward reopening after the pandemic.

 

It will take that long for the city to recover.

 

16

Open Thread

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 1 day ago

Use the comments to discuss topic unrelated to recent posts.

 

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

We will need to negotiate.

 

17

100 Million in U.S. Now Fully Vaccinated, but Resistance Remains

Noah Weiland, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

The milestone represents almost 40 percent of the nation’s adults, but the Biden administration is starting a critical stage of its vaccination campaign that requires more attention to local, personalized efforts.

 

Vaccination may be seen as frustrating gods will.

 

18

U.S. Shows Progress in Moving Migrant Children From Border Jails

Eileen Sullivan and Zolan Kanno-Youngs, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

New government statistics show a backlog of migrant children being held at Border Patrol facilities contrary to law has greatly diminished.

 

Counting heads works.

 

19

Manchin says he won’t support a D.C. statehood bill.

Madeleine Ngo, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Senator Joe Manchin III, Democrat of West Virginia, told local news reporters that he believed making Washington, D.C., a state would require a constitutional amendment.

 

Statehood for D.C. would require a constitutional amendment.

 

20

To Promote His Infrastructure Plan, Biden Revisits ‘Amtrak Joe’ Days

Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Pranshu Verma, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

Mr. Biden’s visit to a Philadelphia Amtrak station is a message that his agenda includes plenty of money for traditional projects like railroads, bridges and tunnels.

 

Joe Biden understands infrastructure.

 

 

 

||

 

 

 

||

@13:40, , 4/30/21

 |

 

1

Blinken Will Visit Ukraine in Show of Support Against Russia

Michael Crowley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 minutes ago

The secretary of state will first meet with British officials and other American allies in London.

 

Put Ukraine in NATO.

 

2

F.B.I. Surveillance in Spying and Terrorism Cases Plummet

Charlie Savage, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

But the F.B.I. is still using residual authority to obtain business records under a partly expired Patriot Act provision, a new report showed.

 

Trump's FBI was trying for a purge.

 

3

Pence Speaks Fondly of Trump in First Speech of Biden Era

Annie Karni, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 2 hours ago

The former vice president credited the Trump administration with “four years of consequence, four years of results and four years of promises made and promises kept.”

 

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

I knew there had been many but so many. 

 

There were twelve with Papal sanction.

There is no reason for another Crusade.

 

4

Pro-Biden Group to Begin Ad Campaign Promoting His Agenda in Swing States

Jonathan Martin, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 5 hours ago

Building Back Together will highlight the president’s coronavirus response and his economic plan and will contrast his measured approach to his bombastic predecessor’s.

 

Heard immunity leaves too many dead and crippled.

5

Biden's Speech Calls for U.S. to Take On China and Russia

David E. Sanger, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 13 hours ago

Competition with China and containment of Russia were the subtext of the president’s call for action. But casting the struggle as “democracy versus autocracy” oversimplifies what lies ahead.

 

Diplomacy works better than force.

Let Ukraine join NATO.

Taiwan will not get through the General Assembly.

They should buy their sovereignty.

 

6

Firing of U.S. Ambassador Is at Center of Giuliani Investigation

Ben Protess, William K. Rashbaum and Kenneth P. Vogel, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Prosecutors want to scrutinize Rudolph W. Giuliani’s communications with Ukrainian officials about the ouster of the ambassador, Marie L. Yovanovitch.

 

Rudolf Giuliani will go to federal prison 

7

Idaho Lawmaker Accused of Raping an Intern Resigns

Neil Vigdor, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

Aaron von Ehlinger, a Republican state representative from Lewiston, has denied sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman after the two had dinner in March.

Being A Republican is no longer a Get Out of Jail Free card.

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

8

Biden Invites South Korea’s President to White House in May

Madeleine Ngo, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

President Moon Jae-in of South Korea has urged President Biden to kick-start negotiations with North Korea, calling denuclearization a “matter of survival” for South Korea.

 

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

 

9

Florida Voting Rights: Republican Bill Adds New Limits

Patricia Mazzei and Nick Corasaniti, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

The bill, which Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign, is the latest Republican effort to restrict voting after the 2020 election. It will make Florida the first major swing state won by Donald Trump to pass such a law.

 

The Supreme Court is important.

Pack it.

10

Biden, in Georgia to Promote Economic Agenda, Visits Carter

Jim Tankersley, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

A day after his first address to Congress, President Biden met with former President Jimmy Carter and held a drive-in rally for his 100th day in office.

 

Good idea.

 

11

Senate Passes $35 Billion Water Bill, but Bigger Infrastructure Fights Loom

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 18 hours ago

The lopsided vote was a reminder that bipartisan cooperation on public works projects is possible, but lawmakers in both parties said the spirit of compromise could be fleeting.

 

Work that is required.

 

12

How Is the G.O.P. Angling to Attack Biden?

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

As Republicans search for a winning message, they’re trying out strategies both old and new.

 

The necessary work of government must be funded.

The numbers are surprising in their size but are not excesseve for a population of some 350,000,000.

 

13

Chuck Schumer Looks to Bring Biden's Vision to Life

Carl Hulse, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The Senate majority leader, marking his own 100 days in charge, is responsible for turning sweeping Democratic plans into law. It’s a tall order.

 

The funding is not excessive.  

None may claim a lion's share.

14

A Sharp Divide at the Supreme Court Over a One-Letter Word

Adam Liptak, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

In an immigration ruling that scrambled the usual alliances, the justices differed over the significance of the article “a.”

 

The law must mean what it says or congress should change the words.

 

15

Biden says he was not told the F.B.I. planned to search Giuliani’s office and home.

Glenn Thrush, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

President Biden, who has vowed to restore the independence of the Justice Department, said in an interview with NBC that it was “not the role of the president to say who should be prosecuted.”

 

Prosecution is the realm of the atourny general.

 

16

In Bipartisan Vote, Senate Approves Water Legislation

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 22 hours ago

Lawmakers in both parties insisted it was a sign of the potential for bipartisan cooperation on infrastructure.

 

A person can live thirty days without food and only three days without water.

 

17

Senators Propose Removing Commanders From Military Sexual Assault Cases

Jennifer Steinhauer, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 23 hours ago

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, has pushed for the legislation for years and finally has bipartisan support for the bill.

 

The command structure cannot do justice in sexual assault cases.

 

18

No, Other People’s Covid Vaccines Can’t Disrupt Your Menstrual Cycle

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

You can’t experience effects from being near someone who is vaccinated, because it is biologically impossible for the vaccine material to be transmitted from person to person.

 

I need more evidence.

 

19

The Senate begins considering a diverse slate of Biden’s judicial nominees.

Carl Hulse, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 day ago

 

It is the Senates duty to advise and concent.

 

20

Biden is transforming what it means to be a Democrat.

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

 

There is no rigorus definition of Democrat.

 The compliment of Republican is not enough.

 

 

||

@13:42, , 4/22/21

 |

 

I have been suffering from a tick bite.

I will keep my kidneys and they will continue to work.

5/1/21

1

Virtual Climate Summit Plagued by Tech Problems

Coral Davenport, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 50 minutes ago

 

I am not shocked.

 

2

Chevron Lobbies to Head Off New Sanctions on Myanmar

Kenneth P. Vogel and Lara Jakes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

The oil company is arguing against efforts to restrict its involvement in a gas operation in Myanmar that provides funding for the junta there.

 

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

 

No Surprise.

 

3

Biden's Climate Summit: What to Watch For and Who's Attending

Aishvarya Kavi and Glenn Thrush, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 1 hour ago

President Biden’s climate summit on Earth Day features high-profile speakers and attendees, including Pope Francis.

 

I keep thinking Astroturf.

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

Definition:

"In political science, it is defined as the process of seeking electoral victory or legislative relief for grievances by helping political actors find and mobilize a sympathetic public, and is designed to create the image of public consensus where there is none."

 

Just do it.

 

4

Under Biden, Senate Republicans shun earmarks and return to fiscal conservatism.

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 6 hours ago

 

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

 

It is no wonder I am confused.

The current usage is block all Democratic social spending and as much other Democratic spending

as possible.

5

Here’s what a leader of the next U.N. climate talks will be watching for at Biden’s summit.

Somini Sengupta, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 7 hours ago

 

"Two important signals from the White House summit on climate change: how many countries promise to raise climate ambition by 2030, and how much money is put on the table to address climate change"

                  Alok Sharma

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

 

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

 

The U.S. has not been looking during the last eight years.

 

6

Senate Republicans Shun Earmarks, Embracing Spending Restraint Anew

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

With a Democratic president in the White House, Senate Republicans have a newfound zeal for austerity, foreshadowing spending fights to come.

 

The Trump Republicans are fighting "The Deep State".

The Democratic party is seen as the public face of "The Deep State". 

7

Liz Cheney vs. MAGA

Robert Draper, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

The Wyoming congresswoman challenged Republicans to turn away from Trump after Jan. 6. Instead, they turned on her.

 

She is seen as a turncoat.

 

8

Senate Republicans Shun Earmarks, Embracing Spending Restraint Anew

Emily Cochrane, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

With a Democratic president in the White House, Senate Republicans have a newfound zeal for austerity, foreshadowing spending fights to come.

 

I have seen this "political party game" played out with other Democratic administrations.

It guarantees disaster.

 

9

What Teenagers Have Learned From a Tumultuous Time in Politics

Claire Cain Miller, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 8 hours ago

Soon-to-be voters say they’re disillusioned by what they’ve observed, but many are also motivated to political action.

 

I have not the patience.

 

10

Federal Inspectors Fear More Vaccines Were Exposed to Contamination

Sharon LaFraniere, Sheryl Gay Stolberg and Chris Hamby, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 14 hours ago

Last month, up to 15 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine had to be discarded at Emergent’s factory in Baltimore. A new report says problems were not fully investigated and other doses may be compromised.

 

The inspectors are only now allowed to look.

 

11

What Might Bring Changes to Policing in Minneapolis?

Giovanni Russonello, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 15 hours ago

The Justice Department has opened up a new avenue for potentially major policy shifts in the city.

 

Racism was not reconized as a problem in the Twin Cities.

 

12

Pentagon Seeks Aircraft Carrier for Afghanistan Withdrawal

Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt and Thomas Gibbons-Neff, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 16 hours ago

Military officials said the request was headed to the desk of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, who is expected to decide soon.

 

The Trump military is still wrong.

 

13I

Justice Dept. Opens Broad Inquiry Into Minneapolis Police

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

The investigation was a sign that President Biden intends to wield federal law enforcement as a tool to combat police abuses.

Buoyed by Floyd Verdict, Congress Eyes Policing Reform

Catie Edmondson and Nicholas Fandos, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

A bipartisan effort to change policing practices collapsed last summer after George Floyd’s murder by a white officer. Can a “guilty” verdict and President Biden’s call for action resurrect it?

Biden to Declare Atrocities Against Armenia Were Genocide

Lara Jakes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The designation for the World War I-era killings would further fray U.S. relations with Turkey, but it is a risk the president appears willing to take to further human rights, officials said.

Biden Preparing to Declare That Atrocities Against Armenia Were Genocide

Lara Jakes, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 19 hours ago

The designation for the World War I-era killings would further fray U.S. relations with Turkey, but it is a risk the president appears willing to take to further human rights, officials said.

As Republicans Push Voting Laws, They Disagree on Strategy

Jeremy W. Peters, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 20 hours ago

Trump-friendly state lawmakers trying to enact new voting laws are facing pockets of opposition from fellow Republicans who argue that some measures go too far or would hurt the party’s own voters.

Pentagon Seeks Carrier Deployment as It Exits Afghanistan, in Sign It’s Readying for a Fight

Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt and Thomas Gibbons-Neff, NYT > U.S. > Politics - 21 hours ago

Military officials said the request was headed to the desk of Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, who is expected to decide soon.

The Point People Miss About Navalny’s Imprisonment

Ian Welsh, Ian Welsh - 23 hours ago

So, the “opposition” leader Alexei Navalny is in prison, and is apparently very sick and perhaps near death. Navalny is not popular in Russia, he is popular in the West. For years he’s been a gadfly for Putin and little more. But what got Navalny in prison, and may get him dead, is simple enough: […]

F.D.A. Cites Failures at Plant Where J.&J. Doses Ruined

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

The Food and Drug Administration issued highly critical findings from an inspection of the plant that was forced to throw out up to 15 million